The shortest day of the year, thank goodness in the months to come I will get more and more fishing time in the evenings. Unless it gets brutally cold. Which it undoubtedly will.
RM, Great posts! Check your blog daily. I asked this question to another blogger and would like to understand your approach too: I know all fishing situations are unique, but tipically how do you present a fly (lets say a nymph or pinkei) to trout in small streams? Do you fish a nymph downstream or upstream mostly? How far away from the fish do like to be so you don't spook them? I appreciate any advice! Thanks and Happy Holidays-lawncaster
Thank you! This time of year I fish almost exclusively upstream, though a few months ago I would fish downstream and skate these flies to good effect. As far as distances, I can sneak up to within five feet of a pool if there are rocks or other obstructions to hide behind. I generally get as close as possible without being able to clearly see the structure of the bottom of the pool. If you can, the fish are already gone. If you have room for a back cast you only need to be close enough to be in content contact with your fly. With dries this isn't an issue because you can see the strike. With nymphs and wets any debris your fly line or leader touches takes away a little more of your ability to feel the take. I use a downstream dead-ish drift, usually high sticked (a relative term in this business. I mean keep the rod tip at least a few feet above the water). As the fly comes downstream raise the rod tip. Don't worry about a perfect drift as the fly comes towards you, a little speed and lift may trigger a strike. If you are too close the visibility of the rod moving may spook fish. If you have any other questions don't be afraid to request them in the comments on the "Tip of the Week Page" and I'll do a thorough write up there.
RM,
ReplyDeleteGreat posts! Check your blog daily. I asked this question to another blogger and would like to understand your approach too: I know all fishing situations are unique, but tipically how do you present a fly (lets say a nymph or pinkei) to trout in small streams? Do you fish a nymph downstream or upstream mostly? How far away from the fish do like to be so you don't spook them? I appreciate any advice! Thanks and Happy Holidays-lawncaster
Thank you!
DeleteThis time of year I fish almost exclusively upstream, though a few months ago I would fish downstream and skate these flies to good effect.
As far as distances, I can sneak up to within five feet of a pool if there are rocks or other obstructions to hide behind. I generally get as close as possible without being able to clearly see the structure of the bottom of the pool. If you can, the fish are already gone. If you have room for a back cast you only need to be close enough to be in content contact with your fly. With dries this isn't an issue because you can see the strike. With nymphs and wets any debris your fly line or leader touches takes away a little more of your ability to feel the take.
I use a downstream dead-ish drift, usually high sticked (a relative term in this business. I mean keep the rod tip at least a few feet above the water). As the fly comes downstream raise the rod tip. Don't worry about a perfect drift as the fly comes towards you, a little speed and lift may trigger a strike. If you are too close the visibility of the rod moving may spook fish. If you have any other questions don't be afraid to request them in the comments on the "Tip of the Week Page" and I'll do a thorough write up there.