Fly Fishing

troutfly247 · Location: Colorado Springs, CO

I am in a position now where Colorado’s South Platte River is in my backyard. Sight-fishing is the name of the game here. Being a tailwater, this river is not susceptible to spring run-off and remains gin clear for most of the year. The most rewarding technique that I’ve found is sight-fishing nymphs. In order to do this, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, I try to use the most natural indicator possible. White is always a good choice. Even better is not using and indicator at all. There is nothing like seeing a trophy rainbow eating your fly as it drifts into its mouth. That is the best indicator of all, but takes some time learning what to look for. Second, long leaders of at least 12-13 feet are necessary. Sometimes you are only casting the leader and the fly line is just barely outside of the last guide. Third, the most important thing is the hook set. If you see your indicator make the slightest movement, or even better see the fish eat your fly, an immediate downstream hook set is needed. There is nothing more gratifying than sight-fishing. When I have to blind fish deep holes, I’d rather watch paint dry! It’s almost an addiction. I’ve found myself passing up honey holes in order to search and find that one feeding fish. What are some of your favorite trout fishing techniques? Have you found that you don’t just have to sit in one run the whole day and just hope for the best?

troutaddict1 · Posted: Mon 03/30/09 9:22 pm Post subject:

hey troutfly,

I have become a complete junky on fishing to rising fish. I love nymphing and working shallow water with tiny nymphs but I especially love fishing to rising trout during a caddis hatch. In the sierras where I call my home water, the BWO hatches and caddis hatches on Hot Creek can be superb. I have not mastered the indicator less nymphing method, but I totally agree with you in saying how exciting it is to see a fish inhale a nymph on the end of your line. I was in Colorado this past summer and worked my way across some of the best water in the state. In fact, some of my best fishing came about on the South Platte in Elevenmile canyon. If I absolutely had to choose one favorite method it would be small indicators, small nymphs, and small water for average to bigger than average trout (anywhere) Too much fun. Great topic.