Fly Fishing

kyflyfisher · Posted: Sun 03/06/11 7:54 pm Post subject: Nymphing Help Needed!

Greetings all! I am new to fly fishing and will (hopefully, weather allowing) be going to the tail waters of Carr Creek Lake here in KY to undertake my first nymphing adventure. After dong some research, I have discovered that I have a couple road blocks ahead of me. First, I only have 7.5 foot leaders in my possession. Normally, one could say, "well just go buy some 9 footer!" However I am on a very, very tight budget. So my first question is, how can I over come this problem? Can I simply add a longer tip section on my first fly (using two nymph presentation with strike indicator), or am I just plain out of luck. Secondly, I have discovered two different opinions on how to determine if you are at the proper depth with your flys: First, I have read that you should be hanging up on the bottom and even losing flys (semi frequently) to determine if you are at the right depth. Secondly, I have read that your flys should only be close to the bottom and only bump once in a while. Now then which theory is correct? Lastly I would like to ask some of the experienced fly fishers in here if there is any one way to tell the difference between the fly bumping a rock on the bottom, and an actual strike. Thank you all for any advice you can give. I apologize for asking so many questions, but I want to make sure I get all the information I can prior to going out to start fishing.

FishermanCan · Location: Vancouver Island, Canada

Just try using some appropriate length of fluorocarbon for your leader (the lightest you can for the size of fish in your area). As for getting to the bottom, since the bottom is rarely totally smooth, you want to be near, but not always on the bottom. Use your depth sounder to determine the average depth and set your indicator just about at the average depth. Less hangups, but most likely to be in the right depth for the most fish. Doesn't hurt if you can also see where the most action is on your sounder too....

kyflyfisher · Posted: Mon 03/07/11 8:39 pm Post subject: nymphing

Fisher,

Thanks for the advice! I won't be able to use a sounder as I'll be on the bank, but I know the depth in that particular tail water section ranges from about 4 to seven feet. I am curious though, how is it that some experts say that that the strike indicator is supposed to move more slowly then the surrounding water if it is supposed to drift drag free. I'm assuming it has to do with the slower current close to the bottom where your flies are. Am I right or waaaayyyy off?

FishermanCan · Location: Vancouver Island, Canada

I fish for fun, - It may be that you are over analyzing this whole situation. Try the fishing suggestions you have already received, then make your own decision as to what works best for you. Everyone is an "Expert" in words, but "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" so to speak. If you want to be an expert in all of the why's and how's of fishing then keep on analyzing. Myself, I get one or two opinions (as well as my own) then try it out in real life. Anything more than that takes all of the fun out of it for me. To me, fishing, particularly fly fishing is for fun and relaxation as opposed to becoming an obsession on the how's and why's instead of the what's. What i like to do is fish! Try it! Very Happy

TOMWIGS · Location: Shawnee Mission, Ks USA

Biggest mistake you can make is assuming it's the bottom and not a fish. Adjust your depth accordingly, but you'll catch a lot more fish if you assume it's a hit! Another tip is to have your indicator lead the fly(s). Consider how the fish sits in the stream, looking upstream. With the fly leading the indicator the fish can take it in and spit it out without ever moving the indicator. First make a big mend downstream and immediately another upstream only to the indicator. Takes some precision, but will also make you better at mending. I'm certainly not an expert, but certainly don't understand how your indicator can move more slowly than the surrounding water if it isn't hanging up on the bottom. I think you want a drag free float, hence the mending.

kyflyfisher · Posted: Tue 03/08/11 8:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks to everyone for the great advice! I certainly will try to relax and just have fun. As for the mending, it shouldn't be too tough a challenge unless they are letting water out upstream at the damn and the current is vicious as a result. Thanks again folks!

juice5 · Location: apple valley minnesota

your 7 n a half ft leader is fine....i'd recommend a 6 or 7 x and no indicator to start with. get you a few beadhead goldribbed hares ear , princes, and copper john nymphs in 6 or 8 ...cast slightly downstream let them sink and drift to the slackwater curl near bank or appedage...as they mix into slack water gently lift rod tip to move nymph up and out...its at this juncture you will get your first "hook set hits" and get the feel of nymphing. fish the lower water first drifts then higher each pass through the same area....initially work one nymph fly at a time. Welcome to the world of living rivers, were very happy to have you...juice