Catching trout with nymphs is considered one of the most effective ways to fly fish. The simple reason for this is that the vast majority of a trout's diet of aquatic insects is the juvenile nymph stage and only a small portion is the surface feeding on adult aquatic insects. When fishing with nymphs, the angler is emulating this young phase of sub surface aquatic insects. In your efforts to catch trout you should be imitating the insect in both appearance and behavior. In general this means a free floating drift and minimal movement imparted on your fly. This type of fishing is in contrast to using a dry fly when you usually see the fish, or at least the rise form as they take the dry fly of the surface.
Because of this situation the angler who is nymphing generally does not see the fly itself. This can be the source of some problems, particularly for the less experienced angler. It can be quite difficult to detect when the fish strikes and to know when to set the hook. Using a floating strike indicator can significantly help with this problem. Many types are available on the market in various sizes and in bright visible colors. Experienced fishermen develop their own preferences, often based on conditions such as current speed, depth and type of fly being used. Generally larger indicators are best in fast currents and dark colored water while smaller indicators work well in slower current and clear water. Position the strike indicator above the fly to set the sinking fly at the appropriate depth. If you set it too deep the fly will hit the bottom and if it is not deep enough the fish will be feeding well below the fly. Adjustments may need to be made to determine the proper depth of your fly. Remember different nymphs sink at various rate. Beadhead flies became very popular and effective because they tend to get down to the depth of the feeding trout.
As you watch the indicator floating with the current keep watching it carefully. Just about any slight hesitation, change of direction, quick movement or submersion could indicate a fish has hit your fly. Your response should be to always attempt to set the hook, often by a simple lifting up of the line to tighten, or a quick short tug. If there is not fish simply keep fishing the drift. You will experience many false strikes. These can be caused by the fly bumping rocks, the bottom, vegetation, etc. Some will be fish that spit the fly very quickly. But eventually that slight tug on your indicator will be a nice fat trout!
Trout tend to be rather subtle when do this subsurface feeding. They are not chasing nymphs all over the place but they are hanging in their feeding station, observing what is floating at them and then moving short distances side to side and sipping in anything that looks tasty. If you are out fishing and have the opportunity to observe a trout feeding in clear water be sure to take the time to observe and learn. You can certainly get a good education on trout fishing from this type of observation. One of the things that you may learn from observing trout in this manner, is just how quick they can hit or spit the fly. It makes you realize how much the strike indicator can help you. A trout can see your nymph, bit it, spit it out and be on his way, and you strike indicator has yet to move. You see that fish can be so quick that they can spit out the artificial fly long before the indicator indicates a hit. This is another reason to set the hook frequently during the drift to maximize your chances of a hook up.
With the proper rig of a nymph and strike indicator, a good drift through a trout's feeding area, good attention to the strike indicators movement and appropriate hook sets you can be sure to hook your fair share of trout. Tight lines!
More useful information on fly fishing for trout is available at http://www.squidoo.com/fly-fishing-courses
David Waters is an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman with over 30 years of experience fishing, hiking and camping. A resident of New England and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, David has been helping other fly fisherman enjoy the sport in a wide variety of ways. http://www.squidoo.com/FlyFishingNewEngland provides outstanding information on fishing destinations and techniques. He is also a founding member of The Nahanni Camping and Fishing Club.
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