Thread: Let’s talk nymphing.

Mainly because I’m trying to learn it! Here’s my deal, I prefer the smaller mountain streams, but my fishing buddy doesn’t. He has taken me under his wing to try to teach me to fly fish...primarily using weighted nymphs. He prefers the larger, tailwater rivers, such as the Clinch and the Hiwassee. I can’t detect strikes! I’ve tried fishing a shorter, tighter line. I’ve also tried using an indicator. I’ve caught several fish, but I had no idea that they had hit. I almost feel that I caught the trout accidentally! I’ve watched him, and tried to copy him. He does not use an indicator, but has no problem feeling the strike. What am I missing?

I'm not much of a trout guy, but I've done enough to know strike detection can be tough. A lot of the "Euro nymphing" guys use "sighters" (bright-colored mono with many tiny coils that look like a spring.) I think the George Daniels book that 8fishermen mentioned would be a good investment to learn the very latest methods. At least you have a mentor.

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

I'm not much of a trout guy, but I've done enough to know strike detection can be tough. A lot of the "Euro nymphing" guys use "sighters" (bright-colored mono with many tiny coils that look like a spring.) I think the George Daniels book that 8fishermen mentioned would be a good investment to learn the very latest methods. At least you have a mentor.

GD's book is excellent.

Also check out Devin Olsen's site Modern Nymphing. His videos are $20 each and are a must have. The first one is the basics, modern nymphing. The second one, modern nymphing elevated, is fantastic. The video work in both are professionally done. All fishing in them is done on public waters. He and Lance Egan are both team USA competitors and fish against the best in the world.

Sent from my SM-J337R7 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

This guy has some good videos on nymphing:

Duane Redford
- YouTube

... and a good book:

https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Fishers-P...=Duane+Redford

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

This guy has some good videos on nymphing:

Duane Redford
- YouTube

... and a good book:

https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Fishers-P...=Duane+Redford

Thanks for the info! This is something that I’m going to learn, if it takes the rest of my life!

I cant help much,

But the vids Ive watched from "lively legs", were mostly nymphing and often showed how they fished them, including strikes and what to watch for.

If your fly is drifting, and a fish takes it, you will have drag on your line which should show as a raise in the line. I would guess too much slack in your line, but you already said you've tried fishing a tighter line.

Search youtube for lively legs. Ive enjoyed their vids, they have some pretty helpful small stream stuff.

I’m contemplating a 10’ or longer 3 weight rod designed for nymphing. However, I first have to justify cost vs time available for fly fishing.

Originally Posted by ET Fish

I first have to justify cost vs time available for fly fishing.

I don't understand that logic



But yea, the 9-10'ers in 2,3wt's are not a real common occurrence with the cheaper rods it seems.


I would think a 10' would help- but not be a game changing difference. Drifting a little closer to where your standing, or holding your arm way up should get similar results I'd think.


I'll be in the same boat I'm sure, using a 8'6" here. Hoping to find out soon, been building up my nymph collection until we can plan a few days to head back to WV.

On a side note, I bought a bunch of materials from lively legs after watching those vids on nymphing. The little rubber legs are awesome, makes tying sweet looking nymphs easy, and they don't feel as delicate as all the other stuff I've tied.

Originally Posted by binfordw

I don't understand that logic



But yea, the 9-10'ers in 2,3wt's are not a real common occurrence with the cheaper rods it seems.


I would think a 10' would help- but not be a game changing difference. Drifting a little closer to where your standing, or holding your arm way up should get similar results I'd think.


I'll be in the same boat I'm sure, using a 8'6" here. Hoping to find out soon, been building up my nymph collection until we can plan a few days to head back to WV.

On a side note, I bought a bunch of materials from lively legs after watching those vids on nymphing. The little rubber legs are awesome, makes tying sweet looking nymphs easy, and they don't feel as delicate as all the other stuff I've tied.

The 10' and 11' rods are the KEYS to these techniques.

They allow you manage more line of the water at distance. This gives you more natural drifts when navigating complex currents.

They allow you to fish much lighter tippett because they become long shock absorbers. The lighter tippett lets you fish lighter flies and steamers so they drift more naturally and deeper.

The long rods are a game changer.

Sent from my SM-J337R7 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Originally Posted by ET Fish

I’m contemplating a 10’ or longer 3 weight rod designed for nymphing.

I just picked up an Orvis Clearwater 10' 3wt today. Threw it around a bit in the yard tonight, love the feel. Should be a good one!