Fly Fishing Nymphs

In fly fishing we refer to three basic fishing levels; the surface
where we float dry flies, the middle where we fish wets or nymphs
and the bottom where we fish nymphs. In this article we'll have a
look at some of the techniques for fly fishing nymphs.

Why fly fishing nymphs?

Nymphs make up the main diet of trout and other fresh water fish.
For most of their immature stage these nymphs live under rocks
and stones on the river bottom. You need to get your nymph down
to the riverbed where the fish are feeding.

I've found the best way to do this is by casting a deep sinking
nymph upstream at about a 45-degree angle then stripping the line
with my hand as it travels back towards me. I make sure that the
fly is drag-free. If I need to mend the line I do so upstream.

Never mend your line downstream, you will actually create drag, which
is just what you are trying to avoid. The take can be very subtle so
if you are having trouble detecting it, try using a strike indicator.
This is a fine time to use a dry fly as the strike indicator.

With practice you will begin to feel what is happening under the water
and no longer need the indicator.

Some nymphs are weighted in the tying process, if yours is not you
can add a small split shot about a foot above the nymph if you need
help in getting it down to the fish.

What to choose when fly fishing nymphs

Trout feed on three main nymphs, although within these groups there
are many varieties. These three are the caddis, the mayfly and the
stonefly nymphs. To know what nymph to use, look under a rock or two.
The one that is in greatest quantity is the one to use. Try and
imitate both size and color.

Fly fishing nymphs at the mid-water level

At some stage the nymphs will emerge into adult insects. During the
pre-emerge stage, they head to the surface and at this time the
feeding area is just under the surface and you will need to change
your technique for fly fishing nymphs. The nymph needs
to float just under the surface and in that mid-level area.

You can do this by fishing the nymph as you would a dry fly only a
bit deeper or fish the nymph as a wet and retrieve it with small quick
jerks just under the surface. Strikes will be hard to see so you must
develop that sixth sense of knowing when a fish is hitting the nymph.
If you feel anything different about the line, strike.

If you don't hook a fish, the strike hasn't cost you anything. If you
don't strike you might lose your fish.

Up to 90 percent of a trout's diet consists of nymphs. By fly fishing
nymphs you could increase your success rate markedly. You won't
have that same thrill of watching a rising fish take your fly, but
you will catch fish.

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