Archive for the ‘#sight nymphing’ Tag
So, I’m trying to get some sight fishing video last weekend before a guiding trip and I run into this nutty fish. I watch this trout slide up the edge of the rock-to- sand line, witness him stage-up and proceeded to prepare the attempt.
The South Platte below Deckers, Colorado is unique, in that, it has an inordinate amount of sand. Decompossing granite actually, left over from erosion deposits after the Hayman Fire. Those that fish it regularly know that when fish set up on the rock to sand edge, they are there to eat.
I get the camera set on a tripod, strip out the line I need, and the rest is history. I rolled that fish. He ate hard, I set, and on his intial move the bug came unbuttoned. Usually, at that point the fish will disolve over the rocks, or slide downstream to the nearest pool to pout. After watching this fish react for an instant it became obvious the he was not going to flush.
If you watch closely, I change my angle slightly, to change the drift characteristics a bit. A subtle change in angles can make the difference. I also move closer to this fish, and a bit more behind him. Make the appropriate moves and fish with confidence.
Once the depth and speed are dialed in, little changes in angles can illicit even pricked fish to eat again. It’s unusual, but like I have said before, trout are funny people.
Here’s a nice rainbow that ate for my client later that day. Only had to prick her once!
To see the video of the twice-pricked fish, go to:
http://youtu.be/_Vm0pUXd3u0
Hope you enjoy, and Fear No Water!
Duane
Although it’s not historically supported, low flows are not uncommon in the winter months on freestones and tailwaters alike. It’s a fact of life, although it’s not always desireable or easy to fish. You just have to employ a different mind-set.
I still fish 3 bug nymph rigs, but I will use lighter tippets (6x), smaller, bugs, and smaller indicators. My distances between bugs diminishes because the water columns typically consolodate. Bugs that are usually separated by 12″ are now drifting about 8″ apart. Indicators are still yarn, but are trimmed to a low profile and are not as thick as before.
When you locate fish in shallow water, it’s not a bad idea to scoot your indicator further up the line, or take it off altogether if the fish is unusually spooky. Most times I’ll fish to those fish with a typical set-up, but I really focus on the set-up and fly rod flash, in an attempt to not bust fish. Keep drifts short on sighted fish to really control your presentation. Fish to the fish. Meaning set on fish movement or if you see “cotton” or the white of the fishes mouth opening.
Your thermometer is a great tool this time of year. Water temps really drive the fish feeding, so getting a good handle on your particular waters feeding temps is important. Document that stuff, it’ll pay dividends later.
It’s a great time of year to fish. get out and cover water, sight fish, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Winter holds what? Winter holds for trout. As the water gets skinny, every trout has to move to winter holding spots to survive. Look for deeper cuts of river downstream of an oxygenated riffle. Or, better yet, look for fish. Get some good polarized optics, and work on your fish spotting skills.
On the South Platte we are still seeing baetis, or Blue Wings. Not as prolific as before, but still lurking. Don’t be caught without the ability to change rigs quickly when you see them start to pop.
You gotta fish like a ninja from here til basically run-off, so you might as well start working on fish spotting and sight nymphing. Sight nymphing is the epitome of nymphing. Have to find the fish, sneak in, present bugs, and set on movement. Fish to the fish. Great fun. If you haven’t already, look at a short video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO37uE9eR_E&feature=plcp
I would like to hear some feedback on my podcast. The link to listen in is www.askaflyfishingguide.com Pass it around to your friends!
Have a great week folks, you never know what WINTER HOLDS!
Duane
duaneredford.com 