Written by: George Daniel

Photo by George Daniel
While watching Horton Hears a Who with my kid, I was reminded of the difference in tactical approach between a nympher blindly fishing a run and a dry-fly angler targeting a rising fish. In the latter situation, the angler can see a target, but the former is simply anticipating that a fish is there. I feel this difference of actually seeing a trout rising versus hoping a fish is near may determine how much effort an angler puts in their presentation.
There’s a great quote from the movie that mirrors my attitude when blindly nymphing a run. Jane Kangaroo exchanges words with Horton, who thinks he hears a Who, but Jane can’t see or hear what Horton is speaking of. The quote goes something like, “If you can’t see, hear, or feel something, it doesn’t exist.” This made me think about the difference in tempo in which some anglers blindly nymph a run versus targeting a rising fish with dry fly.
There’s some sort of focus button that turns on when an angler sees a rising trout, especially one that consistently rises. When an angler fails to fool that fish, they’ll switch patterns or tactics. They know the fish is there and understand that, if they want to catch it, they’ll need to change tactics or flies. I’ve spent over an hour targeting a single rising trout.
But there are few nymph anglers who put in the same effort (i.e. staying in one place, exhausting all presentation possibilities) when nymphing a run. After fishing a good looking run without a strike, I often hear myself or clients saying, “Huh, I can’t believe there’s not a fish there.” We assume we’re doing everything correct, so we need to move to another location to find a fish. Chances are, however, that there were fish there; we just failed to do the right things required to catch them.
This is why I’ve been changing my nymphing psychology over the years. I can’t assume I’m doing everything correctly when I fail to hook up in spot I know holds fish. Instead, I need to assume there’s a fish feeding on the bottom (just as the same fish would be fishing on the surface) and make changes to my presentation. I can add weight, decrease weight, change the angle I cast my nymph, change patterns, or maybe change my position. Approach high-probability areas the same way you would if you saw a steady surface feeder: Assume you’re getting a subsurface refusal and begin to change tactics. Again, this applies to spots you know hold fish all day and year round.
Your nymphing success will surely increase if you employ the same patience you would when targeting a riser. Just remember not to lose confidence in a high-probability area when blind-fishing doesn’t produce. You know there’s a feeding fish there, so assume something is wrong with your current approach and make the change. In short, don’t be a Jane Kangaroo.
George Daniel operates Livin On The Fly, a guide service in State College, Pennsylvania. He is also the author of Nymph Fishing: New Techniques, as well as Dynamic Nymphing.
Great point. I’ve even gone from no-fish to fish after changing something as seemingly minor as my indicator choice. Something smaller or less conspicuous could be enough to do the trick.
Absolutely profound, true and simply put. We routinely make this mistake and don’t trust our initial instincts or confidence in reading the water we thought so highly of to begin with. We should have more confidence in our abilities to find the right solution in such high probability areas. Patience.
Great observation. And that photo looks like Torrey Collins – a great nymph fisher in his own right. Thank you
Good eye!
Here’s another great tip from Hatch Magazine that I believe Orvis tweeted out earlier. Basically, don’t wait for the indicator to tell you to set the hook because it could be too late. Set the hook when you believe your nymph is “in the zone”. Great tip from Todd Tanner. Check it out.
https://www.hatchmag.com/articles/tanners-extra-special-1-best-ever-nymphing-tip/7712436
I imagine it’s no coincidence that the photo is of Torrey Collins, who George says is one of the most tenacious, meticulous fishermen he knows of that will try everything until he figures it out.
George. Do me a favor. Send a link to Torrey. He needs help.