We post quite a few how-to videos by Joe Rotter from Red’s Fly Shop because we like his no-nonsense, practical approach. So when he says he’s got something that “might be the best tip ever for nymph fishing,” we take notice. He starts by explaining the basic problem with all indicator fishing: the indicator ends up moving faster than the fly. This means that you need to use a longer line between the indicator and the fly, which hinders strike detection and presentation.
His solution? Mending. By using a high rod tip to throw mini roll casts toward the indicator, you can send it back upstream, giving your nymph time to sink quickly, ending up directly below the indicator. Here’s how he describes it:
Often called a “drop mend,” “pivot mend,” or “anchor mend,” this trick will allow you to drop that nymph down fast and get your indicator to float right over the top and you can control the speed of the indicator. Surface currents are about 4X faster than the currents your nymph should be in, so this overhand style mending gives you the control you need to slowly drive the indicator where it needs to go.
Seems like a lot of surface activity that could potentially spook the fish?
I’ve been doing that for twenty years. He gets paid for that?
why not use a red plastic bobber ? indicators are a ruse by guides to make sure the sports catch fish. A dry fly with a nymph under works fine. Get rid of indicators and fish like it was meant to be.
Relax BZ… enjoy.
I’m relaxed and I enjoy fishing without a bobber. Like it’s supposed to be.
Have theindicator lead. That way, when the fish takes, the indicator moves immediately. If the nymph leads, when there is a take, pressure is taken off the indicator, and it doesn’t move
Great tip, spot on. I often tell newbies, fish a second indicator 1 foot above the main one, gives you an idea of the drift or relativity to when there’s drag and signals a mend..for untrained eye it is harder to see when just watching your fly line.
How is the man. He and his staff at Reds are great. Fishing the big and fast Yakima River is better with little tips like this. It’s a highly pressured water where they are, and every little advantage helps…have to get that nymph down and keeping it from dragging behind the indicator
How is the man. He and his staff at Reds are great. Fishing the big and fast Yakima River is better with little tips like this. It’s a highly pressured water where they are, and every little advantage helps…have to get that nymph down and keeping it from dragging behind the indicator
I will be trying this technique next time out. Old dog, new trick.
Achieving a perfect drift with an indicator is near impossible! A perfect drift goes against what a nymphs do in nature, SWIM! In some cases this will work, but it WILL spoke fish and you WILL lose contact with you nymph! Fish your nymph in the same lane as your indicator and you’ll catch way more fish.
Great tip, spot on. I often tell newbies, fish a second indicator 1 foot above the main one, gives you an idea of the drift or relativity to when there’s drag and signals a mend..for untrained eye it is harder to see when just watching your fly line.
You can have indicators, I never have or will use one. Tight line nymphing is my technique and I will fish beside anybody.
good for you
And here I thought this was common sense. Where do these “pro’s” miss this?