Many anglers get the urge to go trout fishing in February-March even though the streams are cold. Serious anglers realize they will get their best fishing by using nymphs which match the underwater forms of aquatic insects.
Over the years of teaching to many students, I have found many anglers master this technique best by separating the tactics for the small streams from the large streams.
Good examples of the small trout streams are North Creek, Mill Creek and Passage Creek all of which are less than 30 feet wide. It is best to fish these streams by wading upstream because of the wary nature of the trout.
Upstream Dead Drift with Nymphs
Cast the nymph upstream and allow them to drift back downstream just like a natural nymph washed off the stream bottom. In order for me to detect when the trout takes my artificial nymph, I must SEE his strike. Using my Murray’s Trout Nymph Leader which has two indicators allows me to see the strike. By watching these indicators closely I can quickly discern when the trout takes my nymph. Set the hook quickly.
Nymphs to use in this situation:
- Mr. Rapidan Bead Head Nymph size 12, 14
- Murray’s Caddis Larva size 14, 16
- Bead Head Hare’s Ear Nymph size 12, 14
- Adams Nymph size 14, 16
- Murray’s Dark Stonefly Nymph size 12, 14
Some of the larger trout streams include Big Stoney Creek west of Edinburg, the Bullpasture and the Hidden Valley of the Jackson. The trout are not as wary in the larger streams and they are in the small streams so we are not restricted to the upstream dead drifting method. However, this technique can still be used effectively on the large streams with those same nymphs.
Swing Nymphing Technique
This is a very effective technique to use on the larger streams. It is easier to master and the trouts strike is easier to detect because we FEEL the strike. Swing nymphing enables you to get nymphs deeper than any method you can use with a floating line.
The cast is made up and across stream 20 feet at a 45 degree angle. The nymph is allowed to sink deeply then the slack line is recovered with the line hand. Listen to the rest of my podcast for more information on this technique.>>
Recommended flies for this technique:
- Murray’s Road Kill Nymph, size 8
- Casual Dress Nymph size 6
- Strymph, Olive size 8
- Murray’s Olive Crayfish size 10
Small Nymphs to use as a dropper:
- Perdigon Nymph, Olive size 16
- Copper John Nymph, Zebra size 16
- Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle, Olive size 16
- Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle, Brown size 16
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