With an hour left of an 85 degree day, I was less optimistic than normal. Expecting less activity due to the abnormal heat we were experiencing. I began the night with a dual nymph rig. Tying on a Squirrels Nest Drake as my bottom fly and a C2C on a dropper 12" up.
The Fish were there, but slowly to the take. They were taking both flies equally with the largest bow choosing the SND.
I worked the run pretty hard and pulled a few fish for my efforts. Fairly slow as I had expected, but still a great night to be on the water. As I worked my way down to the main pool, I began to notice a number of fish working. The shadows were getting long with only about 30 minutes of prime light remaining. I drifted the nymphs through the slot where the fish were feeding with no luck. Not able to see what they were feeding on I decided to try a wet fly that I figured just may split the difference.
Hook: #12 Standard Nymph
Thread: Claret Danville
Tail: Dark Barred Ginger fibers (Hen Neck)
Abdomen: Claret tying thread
Palmer: Dark Barred Ginger (Gape Length)
Rib: Small Copper Wire
Hackle: Dark Barred Ginger (Gape Length x2)
Removing the indicator and clipping off the nymphs, I tied on a Claret and Ginger Wet. It is a staple in my box wherever there is a steady March Brown hatch. I fish it as a classic wet, swinging it just below the surface. My first cast produced a roll, but I was too anxious and pulled it away. My mind raced...I knew it! Taking another step downstream I cast again and was rewarded with a large roll and take. Setting the hook to 3-4 heavy head shakes and an immediate run downstream, I was along for the ride. It took the remaining light to land it, putting the finishing touch on a great night.
It was a joy setting the hook on a brown of this size on a classic wet fly swing. A refreshing change of pace in the current world of Euro-Nymphs and lobbing heavy rigs.
See you on the water!
Ralph
ReplyDeleteThose are some nice trout, especially the one that topped off the night. What was the indicator you were using? Swinging a wet fly differs from the traditional pattern of using nymphs and dries to get a trout to hit.
I don't know if you told me you had used the Euro Nymphing technique---would you have used the method on this outing?
Thanks for sharing
Bill, Thanks much. I use a small original thingamabobber most often. I was referring to the use of multi-nymph rigs, with heavy beaded nymphs and no split-shot. Depending on the water I will tight-line them or drift with an indicator. Or, at times use a dry-dropper. I had an indicator on that night. I'm not set up with a classic euro rod. If I want to fish that style I just go to a long leader and multi-nymph rig. Fishes the same, just not the extra reach.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy swinging a wet fly pattern though. They are very effective for me.
A refreshing change of pace, indeed. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteRTR, hello and thanks for the visit!
ReplyDelete