The trout season is now in full swing. The opening day crowds have died down. The weather is starting to warm. No more snow flurries, folks.
This is one of my favorite times of year to fish.
Once Warrior golf wraps up, I will get out as much as I can. Capturing a few photos and recording some footage is my new favorite thing.
My son introduced me to a new movie making APP. He helps me crop and post for some extra cash. I have since made a few introductory fishing clips. The Lycoming Creek Chronicles is once again trending. I plan to lose a lot of money with this project because I haven’t landed any major sponsors. My recent nymphing tutorial was uploaded on YouTube. Episode IX is currently in production.
Nymphs are tiny aquatic insects that are still in their busy underwater stages. It is said that over 90 percent of a trout’s diet consists of the little critters. These types of bugs are effective on a year-round basis. Many prefer to use a dry fly, but nymphing constantly produces.
The primary nymph that we most often imitate is this blue-wing olive. Despite their small size, trout focus on these insects because of their abundance. They are everywhere. I have hundreds in my boxes, but I will normally throw just a few of my favorites. Peeping caddis.
Again, I am simply a bug-chucking novice. I have only been at this since COVID. I still have a long way to go, but I am starting to understand it.
My basic nymph setup consists of a 9-foot leader, and I add another 12 to 18 inches of tippet. At the very end, I tie my nymph. Some folks will add another section to the bend of the hook, but I normally stick with one bug. I get tangled. A split shot is added when needed. I usually use a small weight a few inches above. The last step in a basic nymph rig is to find that lucky strike indicator. Some will high stick or Euro. I prefer to keep it simple.
The amount of weight I use will vary.
A lot depends on the speed and depth of the water. The key here is to use enough weight to have your nymph bouncing along the bottom. Trout are getting used to their elements. My placement of the strike indicator also depends, but as a general rule of thumb, it should be at one and a half times the depth. Always be sure that your presentation moves with the flow of the current. Your nymph should drift naturally.
Pay close attention to your surroundings. The water is flowing, and some fish will spook easily. Patience is so important. Throw a few casts upstream to practice. Think slow. Watch that indicator and focus on what happens. You should be able to tell the difference between a strike and brushing the bottom.
When you see a sudden twitch or pause, simply raise your rod. Again. There is no need to set the hook like Jimmy Houston. This obviously takes time to master. It only requires a slight tug. Don’t get too excited, and stay focused. This is much easier said than done. It will get better. Trust me.
The Delayed Harvest section near Powy’s Curve on Lycoming Creek is my personal favorite. I fish this stretch all year long, and it provides some exceptional opportunities. I know this stretch of water quite well.
Fishing is my zen. Finding the right combination takes time. Catching fish in the backyard is a blast, especially all alone with a fly rod.
Give nymphing a try, kids. You will be rewarded.
Cheers.
