How would you approach this small stream

This is my local stream (its actually a small spring creek to be exact). Fish here rarely take dries although there is a ton of varied bug activity (that being said, I had at least to hard takes on a gigantic elk hair caddis I used this week as an indicator--no hatching bug came close to imitating that). Lots of low hanging trees and branches. There are also some nice deep runs and pools.
What type of gear would you use. The fishing here is nymphing and streamers.
Any other strategic pointers. Stream is in the northeast (NY).
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Try comming from down stream with a soft hackle BELOW a nymph or a scud. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Looking at the way the stream is set up I would fish from down stream and throw a Renegade #14 with a Copper John dropper in a size #16 or #18. I really like red and green Copper Johns, or I believe the are called Serendipity which looks very similar to a Copper John with a CDC. I would definately work the obstructions and deeper runs, along with running under the over hangs.

Brandon

When you (both) say "fish from down stream" do you mean work my way downstream (like most nymphing) or work my way upstream (like some dry fly)?

One step at a time....sorry :)

I would fish from downstream (wading up). Keep it slow and work the obvious lies. A #12 Ginger Caddis and #16 Squirrels Nest would be my starting point.

I think a stream like this can be fished in many ways, as long as you make roll casts. Also, I'd make sure, if possible, that your shadow doesn't spook fish. If you wade downstream you'll risk making waves and sending silk downstream, which will put down the fish. I would probably work upstream and try upstream nymphing - a la Joe Humphrey - or upstream dry/emerger fishing. If you decide to work downstream, swinging flies is a good way to cover a lot of water. Randy P.S. This might help: http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subj...98&newwindow=1

With fly rod in hand :) and if the bottom of the stream allowed you to walk on it without sinking down in the muck, I would fish this walking upstream, short casts to allow max control of the line and fish it with either dries or nymphs (or a dry-nymph dropper). Use a long leader and cast with a curve to the line/leader so the fly drifts over water that your line did not float over. Those brushy sides look great, with the fly just outside the brush, yea, that would be fun. Larry ---sagefisher---

Ok this is all perfect. I always thought of nymphing as downstream fishing but I guess I am outvoted!

TENKARA with a Dry/Dropper or straight line nymphing using a tenkara rod.

With a streamer or nymph You could fish either up or downstream, depending on circumstances. You can do some low side angle casts to the opposite and they don't have to be long.

But, geez, you call that a "small spring creek"? I'd call it a river! Here's what I call a creek ...

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...g?t=1366131383

I would wade carefully into the middle of the stream at a point where the fish aren't, and then slowly work my way upstream casting 20'-35' (to avoid getting too close to spook fish I don't see) to the edges and weed beds. I don't know what flies work best on that particular stream, but based on what I know about another WNY spring creek I might start by trying a scud or a small #20 pheasant tail under a dry beetle or flying ant.

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Originally Posted by Silver Creek

TENKARA with a Dry/Dropper or straight line nymphing using a tenkara rod.

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Took the words right out of my mouth!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fly Goddess

Took the words right out of my mouth!

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Its funny you both say that. I met the park's resident "instructor" and he told me "tenkara" is deadly there. I know little about tenkara and i barely have time to figure out "regular"