The 'Invisible' Micro-Drag

[rainbowchaser]

One thing to try if you suspect micro drag is going to a longer and finer tippet. Combined with a reach cast or some other presentation to minimize drag. This has sometimes worked for me when trying every fly in the box doesn't. Other possibilities are that the fish are focussing on an emerger below the film and you just won't get consistent results with a high floating dry fly. the key is to observe the situation, form a hypothesis about what is happening and then make an offering to the fish based on that theory. (Yeah. I was a science major at one time). One easy test if you suspect a bad drift is to cast right next to a leaf or something coming down the river. If with your normal mends the fly is more than a few inches from the leaf or bit of foam you are using for an indicator when you pick up then you should look at your leader.