Strike Indicators

[jcampbell]

After initially starting this thread, I have watched numerous videos on nymphing and discovered dozens opinions on setups. Kelly Galloup is the only one who puts a split shot on the bottom of the rig (where legal) and did a good job of explaining his logic. However, he is the only one, I saw, who uses that method. He also had good reasoning for using the perfection loop for droppers. Most of the videos used a Thingamabob (Sp) for the indicator, if at all. In any case, nymph fishing seems to be very effective and logical when there is not a good hatch. I am just now getting serious about giving it a try this Spring. Of course, I have asked for and will consider any advice. Thanks to those already responding.

[Vinny]

I've watched Kelly Galloup's video on the Drop Shot method. I have also listened to George Daniel (at a conclave) talk about the same type of rig - split shot on the bottom of the rig. He never mentioned it before, because he use to be involved in Competitions. Now, his talks include using split shot. Especially, split shot on the bottom of the rig.

Here are some videos that show similar rigs:

Deep Nymphing Strategies Fly Fishing Simple Two-Fly Setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER6ntlloQVA


Deep Nymphing Strategies Fishing with Two-Flies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJtNXog7KsI

I'll be trying Kelly Galloup's Drop Shot method this year. Darn, I have to fishing again!

Vinny

[johnstoeckel]

After initially starting this thread, I have watched numerous videos on nymphing and discovered dozens opinions on setups. Kelly Galloup is the only one who puts a split shot on the bottom of the rig (where legal) and did a good job of explaining his logic. However, he is the only one, I saw, who uses that method. He also had good reasoning for using the perfection loop for droppers. Most of the videos used a Thingamabob (Sp) for the indicator, if at all. In any case, nymph fishing seems to be very effective and logical when there is not a good hatch. I am just now getting serious about giving it a try this Spring. Of course, I have asked for and will consider any advice. Thanks to those already responding.

Obviously you're getting lots of varying opinions on this one. I've tried lots of different nymphing methods over 40 years of so of fly fishing and I still use a number of different systems.

I probably do 80% of my nymphing in a tightline, euro style. For this style, I just use a bright section of mono ("sighter") tied into my leader. This method is simple IMO. If you couple it with a large tungsten bead nymph you have a simple, direct system for casting and strike detection (no "hinge" in the system for floating indicator or added shot). But you need to get relatively close and keep casts and drifts short (I'd say 20'-30' including rod).

When I need a longer cast or drift to reach fish, I use a floating indicator ("suspender"). I carry and use several different types of indicators which I choose depending on conditions (and to a degree just how I feel at the moment). I have poly macrame yarn and both tubing (New Zealand style) and ortho rubber bands (Dorsey stye). I also have Thingamabobbers, several smaller foam indicators and, of course, large dry flies for dry / dropper use.

As for weighting flies / leaders, I've also used a variety of systems for rigging flies and weighting. I've rigged flies "in-line" and on tags. I've weighted flies (large tungsten beads) and with shot on the tippet (above, below and between flies).

My key suggestion is that there is no single, perfect system for all conditions. If you want to be successful nymph fishing in a variety of conditions, you should learn and try a variety of systems. Understand the pros / cons of each and what conditions they are best suited for.

[jcampbell]

Good advice John! Since posting I have read articles and listened to numerous methods and opinions and have come to one conclusion. Be prepared to use the method appropriate for the water you are fishing until finding the ones that work. I think I am now familiar with all the possible options currently being used and I thank all for the responses in this forum. I think I'll start the season with a straight line, sighter and dropper for the top nymph. I also plan to start with a splitshot on the tail end of the tippet and see how that goes. I still have pretty good feel for a take without watching a bobber. We'll see. I'll post my success or fail later this spring. That being said, I hope others will continue to post their methods and opinions. All have been informative and helpful. Thanks!

[NJTroutbum]

As far as rigging goes, the type of fly fished dictates most of it for me. I tend to fish furled leaders, and when I know nymphing will be the primary way of fishing on a given outing I go to a furled 5 1/2' mono leader with a micro swivvel and add 4 ft of 6lb Stren Flourocast. From there the last fly dictates.

I prefer to avoid splitshot if possible. If I am fishing both beadheads, I tie the second to the bend of the first with 4lb Stren Flourocast, leaving an 18" dropper. If I need alot of weight, I will add an anchor fly such as a heavy Skittle or Like pattern as the first pattern. If more is needed I will add small shot as needed at the midway point of the dropper. If the trail pattern is unweighted, I add the splitshot above the first pattern, leaving the lighter fly on the dropper to freely move.

[fritz]

After initially starting this thread, I have watched numerous videos on nymphing and discovered dozens opinions on setups. Kelly Galloup is the only one who puts a split shot on the bottom of the rig (where legal) and did a good job of explaining his logic. However, he is the only one, I saw, who uses that method. He also had good reasoning for using the perfection loop for droppers. Most of the videos used a Thingamabob (Sp) for the indicator, if at all. In any case, nymph fishing seems to be very effective and logical when there is not a good hatch. I am just now getting serious about giving it a try this Spring. Of course, I have asked for and will consider any advice. Thanks to those already responding.

Thanks for the Galloup video. He makes sense. However, instead of a split shot to bottom out the line, I think I would try a heavily weighted nymph to increase my strike chances. Best wishes

[jcampbell]

Thanks for the Galloup video. He makes sense. However, instead of a split shot to bottom out the line, I think I would try a heavily weighted nymph to increase my strike chances. Best wishes

Fritz, Kelly's reasoning for using splitshot at the bottom rather than a weighted nymph also makes sense in that the nymph would hang up more and trout do no look down to feed off the bottom. I think it makes sense to have the bottom nymph about six inches off the bottom and above the splitshot. The second nymph will be tied in about 8 to 12 inches above that. I plan to try several of the alternatives this year to see what works best for my waters. Thanks.

[DUB]

So easy. Does not kink your leader. Floats like a cork. I bought 500 rubber bands at the dollar store that work just fine.
Learn to nymph with and with out an indicator.

https://youtu.be/vnbKjRx8YrM