Nymphing: Different Styles?

[JohnScott]

Jeff -

I could be wrong, but I believe that the Polish and Czech methods are the same, or at least very similar. Haven't heard of the Spanish method, but am pretty familiar with one we use around here, which I suppose one could call the American method. Guess word hasn't made it to Down Under yet ??

Anyway, as I understand the Polish / Czech method, it is a "close quarters" style of nymphing using a combination of flies cast upstream of the known or suspected lie / target fish and kept under close control as the flies drift into the lie / target's position. I believe the key to it is using a heavily weighted nymph at the end of the tippet and a couple nymphs above it tied off droppers at the appropriate depths.

From what I've read about the Polish / Czech method, it is used in those 3' x 3' spaces mentioned by Barry. The upstream casts are typically very short, the drift very short, and the recast, if there is no take, quick. This method lends itself to faster, riffled, and shallower water. Some of the accounts I've read make it sound like the fly fisherman was practically standing on the trout's tail when he started the cast ??!!

That method is very good for certain types of water. Totally useless ( maybe unusable would be a better word ) for lots of other situations where you would want to nymph. Not too many places I fish lend themselves to the Polish / Czech method. Bigger water and deeper and slower runs involve longer line nymphing with one or two nymphs with or without an indicator - not standing right behind the target and flipping a cast a few feet upstream.

The Polish / Czech methods would be worthwhile learning if the water you plan to fish lends itself to the flies and techniques involved. Otherwise, it might be interesting from an academic point of view, but not very useful.

My guess is that if you google Czech nymphing, you'll find enough information to decide whether it would be worth buying a book on the subject. Here's a link that will help you get started -

http://www.globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/czech/

Didn't read the article, just scanned it and it looks pretty good, so if it is significantly different than what I described above, go with the article !!

John