08-31-2012, 05:34 PM
I'll second the idea of having your splitshot on the very end of the line, about two inches up. Two dropper lines above that for your nymphs. That way, you feel bites better and if you do snag, the shot will simply strip off the tag end of line and you won't lose the flies.
If you use an indicator, the classic formula is 1.5X the water depth. So in four feet of water you'd have the indicator six feet up, for example. That allows for some bend in the line and still have the flies near the bottom.
As for casting, I usually drop the rig about 45° upstream and let it drift along a seam (mending as needed) until it gets 45° downstream and then raise the rod until all slack is gone. A simple sweep of the arm "casts" it back upstream again. I keep the rod almost horizontal during the actual drift to make mending easier.
ANY hesitation in the indicator's movement can be a strike. Or just bottom. It pays to make a "soft" strike to be sure. If you feel resistance, strike again a bit firmer.
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If you use an indicator, the classic formula is 1.5X the water depth. So in four feet of water you'd have the indicator six feet up, for example. That allows for some bend in the line and still have the flies near the bottom.
As for casting, I usually drop the rig about 45° upstream and let it drift along a seam (mending as needed) until it gets 45° downstream and then raise the rod until all slack is gone. A simple sweep of the arm "casts" it back upstream again. I keep the rod almost horizontal during the actual drift to make mending easier.
ANY hesitation in the indicator's movement can be a strike. Or just bottom. It pays to make a "soft" strike to be sure. If you feel resistance, strike again a bit firmer.
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