When to use the indicator...

What about the slow pools you can't approach too close? Is that a good place for a longer cast and a indicator? When are the OK times?

Steve

I am no expert Steve but when I come to this certain pool, I get as low as I can and with a long leader I try to put the indicator just above the head of the pool and let the indicator bring the nymph to the fish. I've had good success doing this in my home creek.

In the "rougher" water I am doing pretty well. It is the slow, deep pools that I am trying to master at this point.

Thanks for the input, Lopat.

As a general statement, the deeper and slower the river, the more suited the river is to indicator nymphing. This is not to say you can't Euro nymph everywhere, but it does say you might have more success in those conditions with an indicator.

"As a general statement, the deeper and slower the river, the more suited the river is to indicator nymphing. This is not to say you can't Euro nymph everywhere, but it does say you might have more success in those conditions with an indicator."

Wow, that was what I was thinking. I really appreciate the info. The big, slow pools are tough for me. Funny thing though, back in the day, that was my go-to places, now I look for rougher water. Of course that was back when "It is enough just to be out there. I don't have to catch anything to have a nice time" days. :)

Steve

I agree with the statements above. Euro style is at its best in broken water where you can approach the fish relatively close, and Indy fishing is superior when you have to stay back from the fish, run long drifts, or fish slower water. But don't worry about what we think is "OK", whatever works for you personally is OK. Just don't rely on indicators as a crutch- use them when it makes sense, and lose them when it doesn't. Every method & rigging has its moments of superiority. The versatile angler always has the advantage over the "one method" guy.

The long leader technique can work well in some water types that are suited for the indicator. Usually the water that is more suited for indicators is where the riffle tails out and the pool begins. Also, where there is even depth like the Big Horn where the fish can be distributed evenly within a given location. Places like pocket water and real deep runs are locations where weighted nymphs really shine. However, as with any technique you can adapt the leaders to varied water types.

"The long leader technique can work well in some water types that are suited for the indicator. Usually the water that is more suited for indicators is where the riffle tails out and the pool begins"

Aaron, this describes exactly where I use this techinique. Although it on a smaller scale than a large river, the water flows through a long riffle the forms a deep pool on a small bend. It probably the deepest spot I've found on this creek, around waist deep. I throw the fly and indicator to where the riffles start to peter out and let them drift into the pool. I get strikes in the same area, just where the bottom. starts to drop off

In effort to commit to the new method, I am trying to stay away from indicator-shot, but I have to start looking at ways to incorporate both into my arsenal so I can succeed in most water.

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