European or Czech Nymphing Introduction

aaron, any chance of another class at the gorge, maybe later in the fall? I'd love to do the Farmington one but the logistics aren't good for me.

Lopat,

We can do a half day trip there. I can be there at 4:45 its only 50 bucks more than the class and its one on one. Let me know.

I'd have to save up for it but definately something I'd be interested in.

I would like to understand in more detail the necessity of havig such a long leader and what legitimate purpose does it serve?

I understnad the caveats of skinny water, clear water, etc...

Thanks in advance.

Many anglers dry fly fish with 16-20 foot leaders as to keep the fly line away from the fish. Wouldn't it make sense to do so with nymphing? In French nymphing and long leader nymphing the nymphs are usually fished upstream, much like you would if you were fishing an attractor type dry fly. Having a long leader with a built in strike indicator that is between your flies and heavy butt section enhances catch rates due to being able to see hence the name sighter, which is used to name the indicator.

You might want to make my class at Upcountry. You will be enlightened for sure! Do you usually fish the Farmington?

Would you be kind enough to provide the specifics of your class?

I do fish the Farmy - all year long. Most of the summer time is spent in the salt chasing stripers, bonita, fat alberts.

I have never used or been inclined to use a leader longer than 12'. Even with 22's - East or West. It is a very foreign concept.

I understand the point on the "sighter" - but having more line out especially in complex currents can result in management issues. Flouro and mono have elasticity, unlike the dynema and having a longer amount of line out can lead to power transfer issues, etc..

I am very intrigued.

A butt section of line in diameter from .021" to .013" has very little stretch whatsoever. The tippet, which has slightly less stretch than nylon is anywhere from three to ten feet has minimal stretch and in my opinion this does not diminish hooksetting capabilities.

In the class, I will go over leader set up and the concept of the long and short leader. I will go over fly selection and the design of flies for fishing these styles. Over half of the class will be on stream.

About the managing the line, a long leader makes it extremely easy to work the line in even some trickly currents. The longer leader with ten foot or greater rod, which I will have them for the participants in the class to use makes the techniques much easier to execute.

Keep in mind that these techniques are only one facet of nymphing and that there are times of the year when indicator nymphing will outproduce these techniques. It just adds and another weapon in your arsenal... all be it a very powerful one!

Aaron:

Thank you very much. I do appreciate your insights. I'll chat with Grady about you class.

I do understand this is only one technique. I am very intrigued by the leader length....more cool stuff to learn. Hopefully I can attend your class - and I would really like to develop this discussion in more depth.


Thanks again,

How often are these euro nymphing classes offered? I might be interested!

I am in the process of working on dates with a few fly shops. I am hesitant to do one in the fall this year due to the low water flows. It's not good for the fish or the group to have low water like this. For guiding one or two people the water is fine, but for a group of people it would not be so good. During the spring there is ample water available to spread out a group of 6-8 guys without much trouble. a guide trip would be the best option in the short term.