European or Czech Nymphing Introduction

alanb_ct · 01-16-2009, 10:34 PM

I'm glad to see so many new members at TPO! I thought it might be a good time to summarize some of our best content as it pertains to European or Czech nymphing. Our classes teach elements of all these methods and their practical implementation.

Unique Elements of each method
> Spanish Nymphing
-Long leader up to 30ft
-Sighter placed mid-leader
-Light presentation from a distance for spooky fish
> Polish Nymphing
-Best suited for close approach, fast water
-Short leader, heavy anchor flies
-Originated for shallow fast riffles for grayling
> French Nymphing
-Upstream approach
-Moderate length leader with light (6X or finer) tippet
-Lift rod and follow

Common elements of each method
> Improved strike detection
-Maintain contact with flies
> Lead flies under the rod tip
> Weighted flies alleviate need for added weight
> Fine level “leader” beneath sighter
> Use of flurocarbon, typically 5X
> Use of long rods
-10ft three or four weight rod is optimal
> Dropper rigging
- Use of Triple Surgeon’s Knot, tie dropper on in-line side of knot
> Wrist flip at end of cast
- Simulates explosive rush to surface of nymph
-Triggers fish response to a take

Popular flies
> Anchors
- Vladi worm, brown woody caddis, stoneflies, rubber legs, tungsten bead Prince
> Droppers
- Typically with tungsten bead and leaded bodies
- Silver tungsten bead can replace glass bead
- Caddis larvae in bright green or tan with black bead, sizes 10-16
- Brown mayfly nymphs with flashback and/or silver tungsten bead, sizes 10-20

Fly line to leader connection
> Best is Whitlock No-Knot methods, but can be hard to execute
- Use Zap-A-Gap only, it’s waterproof
> Clinch knot to welded loop on fly line
> Loop to loop is fine, but will not flow through rod guides in certain instances

Hope this is helpful to you.