WIND BLOWING/ LOSING CONTACT

**BLACKGHOST1** · 07-14-2008, 09:48 AM

Anybody have any suggestions on what to do to keep contact with your flies while the wind is blowing your leader and sighter upstream and/or downstream? I was using the short line technique. Thanks.

BLACKGHOST1

**LorenWilliams** · 07-14-2008, 10:07 AM

I do four things to combat wind:

1. I will increase the weight if my flies to add more mass/resistance-thi swill enabl me to pull though the wind a bit better.
2. I will lower my rod tip making my leader angle more parallel to the water--this just reduces the surface area the wind has to blow against.
3. I will reduce my leader/tippet diameter where possible.
4. I will get as close as I can to reduce leader length

All that said, sometimes an indicator or dry/dropper set up is a better bet in extreme wind.

**BLACKGHOST1** · 07-14-2008, 12:02 PM

Thanks Loren. Alain had mentioned to me about increasing the weight of the flies,which is what he did on Sunday. I had switched over to an indicator set up.

Good luck on your trip.

**AaronJasper** · 07-14-2008, 02:20 PM

I would say that this would also be an application for the deep nymphing line.

**LorenWilliams** · 07-14-2008, 02:51 PM

Correct Aaron, but in reality as you are learning-the fly line should not come into play. If it does get used, a thinner profile is desirable. That said, the profile of the front taper of an aggressive WFF line in your guides alone will be effected by wind.

I use a Deep Nymphing line almost exclusively when I know I will not be doing any dry or dry/dropper work. I am getting pretty good as casting a 30' leader! A fly line adds a degree of versatility--but only when you need it.

**Davyfly** · 07-15-2008, 11:10 AM

Loren,

As a matter of interest, do you really believe that a 30ft mono leader set up gives you more advantage over say a 20ft rig.
If so l would like to know why you feel that is the case. So far as rivers are concerned.

In the case of some of the stillwater techniques we use 20 ft may well be mandatory in some circumstances, but this is largely for different reasons.

Davy.

**LorenWilliams** · 07-20-2008, 01:05 PM

Davy,

I am tall, so yes I can utilize the entire thing. I think it is a case of personal preference.

**troutzilla37** · 07-20-2008, 07:10 PM

After seeing multiple discussions about leader length. I feel as though the extra length couldnt possibly hurt anything. Even in situations where you may not utilize all the leader for me when you have no fly line out, just the leader, it doesnt seem to effect the presentation if not make it better.