The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

The Best Anglers Never Stop Learning

Setting Up a Nymph Rig for Success

Question

I’m new to nymphing and always feel like my setup is off. Sometimes my flies don’t seem to drift naturally, and other times they just snag on the bottom. How should I properly set up my nymphing rig to avoid these problems?

Answer by:

Allen Gardner
Allen Gardner
Colorado Fly Fishing Expert
20 Years of Experience

Setting up a nymphing rig takes practice, but here’s a proven setup that works for most situations:

1.Leader and Tippet: Use a long leader (9-12 feet) and attach 4X or 5X tippet to keep your presentation subtle. For deeper water, go with fluorocarbon for better sink rates.

2.Strike Indicator: Add an adjustable indicator about 1.5 times the water depth above your fly. This helps you detect subtle strikes and keeps your fly at the correct depth.

3.Split Shot: If your fly isn’t sinking enough, add a small split shot 6-12 inches above the fly. This ensures your fly drifts naturally near the bottom.

4.Fly Placement: Use a two-fly setup with a heavier fly (e.g., stonefly nymph) as the anchor and a smaller fly (e.g., midge or pheasant tail) trailing 18 inches behind.

5.Drift Technique: Cast upstream and let your fly drift naturally with the current. Mend your line to prevent drag and maintain a natural presentation.

This setup should keep your flies in the strike zone without constant snags

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