Advanced Nymphing Clinic with Pat Dorsey at North Fork Ranch

We went over the different techniques of short line nymphing and long line nymphing. To get a drag free drift short line nymphing, try to keep no more than 4-5 inches of line on the water. If you are sight nymphing, try to watch the fish and the indicator at the same time. Look for any movement in the fish or a flash or sudden jerk to one side. If it is really clear, look for their mouth to open. Set the hook regardless of whether or not the indicator moves. Key in on the fish more than the indicator.

We used natural tan poly rope and a 5/16th inch rubber band (Panther sized orthodontics rubber bands) for a strike indicator. Two strands of rope were used and trimmed to about 2 inches long. Pat used a dowel with the rough edge of Velcro to fluff the indicator. He applied Aquel (Gink) to the Velcro and fluffed the indicator to apply the Aquel for flotation.

We used one #6 lead shot with Orvis sink putty. The Orvis sink putty is malleable even in cold temperatures.

Pat was able to watch the indicator and determine if the rig was weighted enough. The water on the top of the current is a bit faster than the water in the mid to lower part of the current. If the indicator was racing down river, he applied more weight. If you aren’t hitting moss or the bottom every 4th-5th cast, you aren’t hitting the fish.

Long Line Nymphing
Cast up river to the desired spot, then, give your line a nice roll cast to send the slack line up river. Pat did this effortlessly. Then stack line behind your indicator to provide for long drifts. Try not to over mend, but throw in aggressive mends when necessary.