Many thanks to the Russell Library for hosting me last night. We had a small but enthusiastic crowd for “The Little Things,” and if you were part of the group, thanks for coming out. Here’s a segment from the chapter on nymphing — three little things to help you catch more fish the next time you’re out on the water.
currentseams.com 
Hang up good towards end of drift, not so good at beginning! Just Sayin…..
I repeat: if you’re nymphing, and you’re not catching, and you’re not occasionally getting hung up on the bottom (or getting false positive strike indications) you’re not fishing deep enough. 🙂
If I hang up before I get to the spot where I expect the fish to be then how would I catch the fish?
Hi Steve,
Success in fly fishing often hinges on making adjustments. So if you’re constantly hanging up on the bottom — or in a certain spot on the bottom — it could mean there’s a snag there and you should adjust your cast and drift path. It could also mean that you’re using too much weight, and you should adjust accordingly. If you’re using an indicator, shortening the distance between the indicator and the terminal end of your rig is another adjustment you could make. I hope that helps.
Steve, After hearing your talk at the Fly Fishing Expo in Somerset NJ and then being an devoted (lol) follower of your blog, my success this year using soft hackle flies (tan, hare’s ear, purple haze so far) along with enough micro split shot to get them down has been phenomenal. Straight lining in areas including pocket water and runs in the past I would have passed up now are yielding me fish. Still the key is to feel or see the strike.
Let’s just say soft hackles are the very ultimate for me. Three of those strung with weight to get them down is the trick! BTW seems that using 4X is not out of the question? What do you think?
Greg, I’m so glad that you’re having fun with soft hackles. As you’ve discovered, the fish always tell you when you’re doing something right. The same will apply if you try a different leader material.
Thankyou for making me a better fisherman!
You’re very welcome. Thanks for your comment — it is truly gratifying to hear. 🙂