Also discussed is a simple leader formula i use when going on the water.
High stick nymphing leader.
Tapered nymph 7 to 9 3x knotless tapered leader next a 10 sighter and 3 to 6 tippet usually 4x or 5x.
Your typical 9 foot 5 weight trout fishing setup will work for high stick nymphing.
High stick nymphing is a common strategy employed by fly anglers fishing nymph flies in the faster deeper water of pockets and short pools and is an extremely effective way to fly fish when there is little or no observed dry fly activity or visibly rising trout.
If you re fishing deeper water you may find that using heavier flies will make your high.
Instead of using a strike indicator however many people just use a weighted fly and short leader with a small split shot about 12 inches above the fly.
High stick nymph fishing does not require any special equipment.
Basic european nymphing line and leader setup here s a video explaining the advantage of a european nymphing line over a traditional line when euro contact high stick nymphing.
But there are some pieces of equipment that you can use to make your high stick nymphing more productive.
A combination of the high sticking method and the leisenring lift both generally referred to simply as high sticking are among the most effective nymphing techniques.
And by high sticking the leader over the water you stay more focused on and in touch with the fly.
When the euro nymphing leader straightens or pauses it gives you the visual cues to set the hook.