Deep Water Nymphing: A Guide’s Perspective
Mastering the Art of Deep Water Nymphing on the Bow River
We are fortunate to have a damn fine fishery on the Bow River. Like many larger rivers, we enjoy opportunities to fish our choice of methods and experience success. As an outfitter, our little operation works with a lot of pure first-timers, and I like starting new fly fishers with Deep Water Nymphing.
Why Deep Water Nymphing Works for Beginners
A Simple Approach to Fly Fishing Success
I start guests off by teaching a water-loaded, tight-line flip cast (I made that up, but that’s how it looks to me). Guests pick it up very quickly, and we’re headed down the river in short order. Many other guides teach the same way, and it certainly isn’t anything I invented. Rod movement, line placement, and mending mechanics get easier as the float progresses. Our new, or mostly new, fly fishers are hooking trout and building confidence as we go. Most importantly, they’re having a great time!
Avoiding Casting Frustration
Earlier in my career, I chose to start new fly fishers with some dry-land casting the way I was taught. Rod stop, acceleration, tight and tailing loops….blah, blah, blah….No fun at all. Mostly confusing and a recipe for guest frustration. Yes, we need to learn good casting skills, but not on a rookie float.
Get the line in the water, hook a few fish, and leave guests motivated to learn more. Proper casting mechanics be damned!
Deep Water Nymphing Techniques for Experienced Anglers
The Difference Between Wading and Drift Boat Nymphing
We also see many local folks who just haven’t had any “luck” on the Bow River but definitely have casting skill and know their way around a drift. There is a difference between wading and nymphing from the drift boat.
- Drift boat nymphing: The boat is moving, and the guide compensates for current speeds to help that indicator float Au Natural.
- Wading nymphing: The wading angler has more work to do—breaking down current lines, changing angles, adjusting depths, mending continuously, and controlling rod movement for a good presentation.
The Best Deep Water Nymphing Setups
Let’s start with some set ups. During lessons we work on some basic rigging. There is no magic to our deep nymph lines and the guides I work with all have different variations they prefer. I am going to share what works for my guests to put fish in the net.
Rig #1: The Barrel Swivel Rig
One of my go-to setups involves:
- A #7 barrel swivel with split shot added above it as needed.
- 16” to the first fly and another 10” to 12” to the point fly.
- A meaty top bug (e.g., wire worm, chenille worm, wooly bugger, leech, etc.) secured with a non-slip loop knot on the first bug to secure it to the swivel and to the point fly. This way the top bug is presented in line and tangles are reduced.
- A smaller point fly (sizes 12-20 tungsten beads) that reflects the dominant bug of the season, such as Pheasant Tails, Brown Hare’s Ears, Olive Hare’s Ears, Prince Nymphs, Frenchies (Pats Rubber Legs, TJ Hooker, will often be the top bug during stone fly season or high water).
Rig #2: The Drop Shot Rig
The drop-shot rig is another effective setup but is more prone to tangles, especially for first-time fly fishers. The key benefits include:
- Triple surgeon’s knots to create tags no longer than 4 inches. I will tell you straight up, I don’t use this often because it often tangles like crazy with first time fly fishers.
- A more consistent depth during the drift.
- The ability to adjust flies based on fish preference—if one fly is working better, we swap the other accordingly.
Keep in mind, we’ll often experience fish taking one bug over the other, so If we’re having a tangly day, I’ll just take the other bug off the line. But, if we’re managing the rig well, I’ll either put the same bug in a different size, or adjust to something completely different.
Choosing the Right Flies for Deep Water Nymphing
Seasonal Bug Selection and Hatch Charts
I’m on the water nearly every day, and patterns develop. Sometimes this is a good thing and sometimes it means I get blinded by what I’m supposed to know. Observe and fish to what is, not what you think it should be. But even for seasoned anglers, a hatch chart is your best friend. It helps predict the dominant bug pupa for the season, even if no hatch is currently happening.
One of my favorites? A brown hare’s ear as a point fly because Caddis Pupa are present from May through October.
Adapting to Water Conditions
Water conditions fluctuate due to dam management, rain, or both. These conditions impact what’s drifting in the river:
- Murky, high water: Dislodged leeches, aquatic worms, stoneflies—so try a Wire Worm or Wooly Bugger dead drifted.
- Stable water levels: Follow the hatch chart and match dominant seasonal bugs.
Adjusting Depth and Weight for the Perfect Presentation
Finding the Right Depth
On the Bow River, I use deep nymph rigs for water deeper than 4 feet. For slower water under 4 feet, these rigs tend to snag more, so I prefer a hopper-dropper or naked nymph setup.
Adjust your indicator depth often, especially while wading. When fishing a drop-off shelf:
- Use a shallower setup at the transition.
- Deepen the rig as you fish the heart of the run.
Fine-Tuning Your Weight
If fish are holding in the run but not biting, you may not be deep enough. Adding weight helps get flies in the strike zone faster.
On the other hand, if your rig snags constantly, you may be too heavy. A little trial and error go a long way.
Mastering Line Control and Drift
Tips for a Natural Drift
- Shorter casts = more control. Move your feet instead of making long hero casts.
- Keep your rod high and follow the indicator with the current.
- Mend as needed, not just once. Adjust and move the rod downstream with the drift.
- Vary casting angles and drift lanes. Repeating the same drift with no success? Change it up!
- Set on everything! If your indicator twitches, hesitates, or moves sideways—set the hook!
Summary: Why Deep Water Nymphing Works
Deep Water Nymphing is a highly effective method for both beginners and experienced anglers on the Bow River. By using the right rigs, fly selection, depth adjustments, and line control techniques, you can consistently hook trout and improve your success.
Book Your Fly Fishing Adventure Today!
There’s no substitute for time on the water! Whether you’re a beginner looking to hook your first trout or an experienced angler refining your deep-water nymphing skills, a guided trip can make all the difference.
Book your trip today and let’s hit the Bow River!
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