Nymph Rigs Explained

Aside from Czech nymphing there are two common nymph rigs we use on western streams. For your viewing pleasure, we’ll post and discuss both. Before we get started, let’s spend a few moments talking about “prime” nymph water.

Generally speaking, your best runs will have moderate depth, varying structure, and a steady source of incoming food.

Moderate water depth is somewhere between two and four feet. Shallow water exposes the fish to predators and deeper water is tough to fish. Between two and four feet is perfect.

Next, look for structure. This can be submerged rocks (boils), overhanging trees or willows, drop-offs, and so on. Basically, you’re looking for water that provides a current break and protection from above.

And last, you need food. Fast to slow riffle transitions (AKA choppy diamond water), current seams, and drop-offs are key holding lies. Basically, you’re looking for any type of water that concentrates the food source or stirs up the bottom. Enough said.

Now let’s get to the nymph rig set up. Assuming you’re working water between two to four feet in depth, you’ll need a few items – and they are...

• A Six to Eight Foot Leader
• A Spool of Matching Tippet
• A Strike Indicator (bigger the better)
• Split Shot (tin or lead)

The Single Nymph Rig

The name pretty much says it all. It’s a single fly set up with split shot to get the bug bouncing along the bottom. I recommend this set up for beginners and those not used to casting a weighted fly. Once you get a feel for the style of casting, feel free to add another nymph.

Setting Up The Single Nymph Rig

As you can see from the image, you’ll want to use about a seven and a half foot leader and 12 – 16 inches of tippet off the back end. Place your strike indicator at about two times the water depth you’re fishing – so if you’re in three feet of water your indicator should be six feet up the leader.

Crimp on your shot just above your double surgeons knot (where the leader meets the tippet) and start working the water.

The Double Nymph Rig

The “two fly” set up increases your probability by putting a “choice B” in front of the fish. If he doesn’t like the first nymph, or it’s not quite in the feeding lane, the second fly may be just the ticket. Basically, you’re playing the numbers. Of course, for every benefit you’ll need to accept the disadvantages. With the Double Nymph Rig, it means more hang-ups and tangles. Things always get more complicated as you add more parts to a moving equation.

Setting Up The Double Nymph Rig

As you can see there’s a bit more going on in the image. I generally suggest using a slightly shorter leader – to compensate for the extra length of tippet – and a larger indicator to float the extra weight.

Attach your first nymph directly to the leader (or add a very slight amount of tippet) and trail the second nymph’s tippet section off the eye of the first nymph. Once you have both nymphs connected, add your shot above your first fly. As with the single nymph rig, place your indicator up the leader at twice the fishing depth.

Variations

As with anything else in life, “there’s more than one way to skin a cat.” I was always taught to place the split shot above the first fly in the nymph rig as shown above. However, through a bit of trial and error and OTJ “research”, I’ve found a couple of methods that work as well.

Shot Between The Flies

I haven’t really “experienced” the benefits (or drawbacks) of this set-up, but some people swear by it. I’ve tried it out a couple of times but to be honest, I don’t really have an opinion as to whether this works better than any other method. I just wanted to put it out there so you’re aware. Feel free to test it out for yourself.

Basically, you’re setting the double nymph rig up as you normally would, but instead of placing your split shot above the first fly, you’re crimping them between the two nymphs. Common sense tells us this method will get both flies bouncing on the bottom, but it also tells us to expect more snags and hang-ups.

Trailing Shot

Unlike the “Shot Between” set-up, I’ve tried the trailing shot method many times and actually prefer it to others I’ve tried. Here’s why...

First, trailing the shot off your bottom fly distributes the weight forward of the nymphs. This reduces tangles while casting. It’s kind of a “dunker” methodology, but it does help keep the flies from wrapping up on one another.

Second, you’ll lose fewer flies. Often times when nymphing you’re dragging along the stream bottom and getting hung up is pretty much a given. When you do get snagged, you’re more likely to lose the shot rather than the flies – much easier on the wallet.

To use this method, you’ll need to trail a small amount of tippet off the eye OR bend of your second fly – usually 10 – 12 inches is ideal. Tie a double overhand knot at the end of the tippet (so your shot doesn’t slide off), clip the tag, and crimp your shot just above. Your indicator placement follows the same rule as the other methods. Now you’re ready to fish.

Final Tips

Here are a few pointers to help increase your nymphing success.

• Get your fly (or flies) ticking along the stream bottom.
• Don’t rely on the weight of the bead to get you to the feeding depth of the fish.
• When fishing a double nymph rig, use the “rule of opposites” – (i.e. big nymph/little nymph, bead/non-bead, mayfly nymph/caddis pupa, attractor nymph/realistic nymph).
• Mentally “grid” your nymphing area and work each section from the inside out – that is, don’t cast over water you haven’t fished yet.
• Mend, mend, mend – keep the belly out of your fly line.
• Limit overhand and false casting. Economy in casting is the key – use roll casts when ever possible.

Trout Lie Nymphing Law of Tangle Probability: The amount of time your line spends in the air is directly proportionate to the complexity of the bird’s nest and time you’ll need to work out of your leader.