Nymphing & The Rule of Opposites

We've received a few questions about setting up the nymph rig. There are a lot of philosophies out there, but the one we've stuck with through the years is the 'Rule of Opposites'.

Basically, you're playing the odds. Our best recommendation is to set up a double nymph rig and attach two nymphs that look nothing like each other.

For example, we like to fish big Western Stonefly Nymphs with tiny Zebra Midges. Likewise, we set up the nymph rigs according to 'probabilities'.

The Boise River through town is loaded with Caddis and Midges. Since we know that, it's safe to assume fish are used to seeing these types of bugs and would be pretty safe rigging up a Crawling Caddis with a small RK Emerger.

Likewise, on the South Fork of the Boise we get a good variety of Stoneflies. So, a good rig would be a Western Stonefly Nymph with a larger Hare's Ear style nymph.

On the Big Wood, a place that gets little early season pressure, we use 'attractor style' nymphs. Since most fish are looking for a quick and easy meal this time of year, a good rig would be a San Juan paired up with a Copper John. Both are flashy attention-getters.

Ultimately, the best rig is the one you have the most confidence in, but considering each river's hatch cycle and the various tendencies will get you that much closer to success.