Some takes are soft. Others are vicious.

Surprisingly, bit hits happen not just with streamers, but with nymphs, too, if you fish them “on the rise.” It’s a hugely productive technique; during a recent 32-fish day, two-thirds of the strikes came on the rise.

At the end of a drift, the rig straightens out and the nymphs move towards the surface. This is a good technique; hours before a hatch, there is a ton of activity happening under the surface. Nymphs are caught in the drift, and some are swimming actively (see video up top). As a hatch begins, all this movement heightens.

Being mindful of this is particularly good around structure. The next time you see a big boulder, an underwater rock, or a log jam, lift a nymph just before the structure. A trout is often right in front of the structure and may find a moving bug irresistible.

Moreover, consider doing two rises. At the end of a drift, let the nymphs rise, and then release a few inches of line, which will push the nymphs down again, only to rise a second time.

Be prepared for a vicious strike. When a trout hones in on a moving bug, it will aim to kill. There’s no doubt about the take.