I’ve been fishing a (reasonably) local freestone that’s new to me. It has both stocked and wild fish. It’s where I landed the “Big Surprise,” up above.
Over the past month since the stocking, the fish have left the spots where they were placed initially. So, it’s been a game of hide-and-seek.
After some trial and error, I’m finding non-rising fish in one of two spots: deep in a major trench or at areas most anglers ignore.
I find the former tough but doable with Euro-nymphing. I can get the flies down quickly and hopefully sense a take. The latter has been an indicator nymphing game for me.
On a recent outing I hooked about a dozen trout at one narrow run on the far bank. A “sweet spot.” Three of the trout were incredible jumpers. Most people don’t wade across, I guess.
As I didn’t want to spook the trout, I started by chucking a New Zealand indicator rig at them. Then, when I get no more hits, I crept up closer and did some Euro-nymphing. I usually get a few more takes from the fish along the bottom. So, I start with artillery and finish with sniper fire.
So, all this to say that it takes a while to figure out where fish are holding. But, once you’ve found that sweet spot, it will produce. I’ve fished that spot repeatedly, and I always get at least six (or more) hooksets out of it.
In retrospect, this sweet spot was ideal for trout:
- Along the far bank, where there are few anglers
- A quiet seam along a generous run
- Under a tree branch
- Quite deep
- Doesn’t look like anything remarkable relative to other potentially good holding/feeding lies
Regarding the last point, I fish a great deal of the ‘B’ water, spots that don’t look like much when you’re standing from the bank. For example, my new sweet spot is deep even though it doesn’t look like it. It’s only when I went to a retrieve a fly that I witnessed for myself (yikes!) that there was a deep and narrow trench, and many rocks, there.
So, keep your eyes open when you fish. 90% of the fish hold in 10% of the spots, IMO. And, indicator nymphing is a great way to cover new water. You chuck it out there and see what happens.
Excellent advice. last weekend we ran up and down the wachusett area, fishing both the stillwater and quinnie. we know they were both stocked, but found no fish. you are absolutely spot on… put in your time and you will find them.
Well, I've had plenty of those days! The good news is that you now can exclude big chunks of the river. Unfortunately, things can flip in the winter. The holding lies will be very different than those in the spring. And, summer lies can vary, too.
I guess that's why fly fishing is "fun"?
🙂
My last two trips I have discovered good holding water by trying to retrieve a fly and wading into a deep spot. Now I just need ot remember where they were 🙂
Does the New Zealand Indicator cast easier than a bobber type? Do you prefer it over other types?
I really like it. Very sensitive. I use the white wool, and so, it looks like a small air bubble to the fish.