I posed this question in a different thread, but looking for more engagement. What’re the thoughts on fishing with beaded nymphs vs unweighted nymphs and split shot? I’ve personally found greater success with an unweighted nymph with shot attached 8”-12” above the fly. I attribute this to the fly having a more natural drift through the water column because of less contact. The detractor is also less contact, because the fish need to take the fly and move the shot in order to stimulate the strike indicator. Regardless, I’ve caught a lot more fish with an unweighted nymph in water where trout are notoriously picky (Truckee and Little Truckee). What’s your experience?
Posted by jtreeforest
1 Comment
You absolutely nailed it (it being why I won’t use any shot).
The fish has to eat, clear the hinge created by the shot between the fly and the indicator, before you know what’s happening.
I’d be very interested in your hook up rate with a bead head anchor fly below your unweighted bug (putting it in the same part of the water column) without the indicator. This maintains a nearly direct line of contact while still allowing that unweighted bug to do its thing where you want it doing it.