Delicate Indicator Rigs

[3wt7X]

I am sure that this topic has been discussed at least on one occasion, but I think a refresher might be good. I would like some suggestion on delicate indicator rigs for nymphing that make the least water disturbance, upon landing on the water, while supporting the weight of heavier split shot or nymph rigs.

I have found that the thingamabobbers work pretty well, but they land a little hard. I have not tried the pinch on foam indicators, but I think that bouyancy might be an issue. From my experience, it is hard to beat a dry/dropper rig, but a lot of the time the dryfly cannot support the weight of a heavier dropper. I've had the same problem with the yarn indicator material.

In my opinion, nothing beats not fishing an indicator at all, but I've run into some stream situations on the limestoners that prevent short line nymphing unless you're using a 12 foot rod. I am just looking for some fresh ideas that I might be missing. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[Acristickid]

Have fished with a dude who had a section of Stren Gold (not sure of exact name) in the middle of his leader to help him with movements. Think he even used a black marker to makes some strips on it to see it better.

Never used that.

Another one is - FFP fly shop in State College sells these very thin indicator sleeves that slide onto your leader- not sure what diameter the sleeves are to know where the would fit on your leader and not slide. Never tried that either.

Other than that I got the standard toothpick or thingamobber rig.

Not a fan of the pinch on foam ones.

 

[jayL]

I use the method afish showed me in those situations. Maybe he will chime in. (if not, I will later :lol🙂

 

[bam]

I'm a fan of the fishpimps. They're slim on both ends and seem to land in the water well. If you're using a decent amount of shot, you'll need the larger ones, but even they seem to be rather "soft". Try the white ones, they blend right in with the bubbles.

If you tie, I came across this on youtube. Might be worth a shot and you'll be able to vary the amount of yarn/foam depending on the situation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkrnqcxNSMw

 

[troutslammer]

what size thingamabobbers were you using , not being smart but they come in different sizes , if your indicator is making that much of a disturbance when it hits the water , its probably the leader , shot and fly making the indicator do it , some lines sink quicker than others , requiring less shot , using a weighted fly helps because the weight hitting the water is farther away from the indicator than say a split shot would be between the fly and indicator , making it hit the water lighter so to speak .

 

[3wt7X]

Thanks for the responses!

bam,
That youtube video was great. I really like the idea of an adjustable hopper dropper pattern. That set-up would be very effective on the N. Branch of the potomac. I also should have mentioned that I've been trying to cut down on splash by incorporating tungsten beadheads in my small mayfly nymph patterns, I have an order in for some tungsten beadheads right now and I am looking forward to putting them to use.

troutslammer,
I was using the smaller sized thingamabobber. I don't know the specifications off hand, but it was the smallest size available. Thanks for the tips though. There is a fine line between using enough weight to get a fly down into a weed channel and using too much weigh, causing the fish to spook. I am trying to find that middle point.

 

[pcray1231]

There is a fine line between using enough weight to get a fly down into a weed channel and using too much weigh, causing the fish to spook. I am trying to find that middle point.

We're all trying to find it, all the time. The problem is that the dang thing keeps on changing every time we change locations....

Thingamabobbers get my vote, carry different sizes. And if your comfortable with no indicator this doesn't help much, but an indicator doesn't have to float. Lots of people just put a short piece of colored line into their leaders. Try a bright colored thingamabobber and don't worry so much if it sinks just a bit.

 

[afishinado]

For delicate situations, try a furled leader. Use paste floatant to keep it on top. I use Mucillin, but any paste should do. The entire leader above the tippet becomes a strike indicator. keep your tippet fairly long, depending on the water depth and speed. If you have trouble seeing the leader, swipe on a little strike putty on a couple of spots for better visibility. This works well for me in some very low water delicate situations with wild trout. HTH.

As far a bobber type indicators, I don't thing the Thingamabobber can be beat. I make my own yarn indies and have used one since I bought a few thingies. I like all tippet under the bobber so I took Flybops advice and peg it with a toothpick so the thin line won't break. I the thingies for more long distance nymphing in bigger waters.

 

[jayL]

afishinado wrote:
For delicate situations, try a furled leader. Use paste floatant to keep it on top. I use Mucillin, but any paste should do. The entire leader above the tippet becomes a strike indicator. keep your tippet fairly long, depending on the water depth and speed. If you have trouble seeing the leader, swipe on a little strike putty on a couple of spots for better visibility. This works well for me in some very low water delicate situations with wild trout. HTH.

As far a bobber type indicators, I don't thing the Thingamabobber can be beat. I make my own yarn indies and have used one since I bought a few thingies. I like all tippet under the bobber so I took Flybops advice and peg it with a toothpick so the thin line won't break. I the thingies for more long distance nymphing in bigger waters.

That's it.

I also only use the thingamabobber in larger streams or in very high/off color spring creeks. A few pinches of strike putty and a furled leader is the way to go.

I tie weighted flies, mostly scud imitations, and don't really worry about getting them right on the bottom in spring creeks. The fish seem to move to take them.

 

[govtmule]

i like these in small sizes...the 1/2" for spooky situations...

http://www.anglersworkshop.com/items.aspx?catid=449

i also like biostrike.....


jeff

 

[troutslammer]

thingamabobbers make a good right angle nymph rig also i think , when i am swinging wets , drifting nymphs without a indie i just watch my leader for a pause or stop , of course this is done in close , like jay l said for big water long range , the thingies work best imo

 

[BelAirSteve]

I recently tried a small amount of biostrike toward the butt end of my leader...kind of like the scientific angler strike indicator that slips over the leader. I was dead drifting wooly buggers. I didn't catch anything, but it didn't have anything to do with the indicator!

 

[3wt7X]

afish,
That is a great idea...thanks for sharing! I'll have to invest in some furled leaders. I've never used them, but I've heard nothing but good things about them. I can't image anything being more delicate than that.

 

[flipnfly]

what about 2 or 3 lil corkies spaced out on the upper portion of your leader would that work?

 

[bam]

I like the idea afish, but I'm not sure that'll solve the problem of supporting a lot of weight as noted in the original post, but as you said... thingamabobber for floating fast/big water and a little paste or small foam for flat water or spring creeks.

If anyone finds a jack of all trades indicator or leader, I'm all ears!