The Fly Guide | February 2026
The Fly Guide: Feb 2026
Level up your nymphing game
If you want to consistently catch more trout, mastering the art of nymphing is a must. While dry flies get the glory, most fish feed below the surface—and that’s where nymphs come in. Here’s how to take your nymphing skills to the next level:
Tighten Your Drifts: Drag is the enemy. Whether you're Euro nymphing or using an indicator, the more natural your drift, the more likely fish are to eat. Mend your line early, stay connected, and lead your flies gently downstream to keep them in the strike zone longer.
Get the Weight Right: If you’re not ticking the bottom occasionally, you're probably too light. Use split shot, heavier bead-heads, or adjust your rig to get your flies down fast—especially in deeper or faster water.
Learn to Read Water: Focus on seams, riffles, and the soft edges of fast runs. Fish hold in spots that offer a break from current while still delivering food. Watch for subtle changes in flow and depth—those hidden lanes often hold the most fish.
Set on Everything: Nymph takes are often subtle. If your line hesitates, twitches, or your sighter moves oddly—set the hook. When in doubt, set. Worst case? You just keep practicing your hookset.
Change Flies with Purpose: If you’re not getting takes, try smaller flies, change your color or profile, or swap to a pattern with more movement. Don’t just blindly change—observe what the fish and water are telling you.
Becoming a better nympher is all about observation, adjustment, and patience. Keep at it, refine your techniques, and you’ll be rewarded with more hookups—and more confidence on the water.
How to stay warm & Safe while winter fishing
Winter fly fishing can be peaceful, productive—and downright brutal if you’re not dressed right. Cold fingers, numb toes, and foggy glasses can turn a good day into a short one. But with the right layering system and a few smart tips, you can stay warm, dry, and on the water longer.
Start with a Solid Base Layer: This is your moisture-wicking foundation. Go for merino wool or synthetic materials that pull sweat away from your skin. Avoid cotton—it traps moisture and will chill you quickly.
Insulate Like a Pro: A mid-layer provides warmth. Fleece or insulated puffy jackets (synthetic or down) are great choices. In freezing conditions, you might double up—just make sure you can still move freely.
Top It Off with a Weatherproof Shell: A waterproof and windproof outer layer is critical. Look for breathable wading jackets with sealed seams, adjustable hoods, and cuffs that keep water out.
Keep Extremities Happy: Your hands, feet, and head are the first to go. Wear wool socks (with room to wiggle your toes), insulated boots or bootfoot waders, and windproof gloves. A warm beanie or wool hat will help retain body heat where you lose it fastest.
Hand Warmers & Thermos = Game Changers: Stash chemical hand warmers in your pockets and pack a thermos of coffee, tea, or broth. It boosts morale—and circulation.
Move Smart: Don’t overexert and sweat too much. If you're hiking to a spot, shed a layer. Wet clothing is your worst enemy in the cold.
Winter fishing rewards the hardy and the prepared. With the right gear and some planning, you’ll be comfortable enough to enjoy the solitude, the scenery—and those hungry, cold-water trout.
Dial it in: How to find the perfect nymphing depth
One of the biggest challenges in nymph fishing is getting your flies to the right depth. Too shallow and fish won’t see them. Too deep and you risk constant snags. But when your flies drift right in the strike zone? That’s when the magic happens.
Here’s how to figure it out:
Start Deep, Then Adjust: It’s easier to take weight off than to add more after missing fish. Begin by fishing a little deeper than you think—your rig should occasionally tick bottom. If you’re constantly hanging up, lighten the weight or shorten your tippet.
Watch Your Indicator or Sighter Closely: If you’re using an indicator, set it about 1.5 to 2 times the depth of the water. In faster currents or deeper runs, you might need even more. With tight-line setups, feel for subtle ticks or use a brightly colored sighter to track the drift.
Pay Attention to Water Speed and Structure: Fish tend to sit near the bottom in slower water during colder months or high sun. In warmer or more oxygenated flows, they might suspend mid-column. Adjust your depth accordingly by altering weight, tippet length, or indicator placement.
Let the Fish Tell You: If you’re not getting bites, change depth before you change flies. Often, it’s not the pattern—it’s the presentation. Depth is usually the difference between a great drift and a wasted cast.
Use the “Tap” Test: Feeling your fly occasionally tap bottom means you're in the zone. If you’re floating above rocks all day without contact, add weight. If you're stuck every cast, back it off.
Nymphing is all about subtlety—and small changes make a big difference. Master the depth game, and you’ll unlock one of the most effective methods in all of fly fishing.
