Tiny Drys

[frogge]

Hey,
I'm interested in trying to fish some midge imatations. I'm very new to dry fly fishing and occaissionally can present my #14 parachutes fairly softly. I'm concerned that I won't be able to see a #20 fly and wonder if using a strike indicator or larger dry in tandem is a good idea. Any tricks to casting the combo? Thanks,Frogge.

 

[JeffK]

I would start without the indicator, but fish fairly close so that it is easier both to see the fly and control the cast. If that doesn't work an indicator (small yarn indicator in a light color - no fluorescent colored plastic floats that may spook fish) or a dry can be helpful. However, I have found it better to get closer to the fish and fish without an indicator than fish farther away with an indicator when dry midge fishing. However, if that's not cutting it then try something else. When fishing midge pupa just under the surface I generally fish under a dry and maybe a yarn indicator because I can't see them under the surface. However, I generally like to fish midge dries close enough so that I can follow the fly - it allows me to see if the drift is right better. Same with trico fishing, except that all my tricos now have a yellow post for visibility.

 

[flyman23]

I've had some success using a very little piece of the putty type of indicator. I position it about 25" from the fly, then I can see what kind of drift I'm getting, as well as detecting strikes. I also use this when fishing nymphs or soft hackles in the film.

 

[Mayfly]

frogge,

Surprisingly, small flies are not that difficult to see if you're fishing reasonably smooth water. Size 20 and much smaller can be seen at about 30 - 35 feet. What really helps is being able to follow your cast and see the leader, tippet and fly land.

Allan