SETTING UP YOUR ROD
Rigging for the Bighorn River.
Start with a simple rig, then adjust depth, weight, tippet and fly spacing to the water you are fishing.
THE SYSTEM
Get the drift right before changing flies.
Keep the rig simple enough to adjust easily. Change one thing at a time. When nymphing, occasional bottom contact can help you judge depth; constant snagging means you need to adjust.
The standard two-fly rig
See how the indicator, leader, shot and two flies fit together, then adjust them for the flow.
Open guide DRY FLYChoose a dry fly for the hatch
Use the hatch chart to choose a size and insect stage. A longer leader can help on smooth flats.
Open guide STREAMERMatch speed to conditions
Cloud cover, stained water and changing flows can favor streamers. Start by adjusting how fast you retrieve.
Open guideSet depth
Place the weight above the lead fly so both flies can drift naturally while reaching the depth where fish are feeding.
Control speed
Try a mend, a reach cast or a different casting angle before adding weight. Keep faster surface current from pulling the flies through too quickly.
Protect the fish
Use tippet strong enough to land trout promptly, keep fish wet and stop fishing dangerously warm water.
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