Build the leader
Start with a 9-foot 3X tapered leader. Position the indicator on the leader so the distance to the flies matches the depth of the water being fished.
Skip to river guide
01 02 03 04 INDICATOR NEVER MOVES CONSTANT SNAGS SHORT STRIKES
TWO-FLY NYMPH RIG
How to rig a nymph rod for the Bighorn.
A simple, adjustable rig for the river’s sowbugs, scuds, midges, mayflies, caddis and changing flows.
INDICATOR DEPTHMatch the water
Move the indicator to suit the depth you are fishing. Aim to reach the fish without dragging the flies along the bottom all the way through.
Add 4X or 5X tippet
Tie 18 inches of 4X or 5X tippet from the leader to the lead fly. Adjust the indicator on the leader to reach the depth where fish are feeding.
Place the weight
Crimp split shot 12–20 inches above the lead fly. Start with a little weight. Check your mend and drift before adding another small shot.
Add the trailing fly
Tie 18 inches of 4X or 5X tippet to the lead hook’s shank just above the barb, then to the eye of a trailing BWO nymph or midge nymph.
ADJUST BY WATER
Adjust depth and weight as the water changes.
Lower / clearShorter depthLight shotSmaller indicator4X tippet
ModerateMatch the fishing depthModerate shotStandard indicator4X tippet
Higher / changingIncrease depthAdd graduallyVisible lead fly4X tippet
Probably too shallow or too fast.
Try a little more depth or weight, or improve the mend. Make one change at a time so you can see what helps.
Try less depth, less weight or a different seam.
Remove a shot, reduce the depth slightly or try a seam with fewer snags before changing flies.
Check spacing and tippet.
Try a shorter dropper, check the knots and clear any weeds from the smaller fly.
HELP US IMPROVE
Something we should correct?
Let us know what you found so we can improve the guide.