ESN Tight Line Euro Nymphing // Why? How do I Euro Nymph?

Fun. Simple. Effective. Is that enough of a reason for you? If you are tired of messy slack line rigs where you aren't immediately connected to the trout, try this. It's refreshing and in this video I dumb things down a bit from how a competitive angler might explain it. I personally love this style of fishing and want to share it with as many people as possible.
0:00 Intro - Why Tight Line Nymphing?
1:25 - ESN Made Simple
2:33 - Trout Spend 90% of Their Time on the Bottom
3:41 - Underwater Shot of Crawfish Swimming on the Bottom
4:18 - The Concept of Leading the Fly
6:40 - Getting Started RIGHT. Day 1 w/ Your New Rod!
7:00 - Casting
8:45 - Lift, Dip, Lead
11:52 - Rods and Gear
15:23 - Sighter and Leader
17:36 - Setting the Hook
18:40 - Fishing a Single Stonefly Nymph
22:40 - Precise Control
24:02 - Boulder Control
25:06 - Types of Tight Line Nymphing
28:05 - Disadvantages
More Helpful Resources:
My DIY Simple Leader Build: • DIY Euro Leader // ESN...
Euro Line Setups: • Euro Nymph Line Setups...
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Facebook: / redsflyshop
Shop Online: www.redsflyfishing.com

[@ericstewart4732]

I have watched countless hours of “ how to Euro nymph” and this is hands down the best all around video. Thank you very much.

[@redsflyshop]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you very much. So kind.

[@johnyorchak5162]

Totally agree. Great presentation without being overwhelming.

[@jdoza5184]

Same for me, thanks Joe.

[@grant5603]

Agreed

[@toxico1152]

That’s good to hear. I’m frustrated with videos at this point

[@gregoryk.tanaka4285]

This guy’s use of simple , clear language to explain technique is absolutely marvelous. Thank you for making a mysterious process so easy to follow!

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you Greg, very kind of you. Love what I do here at Red's.

[@mikemcallister3698]

I went from never wanting to do this because it seemed so complex, to thinking this would be a great way to fish and I know I can. Thank you for a wonderful presentation on the water, hands down the best video explaining the technique.

[@redsflyshop]

You can do it! Go for it Mike. I enjoy this because it's fun and productive, not just the latter.

[@daveschlom4033]

I kind of wish there was a KZbin award for "Best Instructional Fly Fishing Video." Because this one is superb. I love my fly rod and floating line. But I wanted to try tight line nymphing and got a Euro rod. And got skunked and frustrated. Finally managed a trout so small it fell through my net. BUT I felt like I almost sorta got it. Watching this video inspires me to just go practice and not get hung up on catching fish. My waters are very turbulent with few laminar seams. But I am going to give your principles a fair try. You have excellent teaching skills. I taught high school for 30 years. I know what a quality lesson looks like!

[@redsflyshop]

Exactly who I had in mind. Dave, thank you for the comment and I hope you get out there and crush it.

[@crestonlaager3216]

Agree, he's a born, natural, educator.

[@tomvitagliano250]

This is by far one of the best videos out there. I have watched this gentleman that Reds uses before. He does an outstanding job of breaking down complicated techniques and relating them in such a way that everyone can understand . He is a talented teacher. Probably the best Vidio I have seen to date. This Guy is amazing. Thank you. Tom Vitagliano

[@redsflyshop]

Tom thanks so much we'll pass this along and thanks for following our channel!

[@flyfishingjunkie5891]

I had been tight line nymphing for over a year with some success. After taking the euro nymphing class with reds the amount of fish I caught tripled. Great video I can never get enough information about tight line nymphing.

[@redsflyshop]

Good stuff Thanks for the props and visit. Stay tight!

[@user-cl7cx6dk5g]

Great instructional video. the best I have seen so far. Thank you

[@redsflyshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@raleighthomas3079]

Yep, hands down the best video I’ve seen on explaining the concept and gear, and specific details of this technique! As a trout newbie ( with decades of saltwater experience) this is awesome!

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks so much, very kind of you! I'm glad this resonated with you and helped make sense of what can be considered a complicated technique.

[@georgewcamp]

Great Job! I love how you address the realities of the system and set realistic expectations. I have felt all those frustrations you mentioned and am still learning to handle the ultralight rig.

[@redsflyshop]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the props and positive encouragement. Good luck out there.

[@fmpress07]

Thank you for your practical, effective instruction on Euro nymphing!

[@redsflyshop]

You bet, it's good fun. Tight lines, good grabs. Thanks for the props.

[@kkawai7]

Excellent presentation and demonstration of the fundamentals and techniques of tight line nymphing. Like you, I've really come to love this style of fishing. Thanks for all your great videos. Very inspiring.

[@redsflyshop]

Awesome, thank you!

[@joerubeo7771]

Fantastic instruction Joe! The way you break things down and simplify the basic concepts is gonna save folks a lot of trouble 🤙 tight lines brotha

[@redsflyshop]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Joe, appreciate it.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Some of the best information i've ever heard on tightline fishing. I wish I had this a year ago when I started.

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you! Really appreciate it. I struggled initially and tried to boil down the pointers that really helped me out. Thanks for watching!

[@TheGhs1]

One of the best fly fishing channels 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@cvoss53]

Great job as usual. Inspired me to head out this afternoon for some tight line fishing!

[@chadfortin9515]

Wanted to come back here to share I gave euro nymphing a go and caught wayyy more fish than I normally do using a dry dropper rig. A handful of little browns and rainbows, and a ton of creek chubs (not the best trout streams where I live) but I had an absolute blast. I rigged it up on my only fly rod, which is a 5-6wt, and I can definitely see why dropping down to a 2 or 3wt would be superior for feeling contact with the bottom and setting the hook. But now I have the perfect excuse to go out and buy some more gear lol. I applied everything I learned from this video. Definitely got ways to go but I appreciate yall putting this out there, and getting folks like myself to give contact nymphing a go.

[@redsflyshop]

Excellent! Great contribution here and thanks for sharing. Fishing is fishing, and chubs are fish. Love this comment. Stay on it!

[@ericammerall695]

My first time contact nymphing I went with a guide. He is tops in his craft and was excellent getting me started in this style of fishing. I recommend going out with a guide to start you off in the right direction. You will be much happier you accelerate the learning curve with much less frustration!

[@steveclarke1857]

I love that you fish the same setup as me, dude. I'm not a novice, but keep coming back to your videos to refresh myself.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Steve, appreciate the props and I love this rig! Appreciate the watch and follow, feel free to comment and contribute if you ever have anything to add to any of the videos.

[@bobdonaldson445]

I’ve been doing this type of fishing for a couple years now and just getting that confidence and success that’s so addicting. I’m tying my own flies for this now to get a little more weight in the flies. I went to a mono rig this year and just love it. Nice video. Keep up the great work.

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you!

[@magninimarco]

Bravo, nice video, easy basics to understand, greetings from Italy.

[@westsidewil]

Great video! Super instruction! Wish you were near the WB of the Delaware so I could take a lesson.

[@rizcrelencia]

what a great video. it's like euro nymphing made simple.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks riz, that was the goal. Streamline the strategy and the concept.

[@kevinknight7638]

Outstanding and informative!

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you! Really appreciate it.

[@stan404notfound]

Great teacher = great video!

[@devinshook3289]

Awesome and not bogged down by technical jargon like some videos

[@milanbogdanovic6120]

Joe, there isn’t a video on the web I have seen to date on Tight Line/Euro Nymphing to even compare with this one. Amazing underwater filming of the nymphs traveling along the river bottom that you captured on film to demonstrate in action what you were describing - never seen this done before and it was the most informative hands down to what the nymph is actually doing as it is skipping along the bottom. Superb work Joe!

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you so much, really appreciate it! I am going to try and really buckle down and start making some better vids! This is very encouraging.

[@milanbogdanovic6120]

@@redsflyshop In my opinion, your vids have always been quality and provide the essential elements of fly fishing that beginner to pro level anglers need to know. Not to mention, you run a quality and professional pro shop with a knowledgeable and friendly staff and excellent turnaround from the moment of ordering to the moment the package is wheels up from the shop. My best and hope to talk soon Joe. Peace!

[@brewsterjepsen7921]

So good and clear, thank you!

[@redsflyshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Rubo7]

Thank you for all the knowledge. This video is amazing and I wish i watched this one in the beginning a couple years ago. I actually quit euro nymphing in the beginning. It just wouldn’t click for me. After countless hours of trail and error. I finally figured it out and now I mostly use a micro leader which is the best way of fishing nymphs. I fish a tail water which is really difficult because their is only a couple sections where they have slightly faster water. Most of it is slow moving water which is better to use a indicator. But, that being said when they release water, it’s a different story. I change from a indicator to tight line nymphing and people are surprised at the amount of fish I’m catching next to them 😄😄

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks for the props! Appreciate it and good luck on your tailwater.

[@StrateOutdoors]

Great videos!

[@marsodude]

Great job Dude!

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@wvlongshooter3912]

Great content as always, thanks!!

[@redsflyshop]

My pleasure! Glad you found it helpful.

[@saoirseclark]

One of your best 👍👍

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you, I am going to try really hard to improve the content here. Thank you for the props!

[@ryanbroder4686]

What a great video!

[@BasementAthletics]

This man has my dream job

[@redsflyshop]

I love what I do, thanks for the positive comments. The only time I hate my job is responding to internet Alphas that do most of their fishing from the computer haha. Appreciate you, have a super day.

[@timkeir6467]

That was great thanks Joe,cheers Tim NZ

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you really appreciate it.

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Amazing video!

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks so much, really appreciate it. Hopefully you are subscribed as I have some really good stuff in the pipeline right now.

[@matthewcote107]

Right on target. The whole Euro nymphing frenzy has many of us newbies overcomplicating the rig and the techniques way before the basics are solid. Maybe I'm not catching anything because I have the wrong size tippet ring or wrong brand of sighter...? I'm pretty sure I've just not been getting the fly in front of the fish while maintaining contact. Very frustrating nonetheless! Thanks for providing "permission" and encouragement to simplify, give it another try, and focus on the fundamentals.

[@captainkoo]

Agree with all the comments. Outstanding lesson. Clear, logical , practical explanation. You should be on the Mt Rushmore of Tightline Nymphing instruction. Thank you! 🙏

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Captain, appreciate the kind words! Love the Mt. Rushmore reference, that is so funny!

[@captainkoo]

@@redsflyshop you’re a great fly fisherman and salesman! I put in an order today at Red’s for the T and T 2 wt 😜

[@redsflyshop]

@@captainkoo Hey alright!!! Thanks so much. You'll love that rod. Congratulations!

[@johnyorchak5162]

I'm trying to get a handle on "leading" versus "dragging" the nymph. I'm so used to fishing indicators with a "drag free" drift I'm afraid the leading thing is so counter-intuitive I guess I just need to do your exercise of leading the fly through foot-deep water and feeling the difference. Great video as usual.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Johny - really appreciate the feedback and hopefully your leading will be dialed after watching some of the underwater visuals.

[@justal4844]

A d@mn fine video, Joe. I'll probably never fish this way and don't consider it "fly fishing", but no doubt it's an effective presentation.

[@tomvitagliano250]

I feel the exact same way 👍 30:42

[@scottwilliams1041]

Great video! Ive been wrestling with possibly getting into this style of fishing. The one thing holding me back is i live about an hour and a half from true " trouty" water. I know you can overhead cast a euro rig but dont know if having a dedicated rig would make sense in my case. What's your opinion on the kits like SA makes that allow you to euro nymph with your standard overhead rod? My trout rod is a 7'6" fiberglass 4 wt. I know i lack the length but i think it sould be sensitive enough.

[@fairplay3196]

Congratulations, one of the best videos and introductions to the nymphing. One question, what net is that and what size? Thank you

[@redsflyshop]

That is a Fishpond Nomad Emerger, it's great for large fish and fairly handy for the size of the basket. Love that net, here is a link with details. redsflyfishing.com/collections/nets/products/fishpond-nomad-emerger-net

[@lorenreyes2855]

You know I've been following your channel for a while now. I love euro nymphing fly fishing. It's a lot better way of fishing. The adrenaline is twice the fun! I got the All around great Redington Euro Nymphing kit and it's a blast!😊 Unfortunately I got the Sage Esn euro rod! Man nice 👌! I was setting the hook on a nice brown trout. Snap! The second upper broke! Before the intersection. It was sent off to sage. After a month and a half. It's not the fault of the manufacturing? So I have to pay for the repair and probably have to wait another 6 to 8 months.

[@shanemcintyre991]

Excellent video. I've watched this probably 10 times. What lanyard is that you have?

[@redsflyshop]

It's stretchy paracord tied in a knot, and I run the knot through the spools of tippet I am using at that time (changes every time), and I just loop to loop my hemos onto the stetchy cord. DIY lanyard. :)

[@philwistrom9200]

That run looks fishy to me! Great video!

[@StaySaneFishing]

The technique of intentionally contacting the bottom is definitely easier for people to grasp when they are first starting out with Euro Nymphing (due to the positive feedback of "feeling" the bottom/bite), but after getting much more efficient at Euro Nymphing, I've found that it's often better not be in constant contact with the bottom. Instead, I use lighter nymphs and watch for the the "downshift" to gauge if my nymphs are at the proper depth. Keeping the nymphs light enough to ride the slow, bottom flow of current is, in my opinion, the most effective way to Euro Nymph. Trout aren't really bottom feeders so keeping the nymph in contact with the bottom means you could be fishing below trout and missing potential fish. Not to discredit any information in this video since it is great for getting started with Euro Nymphing, but Devin Olsen does an excellent job at teaching a different approach to Euro Nymphing in his videos at Tactical Fly Fisher.

[@redsflyshop]

Oh I absolutely agree with you, the visual stimulus of a nymph coming UP from the bottom is the most effective trigger. Not necessarily laying on the bottom. The "downshift" is so hard explain until you do it yourself. Keeping it skipping or in the layer of "dead" water is the goal. I often run mop flies or Pat's as an anchor, and pull light tension against these shaggy bugs like a water anchor. Not on the bottom, but in that stubborn layer of water near the bottom.

This is a really good video intro that simplifies it for beginners. Just one thing around <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="840">14:00</a> ... Nope comp anglers do not use mono rigs. FIPS mouche only allowed 2 times the length of the rods and it's been like that for many years. Used to have no limitation but that was a while ago after France decimated everyone at one of the world championship and other nation complained so the rules changed. Now the very good thing you did is talking about swinging and animating flies at the end of the drift and making them go towards the bank. Here is the thing, when I've ran out of presentation options on difficult waters and fishing was slow. I'll throw the streamer on and just reposition myself and scout the water until I spot fish, once I confirm where they're holding. Covering water while "euro nyphing" is time consuming like no other technique, throwing streamers and scouting the water goes 10 times faster... I'll often get a lot of white mountain fish and some odd rainbows and see fishy water I can't get to with my "euro" setup, I just switch the fly, go upstream a bit and try my luck with a streamer swinging it downstream. The reason comp anglers are pushing some complexity to their leader and setup is simply to be able to switch from one technique to another without having to swap a reel or change rods but all of that tinkering is taking the fun out which is not the case of recreational angling. Euro style's biggest enemy is actually wind and that is ONE thing that can get you skunked, so turning it into streamer fishing can save the day. As mentioned about the micro leader. Folks wanting to go down that rabbit hole will find out that 6X or 7X tippets will open a whole new world when it comes to bettering their presentation.

[@redsflyshop]

Great comment, thank you for the contribution. Couldn't agree more on many things you said in regards to streamers, covering water, and wind. What I meant by lines for comp anglers should have been stated as "length of mono" not a full mono rig per say. You might run 20' leaders in comp to provide a fine touch, while a newbie might prefer a 12' leader to make the casting easier to learn and line easier to handle.

[@lesterdiamond6190]

Gotta admit I feel lucky having learned to fly fish on a river with a lot of 21 inch plus trout in it. We drift without indicators quite a bit and it’s fun to feel the bottom while you do that. 5 weight js about as light as we go though. Truth is we get into some very strong fish and it’s nice to get them to net and released without being too hard on them.

[@leemiller3179]

Thanks for a great video! Do you tie the sighter tag piece to the leader or can you buy a euro leader with it already incorporated? And if so, will you share a link to it.

[@redsflyshop]

I build my own leaders, it's pretty easy. I should do 4K video on how to build a good leader system and the pro's and con's. The tag material is the result of leaving the tag of a Triple Surgeon's Knot (or blood knot) on the line and trimming it to an appropriate length.

[@JohnnyLudlow]

I love Euro Nymphs

[@rdmctague]

It's counter to the beginning of your video but I do enjoy tight line drifting a hopper dropper. Especially with the mono rig you can fish across seams with contact and no mending if you need the serotonin bump from a visible take.

[@redsflyshop]

Oh yes there is lots you can do with mono "surgical" control right. Good contribution thank you.

[@Damdochax]

Very informative and great video. Joe I love your Spey videos, and have fished with you guys several times (dries) and had great success. I’m sorry but I don’t see this as fly fishing and it’s turned fly fishing into a numbers game and seems to lose the luster of why I got into fly fishing, at least to me.

[@redsflyshop]

I would say don't knock it till ya try it. Took me about a decade to convert, I didn't give it a fair shake. It's not about catching a lot of fish. It's a tool that allows you to get a few trout when dry fly fishing or streamer fishing isn't working. Catch a few, then shelve it or tie on a crawfish and hunt for larger trout. It allows you to present a nymph on a tight, light line with no bobber getting in the way of your feel and control. My experience in working the fly shop for 20 years is that anglers get out on the water more if they are having a little success. It's a good tool that favors the DIY wade angler.

[@captainkoo]

Gonna try this technique on the Green River Monday If I catch one, I’ll send you a case of beer 🍺

[@redsflyshop]

I'll be waiting by the door step for delivery. Thirsty.

[@captainkoo]

@@redsflyshop haha Well I hooked 2 on a bird’s nest but lost them both. Had a slack line and/or didn’t set the hook properly . What kind of beer you like ?

[@captainkoo]

@@redsflyshop and BTW , that T and T makes casting easy . Beautiful rod

[@steelhead6368]

Didn't you say that you want the euro line outside the tip? Have you changed your setup? I'm so confused with whether to keep the euro line past the tip. Lot of guys are using micro leaders and just using euro line for handling or line managing.

[@AMJcookie2015]

Any recommendations on a euro rod for great lakes tributaries steelhead, browns and salmon

[@redsflyshop]

For that application, there is only one rod that I would fully endorse. That is the 10'8" 6 weight from T and T. It's purpose built for exactly what you are after and far as I know, it's the only one. Check it out - redsflyfishing.com/products/contact-ii-euro-nymph-rods-by-thomas-thomas?variant=37579197939911

[@fishfoolishness4222]

No strike indicator? What the he'll do you think a sighter is?

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hello, do you prefer mono or fluro for tippet material? thanks........

[@redsflyshop]

Great question. Both haha! Nymphs, Fluorocarbon for nymphs and mono for trout. You can build out your upper leaders with mono (cheaper) and use FC for your terminal tippet on nymphs. FC is less visible underwater and typically tougher.

[@tredog500r]

I have struggled with this type of fly fishing. Can I just use my 9ft. 5wt rod for now? Thanks.

[@redsflyshop]

You bet, it can be done with a 9' 5 weight as long as you are using a very heavy fly. Try it for now and try to get your hands on an purpose-built Euro rod if you can. You'll immediately see an advantage.

[@JP-dz7zu]

If your fly is bouncing on the bottom you’ll miss a ton of strikes. The top competition anglers elevate their fly off the bottom. Fish will come up to eat and you’ll detect a lot more strikes.

[@redsflyshop]

I wouldn't disagree, but I think most anglers watching this aren't "yet" top competitors. Just folks learning how to contact nymph for the first time or attempting to improve their basic skill set. In regards to missing fish because you are in contact, there is no doubt some truth to that but I think the fastest way to having some success will be staying in contact with a firm lead.

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hello, about how many inches do trout feed from the bottom ? thanks

[@redsflyshop]

Great question. They will feed anywhere from attacking a bug right off the rock using their gills to "vacuum" up bugs, or all the way to the surface. IMO the sweet spot however is within 6" of the bottom in tight line nymphing like this.

[@jmyd83]

👍

[@CentralOSurvival]

Have a bunch of dry and indicater buddies that hate euro....I'm bustin the 10'6 echo out this weekend..caught my p.b. this way a few years ago.

[@redsflyshop]

Yea buddy! I haven't met a single person that has become proficient at tight line nymphing that dis's it. Most folks expect to be easy at first, when it's not they dismiss it. That was me about 15 years ago. Later I was humbled by a buddy and was determined to become at least decent at it. The first few times you lead that fly on tension downstream and it gets met by extreme tension is like a drug. The hookups are sooooo clean.

[@CentralOSurvival]

@redsflyshop and always in that top 💋 lip..you were the channel that got me stoked on it like 3 -4 years ago..then we had some drought and sooper warm water so I quit for awhile.... up here in Central oregon.... redmond bend area.

[@gregdescargar2950]

Is your fly line past your rod tip?

[@redsflyshop]

On my particular setup no, but if you use a traditional Euro line like the RIO FIPS or others, I see anglers make the most progress with the fly line about 12" out the rod tip. They master the cast more quickly, less tangles, and get lots of reps in. Once you develop the touch, catch a bunch of fish, and want an advantage extending your leader to a mono-rig will give you less "sag" in the line and provide greater control. From what I personally witness, that can come later for most.

[@chadfortin9515]

It seems like the appeal of euro nymphing is telling other people that you euro nymph and why they should too.. heck that's good enough for me I oughta start euro nymphing

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Chad, I do it because I enjoy it not at all because of fish numbers. I catch enough using other methods but as far as presenting nymphs - it's just so pure.

[@chadfortin9515]

@@redsflyshop Sorry if I came off as condescending. This video was very helpful, and actually inspired me to go out try euro nymphing for the first time. I'm excited to learn the technique, and I'm looking forward to catching fish with it. Just subscribed, keep up the great work!

[@redsflyshop]

@@chadfortin9515 Thanks! good luck out there. Your comment was pretty funny, like meeting a Crossfitt'er or a Vegetarian. They'll let you know write?

[@chadfortin9515]

@redsflyshop Lol very true

[@k.n.v.b1113]

I guess this us mostly feel even with the indictor

[@redsflyshop]

Yep, tight line and good tugs!

[@wowyummyyy]

L I K E 👍👍👍👍👍 💢 💯 ❣ 💯 💢😻😻😻

[@chrisruef9221]

I wish I lived near your shop. I'd be your newest shop rat

[@redsflyshop]

Ha yes that would be great. It's a fun spot!

[@termite122]

no other way of flyfishing will catch you more trout than euro nymphing..i will always call it euro nymphing..have you played with micro leaders yet? you should if u have not done so..11-12 ft of 8lb golden stren is my leader then attached to sighter and tippet ring...i like to be able to se my leader at times when because of glare i cant pick up my sighter with my eyes...crazy the difference in sensativity..you can still fish any size nymph you want..fishing a single fly is best most times imo..i usually have a dropper tag still on my rig so i can go to 2 flies in a pinch if i see fish rising or come to a deeper pool or run and i can always attach a dry fly to it if i want to dry dropper fish also..so many different ways to do things but once mastered 50-60 or more fish days are not uncommon

[@redsflyshop]

I need to start playing around with lighter mono, we have a big river here and often pitch a leech or stonefly so utilizing a bit of the fly line (thin ESN fly line) really helps with casting big flies. You do lose a lot of touch however.

[@Sam.Nelley]

😂

[@dsmith2601]

Nice centre-pinning vid! If keeping’ it real and using plain language Joe, why not just call it what it is? Gear fishing with a fly: micro-pinning? Nothing wrong with presenting flies with gear but it ain’t “fly fishing” any more than when I troll flies for kokes or folks who do the deep-water stillwater chironomid dangle with spinning gear. I know here in NA we often mock the Brits and their self-imposed, stuffy “rules” like fishing only dries upstream to feeding fish … but I can’t help but think that type of self-restraint, rather than each angler trying to dredge every non-feeding fish off the bottom of every run, riffle and and pool, is a whole lot more sustainable than newbies being able to shortcut a LONG learning curve byKZbin’ing Joe’s primo instructions, get some micro-pinning gear and slay the fishes. Good for Reds business til stocks collapse ….

[@riverwalker2173]

"Euro" nymphing is really just another name for what it really is, high sticking, which is nothing new. High sticking with a fly rod has been going on since the 30s. Hell , Joe Brooks used to high stick very effectively with full sinking line. Personally, I'd rather nymph fish use Kelly Gallups drop shot method with floating fly line. Trout look up, not down. Conversly, all that euro ( polish, Italian... whatever you want to call it) competition fly fishing is a turn off to me. A truly skilled fly angler to me is one who excels applying all four of the fundamental fly fishing methods, dry fly, wet fly, Nymphing (not dredging) with traditional fly line & streamer angling. Now having a fly fishing competition using all four of those fly angling methods, then you got my attention.

[@dsmith2601]

@@riverwalker2173 Great reply!

[@dsmith2601]

@@riverwalker2173 edit to add except for competitive angling … to me, that is the antithesis of what our pastime is about.

[@lyricismlover8345]

I don't understand the need for a "euro nymphing reel" at all. Especially, when I see people pinching the line between two fingers with stripped line between there and the reel.