Is Euro Nymphing Really Fly Fishing?

[@immanuelcan3310]

What euro nymphing really does, much more than indicator fishing or dry fly, or whatever, is acquaint the angler with the structure and flows of the deep runs. Even if one is not going to euro forever, the learning you get about drifts, speed of deep current, bottom structure, hydrodynamics, and so forth is absolutely invaluable to every other style of fishing. And it catches a ton of fish in situations where nobody else catches anything.

[@immanuelcan3310]

@@paigeloomis You're not in direct contact with the bottom, nor in straight contact with the fish when it takes. Most fish are tight to the bottom, and often just out of fast water, and a chubby can't fish fast water effectively at all. You're missing a lot, and you don't know it yet. If you're happy with a dry-dropper, that's fine. But if you want more, you're going to have to go full euro.

[@immanuelcan3310]

@@paigeloomis The chernobyl ant will create weight on your lifted line. That will impede your contact, and increase things like wind interference and tip drag on the rod. And because the chernobyl is fixed at a particular point, you can't fully follow the bottom contours like you need to. What you need to do is to feel the bottom directly through your rod, and see it directly through your weightless sighter on your line -- if you want to learn more about the contours below. But if you're happy, then hey, be happy. I'm just saying that there's more to learn if you're willing to find it out. You'll also find that there's no thrill like the direct contact you get when a big fish takes. Here's something else: you likely don't realize just how many fish are below your rod tip, or a very short distance out. The tendency is to want to cast out, rather than to explore what's at your feet. And there are more fish than you imagine right beneath your rod tip.

[@immanuelcan3310]

@@paigeloomis Always. Nice talking to you.

[@DouglasLyons-yg3lv]

The problem for me is that indeed it DOES catch a ton of fish. And the trout are getting hammered as a result. One of the better known rivers in my region is very popular with Euronymphers and the fish are often in sad shape.

[@immanuelcan3310]

@@paigeloomis Regarding rods, I favour an 11' #3, but a #2 is even more sensitive, if what you're doing is looking for smaller trout. Moss is not usually a problem in faster-flowing or shallow areas, where euro excels. Even in pockets in the weeds, just dropping the fly in and letting it get down low works amazingly. But if you need a drift, you can always put a small float on, whenever you get to a mossy meadow. The key thing is to keep the fly low, though...just above the moss. And this, you can do by taking a pass or two, and seeing when you get some moss, and seeing your depth on your sighter, and then just sticking to just above that. With euro, you're fishing below your rod-tip, not at distance or on a steep angle, as you are with casting. You can beat the moss, if you're precise.

[@DanieHattingh]

The first time I heard the term "fly fishing competition," I thought the guy was joking. He had a very dry sense of humour. For me, about 30% of fly fishing's appeal is being ALONE on the water somewhere. 😂

[@ThatSB]

Same reason I love how popular the southern catskills have gotten. The northern catskills have been all but abandoned. You can fish the good steams without seeing another person all season. They're all in Roscoe and Hancock! It is insane to me how few fly fishermen you will see on the north side of the range. Literally none most years. I only feel bad for all the shops that shut down

[@joeborgione5477]

I took up euronymphing a couple years ago years and really enjoy it. I also love dry fly fishing. That said, I just don’t understand all the smack talk that euronymphing isn’t fly fishing, and yet a bounce rig under a bobber is.

[@DB-ek5kd]

Years ago the old guys complained that nymphing wasn't real fly fishing. It's just "get off my lawn" style cranky old guys yelling at clouds. Fish how you like to fish and ignore the peanut gallery.

[@HondoTrailside]

All that other stuff was controversial as well. I started fly fishing mid 70s, and there was controversy on weighted nymphs, sinking lines, basically everything. Actually I also rock climbed, and bow hunted, and those activities went into the toilet as land and resource exploiters also. So now the National Park service is considering a policy that will treat drilling bolts as what it is: vandalism. And pro that gets stuck is going to be treated as the same, or at least littering. Chalk should banned also. Greed always wins out, until it doesn't. Fishermen are just one category of river users. It would be easy to come up with ways to disrupt their fishing, like floatilas of boaters, or wild swimmers. rock skippers, whatever... We better smarten up. And none of these other abusers of the environment are actually torturing animals, we are on a thin edge. Basically fishing is a form of systemic littering, and you can get huge fines for that in other cases.

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing and thank you for your streamer techniques which I find very interesting. However, I wanted to point out that there are a number of assumptions that you make here which are just factually incorrect, and usually seem to be made by people who have never actually fished in a competition. Firstly, comp fishing is not all euro-nymphing, far from it. Yes euro-nymphing is definitely a core technique but it is just one arrow in the quiver, a good comp angler needs to be effective at ALL techniques. I fish comps in Australia, and if I could describe for you fishing in the most recent national championships, we had 5 x 3hr sessions, 2 of them on rivers, 2 of them lakes from a boat (loch style), and 1 small lake from the bank. Over those sessions I caught 9 fish in the lakes and 20 in the rivers. The 9 lake fish were all on either streamers or wet flies. The river fish were 11 euro nymphing, 7 on nymph under dry, 1 swinging a streamer and 1 on dry fly. It is not unusual depending on the river for an angler to catch at least half of their fish on dries. I recently did a workshop with 2 former members of the Spanish team, former world champions. Yes they are incredibly skilled euro nymphers, but I assure you that their dry fly fishing is also truly amazing, as is their technique across all the conventional fly line tactics. I don't know about your comp scene over there, but I can assure you that on the world stage successful comp anglers are very well rounded and skillful across all techniques, and will use whichever is the appropriate technique for the water they are given. Comp fishing is not for everyone that's for sure, but from my perspective it's a fantastic way to develop your angling skills, it's a humbling experience, and it's great fun. I've met some great friends and had a blast doing it, I don't understand why people feel the need to put it down when they have never actually tried it. Or perhaps they have, but got their arse handed to them and then never came back, that happens sometimes too......Cheers from Oz! :)

[@OnTheFlyNZ]

Your last sentence about people trying it and getting beat then going sour on it is bang on. Do one comp, get your ass kicked then it’s all “it’s just not what fly fishings about”. Wouldn’t say that if they won it. Most of us got our ass kicked when we started (and still sometimes do) but it’s a great way to keep learning.

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

@@OnTheFlyNZ Haha, true! 😂

[@59BLAZE5959]

Well said Peachy

[@ericoakley4388]

Hey peachy you doth protest too much.

[@jcsfishingadventures8055]

I was just about to write a comment in the same vein as yours mate but you saved me the trouble, I’ve recently started comp fishing down here in Vic and Kelly saying comp fishing is just euro is the most out of touch shit I’ve heard in a long time! Half the comps are lakes so have fun tight lining those 😂

[@amatuerballer]

I compete, and I will say, in competitions I use all methods of fly fishing. Not just tight lining. All the guys on team USA also implore all the methods, it just so happens that often the best method for conditions is tight lining. I got beat in a comp last year by a guy fishing dry dropper. I don’t own a shop so I’d never comment on what it’s like to be a shop owner. My guess is Kelly has never competed, I may be wrong, but there’s a hell of a lot more going on than just tight lining. Half of the comps are on lakes. So you have to understand still waters and different line set ups to get to the fish. You have to be a pretty well rounded angler to be a good competitor. My 2 cents.

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

100%

[@glencamblin]

Well stated. Exactly what I was going to bring up. Lance Egan was winning one fly comps on drys , casting comps and ESPN outdoor games before and during his team USA years. He and all the comp guys are very accomplished Stillwater guys too.

[@northeasternfly]

He’s not saying that they don’t use all four rather that they should be required to use four tactics minimum.

[@amatuerballer]

@@northeasternflyno he’s saying competition fishing is BS. He has a right to that opinion.

[@jpiccola2]

@@northeasternfly You use the tactic for the right conditions. This is no different than any other angling sport. Why would I "require" someone to use a tactic that is not right for the conditions?

[@MichaelBrewick]

Dad tells a story about drinking in a bar in Livingston one night in the eighties, BSing with a couple older locals. On the subject of a huge brown mounted on the wall the one local says he caught it on a royal wulff. "That's right" says the other guy, " you never fished anything else hardly. A size 6 wasn't it?" "Yep. Couldn't ever see those damn little 8s"

[@GABABQ2756]

Fishing is fishing. Get out and fish.

[@jayr7471]

Agreed. No reason to be judging people for how they get enjoyment fishing. I did comps for an awhile and met great people and learned new streamer, dry, and loch style tips so I’m not sure what he’s talking about that it’s euro only. To each their own.

[@HOLYdEYEver]

If you don’t care how people do it then don’t upload the video.

[@MarcTelesha]

Fishing is fishing but tying my own flies is what makes me happy. Fly fishing is my favorite.

[@Piscatorialveteran]

Fishing is fishing. Nice words of wizdumb Confucius. Youre all walk the walk guy no talk about fishing just get out there and go fish who cares about talking? Then what the F!! Are you doing on KZbin in the comment section? Youre obviously from California huh? You’re like I don’t see why there’s never any reason to go outside and fish. In some places it’s below freezing and in some places there’s this thing called “run off” when huge amounts of snow pack melts and huge amounts of water runs off making fishing not worth the time.

[@tudyk21]

What about dynamite? What about telephones? 🐠

[@joshlokan1618]

I have not been fishing for near as long as Kelly, but here is my take...and a story to go with. I should note, I'm not a competition angler or guide. I do Euro fish a ton (tight line nymphing that is) and have been fishing for a long time. I'm just a regular angler like so many of us out there. Hopefully this story, and perspective, will be useful and reduce some confusion and/or anger about Euro nymphing. Maybe it will...maybe it won't. But is has helped others in the past. So hear goes... To start, I agree with everything Kelly had to say and I've had the same question(s) but on the water just as much as at shows and conventions. Based off my experiences, and having had several years of being asked the same question(s), I believe I have come to what I think peoples confusion about Euro nymphing is based off of. It comes more from what I've learned on the water than at the shows. Here is why and a real experience to help illustrate. I was wade fishing and was on a river with a ton of brush. From the car to the water took me 30 minutes. Once I got to the water I ran into 2 guys who were already there. They were very nice despite I had accidentally scared the crap out of them. The brush was so thick that I wasn't able to move up or down river without having to retreat back in the brush. Turns out they were floating in a boat and said they were just wrapping up and I could fish once they were done. Very cool of them, and so I sat on the edge and waited. I sat on the side and watched as these two fished. Both were indicator nymphing. Their cast was fine...just a water load, but their drift was terrible. Both had constant drag on their lines and they would pick up about the time their line would get in front of them. This of course never gave enough time for their flies to reach any kind of depth (plus the drag). Well, they finished and both reeled in. They went over to their boat, put their gear away, and then invited me to start fishing. So I did. I hoped up and un-hooked my fly. They both immediately said the same thing. "WFT??? Not another Euro fisher!!!" They went on for a bit.... I waited and simply said, "yeah I know. It's got a bad reputation with some people." They seemed to appreciate the comment. So I started fishing. First cast, on the drop, and virtually right where one of the men had been fishing, fish on. Both men lost it! They couldn't believe I caught a fish on the first cast. I reeled it in and then they called me over to their boat and began rattling me with questions...same questions Kelly had been describing. Only difference is that I had demonstrated this techniques effectiveness right in front of them. I won't go into it so I'm not writing a novel, but I answered all their questions. Ok, so my point. Their concerns, and I find this to be with everyone, is that they had heard Euro nymphing was this ultimate style of fishing. They also heard that is was the best/only way to catch fish on a regular basis. They didn't have ambitions of becoming competitive anglers, but they were very concerned with if they were going to have to use Euro nymphing tactics in order to catch fish! This of course is non-sense. Like Kelly said, all 4 main forms of "fly fishing" can, and will, catch you fish. It is situational based (this is a deep conversation) and is dependent on the anglers abilities to fish that particular style. I have learned that angler ability (or lack of) is the cause for "fear about Euro nymphing" simply put. To wrap up my story....what did I do then? I showed them how to catch fish with their indictor rigs. I got one of the gentleman to land a fish, and the other to hook one but didn't land it. I then told them they should look into Euro nymphing, but reminded them that it was simply just another way to catch fish. I also reminded them to practice their indicator fishing. From there they got into their boat, offered me some bug spray (which I took them up on), and they headed down river. Euro nymphing is not to be feared, cussed about, or whatever. Will it be another "flash in the pan" with popularity? I don't know. I'm still going to fish the technique regardless. It is simply another way to fish. Lastly, I really value something I've heard Kelly say in his videos for years, and I find he is exactly right. "The more arrows in your quiver the better you are." Best saying I've heard about fly fishing. Just keep learning and keep fishing! You da man Kelly! Cheers!

[@johnr153]

Nice response. I use traditional fly gear, Tenkara, and ul spin gear and go back and forth between them to do it all. Euro Nymphing is similar to drop shot techniques and has been practiced for at least a 100 years that we know of.

[@rzwerlein]

I first learned about euro/czech nymphing over 30 years ago, from my business partner. He described it and I said, sounds like what we already do🤷🏼‍♂️ both of us were against inductors but did use a bright orange mono off the line, and had already just used the line as a sighted basically. Why we were successful was making sure we “got bottom” and then backed off. Of course the drift was also paramount. Fast forward and my love was renewed after 20 years and my new fishing buddy asked if I euro nymph. I said, Czech nymph?? Sure. Then he asked what set up I use……that’s where the differences stood out. And it doesn’t matter how you fish. It’s a free country, but FOR ME, I took what I wanted from the “new age” euro nymphing. I like barely ever having to add/remove drop shot, I love the extra reach for high stick situations, but if you can’t roll cast at all, and you can barely overhead cast in general, then 🤦🏻‍♂️🤔🤷🏼‍♂️ my solution was a 2 wt line. Maybe a 1wt line even? I keep a strict spool with euro line in my pack in case I find a unique hole, but I have not used it yet. Another thing I realized is that my lead was too slow!!! The horror that I missed so many fish in the past, and I didn’t realize it🙄🙄🙄 but seriously, it has helped. My hybrid type set up works MUCH better for me! I typically have a dry rig ready too, but can fish all styles on the 10 footer…..in the end, catch em up with your friends and enjoy being in wild places brothers 👍🏽💥👍🏼👏

[@howardcrostonflyfisher9227]

A big fan of Kelly and his straight talking views, of which in the main I agree with and one of the few I can listen too at length. This one I’m afraid is a bit wide of the mark for me and if serious shows a lack of knowledge of competitive fly fishing . “Euro” is one method that is wildly used in competition and when practiced at a high level is in some aspects more difficult than a lot of methods that utilise more fly line . Outside of maybe the top 10% of anglers in the US at least, “Euro” in the states seems to some degree to have become slinging overweight flys and even shot / indicators on all mono rigs- a long way from its roots and all prohibited under the rules in an actual FIPS event. The fact is that at world and Euro level , to succeed you need a high level of ability in all aspects of fly fishing , including being able to adapt to non game fish like Chub / Dace or common European whitefish . It’s as far from a Euro nymph world championship as you can get. The part of this post that probably pushed my buttons the most is the divisive nature of it - one group of people who stick hooks in fish for fun one way throwing bricks at a group who do it differently, a very dangerous path these days and very prevalent in the comments. If at some point the “Anti’s” come for our right to fish they won’t distinguish between a Comp angler who thinks he’s the best in the world because he can flick tungsten , a spider swinger who thinks he’s morally superior because he sticks his fish on cane or a meat chucker who occasionally makes them wear it when they didn’t eat it, they will come for us all as “sport fishers”, and in some countries that is sadly much closer than we think . On a different note I’ve called into the Slide inn about 10 times in the past hoping to meet the man himself, think he’s been fishing every single time…. Probably Euroing the S##T out the Maddison 😂

[@komando8365]

Here here!

[@Taylor-zq1ki]

All he said was not to get stuck fishing only one style, and you took that very personally.

[@howardcrostonflyfisher9227]

@@Taylor-zq1ki Not at all , my only objection is to the misinformed comments about world level competition . Maybe for genuine reasons , maybe to be inflammatory or maybe just badly edited and a bit misleading, either way uncharacteristically inaccurate for mr G. I don’t expect everyone to “like” competition angling but in an ideal world I personally think all anglers should stick together rather than taking shots based on an opinion or a preference. Doesn’t really change my level of respect for his significant contributions to the sport but equally I’m entitled to my own much more experienced opinion when it comes down to whats required at world level and its 100% not just “Euro”. Still hoping to meet Kelly in person one day.

[@mikehulsey4813]

Gentlemen, Mr. Croston knows what he is talking about for a fact! I understand why he may have taken this a bit personally, however, he has some very valid points, and has every right to his opinion. A well rounded angler and especially an angler that just loves to fish will fish with a shoestring and a fresh cut limb in a mud puddle after a fresh rain just to keep it honest! I myself fish any and all methods I can to just enjoy my time on the water, sure I have my preferences, but that doesn’t mean the fish will always eat what I’m throwing, and being somewhat intelligent, I switch it up. I agree 100% with Mr. Croston that those that would take away the rights to fish absolutely will not differentiate between one specific type of angler over another. Mr. Croston, if you read this, I would like to thank you for your contribution to our sport as well, absolutely in love with my Hardy ultralight rods and my Hardy reels, by far some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of using.

[@andrewvoorhees4062]

Euro is widely used in competition in part due to the current rules of fly fishing competitions. With that said, there are times when getting deep, regardless of how you do it, is the best way to catch fish. I agree with Kelly that I would love to see a competition which included some of the other styles that get left off the table.

[@jaymcgann6637]

Hey Kelly, I've been trout fishing for nearly 70 years. I'm down with what you said. The best fly fisherman is a ten year old kid with garden hackle because no one is having more fun. When I was 12 I was looking at a collection of wet flies and I was sure the names gave them magic. They're still magic,

[@neiltravis2396]

Thank you Kelly. Great take on this way of fishing. Never been a great fan of competition in fly fishing. Have a great summer.

[@CO-PE-123]

I couldn't agree more. Euro nymphing reminds me of nymphing before strike indicators, but the flies and leaders are different. I try to master each kind of fly fishing and have fun doing it.

[@sergtang5593]

I wanted to know more about fly fishing competitions so I went to see a competition that was taking place here in Canada a few years ago. It’s certainly not my type of fishing but I have a different look at those who compete. They used several techniques, several types of flies and managed to catch fish where local fishermen did not. It was in reading the river, their knowledge, the quality of the presentations, the precision of the casts that they impressed me.

[@judecharette4537]

Its funny because some euro guys like George Daniel say something similar about fly fishing. George said that euro nymphing can get in the way of beginers develpment because it's so effective. They won't want to do anything else.

[@1Stewman1]

Damn! You really poked the bear with this one! Thanks for loads of great tying vids and for being honest about your opinion,

[@travisquillen7082]

I fell in love with swinging wet flies in MT. I live in CO and was wondering if the technique is specific to certain areas or if it can work wherever it is executed properly? Had so much success in MT and haven't been able to crack the code here in CO.

[@ryancoleman1]

It works everywhere. Especially streams and rivers where there are more bait fish in the river... just my opinion.

[@sjohnson4882]

Sure, I am a Colorado angler and wet flies work great in Colorado. Try soft hackles, perhaps a partridge and Orange (sizes 12 & 14) or a peacock body with a dun hen hackle (sizes 14, 16, 18) A Tiemco 100 hook (and others) is fine with this. When you get good at that, try an upstream wet fly technique.

[@jakefronckowiak]

Mr. Gallup. I enjoyed your comments in this vid and agree with most. But, there's always a but right..lol! As a tyer of euro flys, I do put soul into it. There are many "standard" patterns, and I honed my skills there. As you grow as a tyer, you learn where you can add or take away. You start to envision the bug, as it drifts. My stonefly imitations have become works of art to me. And the locals who want them, can't find them anywhere else. They do have soul brother. I guess it comes from just being a guy in a little place who ties. I enjoy all the disciplines of fly fishing. I also tye trolling and bass flys. Soul is all of them. Thanks for all the cool vids. I live in the Catskills of NY. Get to do it all here and love it. If you ever get out this way maybe we can hit the river together. I have a page on FB called Rock Bottom Fishing. Check it out if you get a chance. Tight lines!

[@hansziegler6698]

I'm really trying to figure out where all these comments are coming from. Did any of you listen to what Kelly is saying, or do you not like the the title of the video? All he says is that he doesn't like the flies, and it shouldn't be the one representation of competition fly fishing. I believe he has enough clout in the world of fly fishing to have these opinions, and I tend to agree with him. He's not judging anyone on how they're fishing, and neither am I. Fishing is fun, do what makes you happy. Just wanted to add that when you're euro nymphing, you're not casting or mending. These are two skills that are necessary to all other types of fly fishing. You can get butt hurt about that, but it's true.

[@wylde-lyfe]

Spot on, love the varied comments too. Make it a multi-level thing including Euro, Stillwater, and Tenkara, watch people lose their s**t. Why does everything need to be competitive?? What floats my boat is the variety of places, fish, and the art form that fly fishing encompasses. My former father in law was British, fished cane, used silk line, tied his own flies. The effort that produced his eventual catches and the peace it gave him doing it inspired me to try the sport. I now do as much of it as I can get away with, and I realllllly enjoy floating as well (both rivers and lakes). My winters are spent joyfully tying, trying new methods and materials, reading and watching fishing videos. Might we also include multiple species fishing in a world champion competition? Say for instance saltwater, pike, bass, carp? I agree with Kelly about it being whatever suits your mood, just go do it, get out there, fish and enjoy! Good grief, get a grip folks!

[@DPM-dp9on]

Agree or disagree, I appreciate Kelly’s blunt honesty in his opinions. Fish the way you want to fish, don’t be a sheep or care about what other people think.

[@w8coach]

I think that euro flies do t carry the same artistic and impressionistic qualities. Let’s face it, fly tying is an art form. I got a euro set up last year and went out with a friend that is renowned in the western fly fishing world like you, Kelly. He showed me how to euro nymph and I immediately caught nice fish. But it isn’t where I began my journey with fly tying and fishing so I’m back to drop shot nymphing with flies that have soul! Thanks for all your awesome content!

[@edhughes1891]

The comments about the championships are kinda naive. I’ve seen guys in competitions fish all disciplines. The idea is to catch fish, and they use what is needed.

[@donaldflemming1007]

100% agree. The elite competition guys must be well rounded to be successful. Not much different than competition bass fishermen in that regard.

[@shawnbrevik9759]

It’s actually ignorant of him to make that statement without knowing more about competitions. They actually do fish all styles. The Spanish are some the best dry fly fishermen in the world. Not to mention it’s not just all river fishing. They fish lakes as well.

[@RoryLynott]

Kelly is pissed and I'm laughing my ass off right now, 😂😂😂. I'm intrigued by the loch competitions. Looks like a ton of fun if you ask me.

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

@@RoryLynott Loch style comps are great fun, give it a go! Lakes are way harder to read than rivers, so many factors to consider and we succeed or fail based on our decisions on the water. It's also a really social way to fish, you get to share a boat with plenty of other anglers and learn a lot. :)

[@mariuszwroblewski8905]

Obviously you have never seen fly fishing competition

[@damonm7541]

Can't help but chime in. But first, a disclaimer: I have nothing against competitive fly fishers, and acknowledge that competitions cultivate some exceptionally well-rounded anglers. I recently took note of the words of John Atherton regarding the nature of fly fishing, as it was, in the early post-war period of the late 40's. One detail he mentions is that fly fishing was inherently not competitive. I think that speaks to the nature of the criticism regarding the modern world of competitive fly fishing; there's something about it that is contrary to the roots of the sport. There's something about the fixation with catching as many fish as possible in a given session that challenges tradition. I own several euro rods and enjoy keeping up with the pace of innovation in that arena, but recently, while waiting for a Hendrickson hatch to come off, looking for rising targets with my dry fly rod, I watched a euro nympher work a run above me and it was an interesting vignette of the controversy. He waded quickly through water that would soon hold rising fish to hammer a swift run, quickly taking 3 fish before moving on. In one way, it's the fishing equivalent of driving around with your middle finger raised. I get it, I've been that guy, and likely will be again at some point. But as I get older, and spend more time on the water, I realize more that I'm a steward of a tradition. I'm a steward not because I choose to be, but because everyone who picks up a fly rod and attempts to fool a trout inherits the stewardship. I don't fault the euro nympher who fished above me or begrudge his chosen method and timing, but I do hope that from time to time, he picks up a dry fly rod, or swings a wet fly, or nymphs with a tastefully named, bead-less classic.

[@jeffersonstowers5321]

Personally, I’m not at all interested in competing when fly fishing; for me, it goes against every reason I go fishing. But, I will say the nymphs used in Euronymphing have been a revelation for me: the less crap I attach to the hook the better. What could be more simple than a Wallts Worm? But it catches more fish (for me), than anything I’ve ever used.

[@jeffersonstowers5321]

Absolutely agree with both your points. Especially the beautiful simplicity of the Euronymph flies. Last year on the Fryingpan, a river where supposedly match the hatch is essential, I found a nonbeadhead Walt’s, or any Perdigon, would catch fish almost nonstop.

[@69adrummer]

Same can be said for those distance casters!! Yeah...guess it's cool you can shoot that far and make the goofy stance ....but can you cast with accuracy and catch fish?!

[@komando8365]

Winter sticking around pretty long in MT looks like! 😂

[@Mt406-savebs]

Winter never started in Montana this year. Rivers will be closed, go to Colorado.

[@bradywilliams2666]

@@Mt406-savebs Sorry we are closed to tourists this yr, also.

[@jeffgore1603]

Learning how to Euro Nymph sometimes is the difference between a good day and a bad day. It is really a good tool for catching trout it’s the way flyfishing has evolved.

[@DB-ek5kd]

Guys with modern graphite rods and flies tied in Sri Lankan sweatshops whine about "traditional fly fishing". It's all a joke.

[@pakfrd7887]

What 10ft 4wt should I get to fish all kinds of tactics for western rivers?

[@philwistrom9200]

I really enjoy my Wiston Super 10’s in both 3 and 4wt.

[@paigeloomis]

I have a Hardy 9’9” 4 wt ultralight. It’s terrific for dry and dry dropper with a floating poly leader. Small to medium streamers too. I really like the extra length on big rivers. It’s only 2.5 oz.

[@danmcwilliams6781]

When started into flyfishing as a teen, it wasn't at all about being in any competition to catch more fish. I found it hard. I caught less. I didn't like the crowds jocking for position to catching stringers of stockies. Fishing the hard places that had fewer opportunities with methods that fit the natural circumstances of that moment on a stream opened up a life time persut for me. It may sound foreign to some when I say I had the best day fishing. I didn't catch anything but I experienced .......

[@Ericbyhookorbycrook]

Same, great comment. I'm going through a very similar experience. Only I just passed one year fly fishing. At 49. I got tired of the numbers game. I'll take one beauty wild brown and a creek or river to myself over a year of catching my limit on stocked fish. Tying my own only makes those great days even better. I have been fishing forever. But I have trouble even talking about fishing with some folks these days. Numbers add up to nothing. I have a mega rich brother-in-law , and all the numbers he has in the bank never changed the fact that he's an a-hole. Lolol. Part timers only show up in April around here. Just ride it out. 🤘🏻

[@RoryLynott]

150 percent agreed. I'll take the adventure, the exploring and the overall experience any day over numbers of fish.

[@julienthiriet4638]

Well thos are somewhat valid points, but don't lose in mind that some of us get numbers on wild fish 😜. My point of view is. Number are what they are. Some days you catch over 100 fish's ( yes all wild) and that is fun because it allows you to work things out like how to work the fish, land them properly without harming them to much. And yes we will talk about thos great fun day for a long time 😅. And for me a day like that basically meant that the fish were out eating and I cracked the code. Some day well they don't eat and things are tough 4 or 5 fish's wouldn't be that bad. Was that a bad day ? I don't think so. Hoping for better for sure. But after all it's fishing. I spent the day out in my happy place anyway. Well comp fishing is for me the same. With a small variation. Yes of course number counts, but numbers aren't only related to how you fish on river. They us aswell were you fish and obviously it's fishing so a luck factor. What comp fishing is giving me is a feedback on my capacity to adapt to the fish. If I catch 2 fish's in 2 hours and every one else is catching 15 to 20... well I'm either the least lucky angler in the world but more likely, I didn't find the best way to fish that session.. it's giving you feedback on how you fish. Plus you meet people with the same passion and share knowledge and approach. It just great funn. And winning? Well it's great feeling but let's face it. You don't win thos comp because you are the best 😊, just because you are a good angler that day and got lucky with finding fish faster than others and had a good stretch of river that you exploited properly. Some day it will be on dry. Someday, it will be nymphing but whatever works for you 😅

[@Ericbyhookorbycrook]

@julienthiriet4638 I was pretty much talking about the powerbait brigade, wormers, or what I used to do with little x-raps and such. I got tired of it being easy, so I turned the page. I hope to at some point start having 20 fish days on flies. Dries, when I've gotten it right, have made magic a few times. But I'm definitely not there yet. 🤘🏻

[@georgehirsch9152]

Thanks, I don’t feel so old or opinionated after listening to you.

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Well you certainly got everyone stirred up.🤣 Well done! Best!

[@ksl4380]

Fantastic! Kelly should start the Fly Fishing Olympics! Hold all kinds of events even for us "Non purists" that use tiny streamer dropshots with Euro rods and mono tightline it through a run. Making things competitive sucks. It's just fishing folks. Have fun, learn lots, and watch out for the Terrys and Karens of the world!

[@PaulKing-h9m]

I think what you’re not grasping is the fact that many people like to fish. Some love it and some are obsessed. Those of us that are “passionate” or “obsessed” are the ones that strive to be called “the best”, and there has to be a competitive angle. Not only that, but people who think that all we do is “Euro Nymphing” have no idea what competition fishing is. You can’t be “good” at one thing to win, you have to be great at all disciplines of FF to even have a chance of qualifying, which is still a long shot. After becoming great and well-versed, you still need to stars to align in your favor. You don’t get it, that’s okay, but to think that people are competing for any other reason than they love it is small-minded.

[@paigeloomis]

@@PaulKing-h9mI’m very passionate about fly fishing. I’m constantly experimenting with fly tying, rigs and everything in between. But I feel no need to compete or be called “the best”. My challenge lately is a small group of young ff’ers at my job that I’m mentoring. I get a big kick out of that. 😊👊

[@mistertwister1816]

My competition occurs when I’m alone and change techniques to fully explore a section of stream. Fly bouncing bottom. Fly in line or on dropper 6” from bottom. Fly on float/indicator that rides up against the vines/branches along an undercut bank. Streamer at tail out of pool. Dry fly on top, emergent just below. No one technique reaches all these places. That 1 extra fish you catch when you change makes the day sometimes, not just because it’s another fish, but because you learned something catching it.

[@jasonbeary5771]

Having taken up Euronymphing, I find it almost fly fishing. It's closer to doodle-socking, dapping, Tenkara. It has nothing like the wave-action and flow of throwing fly line. It's quite different.

[@irideaduck939]

I've read several competition reports from the World Fly Fishing Championship and the events included both river and lake sessions. On the river the competitor carries multiple rods with various set-ups including, nymphing, dry dropper and dry fly. For the lake the competitor could be on a boat or located along the shore, again carrying multiple rods with different line set-ups. I'm not familiar with local competitions, perhaps they are only river sessions. Kelly seems a bit uneducated on these World Fly Fishing Championship events and how they are conducted.

[@julienthiriet4638]

Yep he have no clue and just make competition angler looking shit 😂 good job.

[@skyleawood2649]

Although in the competition anglers may choose to use whatever style within rules, the focus is on number of fish caught. I understood Kelly's point was to also add the dimension of technique to be used and have focused sessions for each technique. This nuance would tease out the most well-rounded angler.

[@irideaduck939]

@@skyleawood2649 One could also make the argument that the best well-rounded angler would be the one that selects the best technique for the conditions. While the count of the number of fish in the World Fly Fishing Championship more greatly influences the anglers score, length is also a factor adding additional points. I myself want to become a more well-rounded angler so I took Kelly's Streamer class last fall ... imagine the stories that he tells every night while you are having dinner with him.

[@julienthiriet4638]

@skyleawood2649 the thing is what defines a comp angler skill and quality isn't winning one comp but been always within the top end of every comp. If you look at top level comp anglers like French, Spanish and other constantly good nations the reason why they are always good. Is because they build up they adapting capabilities. Doesn't mater what technique, what species is targeted ( stay fresh water in the matter as never been involved in salt water I can't speak ) they will be at the top most likely. They are all good at nymphing for sure. But have a look at the last session Pierre pulled out on past year world cup ( video online) you will realise most of us comp or not have a lot to learn from thos guys that managed to master all techniques. Doing good once you need to be good in one thing. Doing good all the time you need to know it all 😅

[@OnTheFlyNZ]

Big fan of Kelly’s videos and love the comment that perdigons don’t have soul because it’s true and hilarious. Though just straight up wrong on the idea that the top comp anglers are one dimensional. If you are really good at euro and not good at other methods you will get your ass kicked at worlds. Everyone at worlds is good at nymphing, it’s adapting and using other methods at the right time that separates the top anglers from the bottom. Could even go as far as saying that comp angling forces you to learn and get really good at every method. You can do okay at a regional level nymphing but if you want to be competitive at worlds or consistent at any level you are forced to excel at all methods. Also each championship has at least one lake session (usually more). Every comp angler has to be good at Loch Style fly fishing which is arguably one of the most traditional OG styles of fly fishing and goes back centuries. A lot of the people saying comp anglers are one dimensional probably don’t even know what loch style fly fishing is or only fish rivers. But one of the coolest things about competition fly fishing is you don’t have to like it.

[@bobmorgan6333]

Dunno what Lough Fishing you do mate but many of the Lough patterns used by the top Anglers are more modern than the Perdigon. Most popular Lough Flies in the early 90's were generic Irish and Scottish patterns. Rarely see any of those anymore.

[@PeachyFlyFishing]

Well said mate!

[@daver1959]

I use the mono rig for tight line nymphing. And streamers. And dries. You have to be versatile.

[@skyleawood2649]

I agree with the comments about the fly fishing competition. Although competitors may use multi techniques/disciplines, the focus on numbers is unidimensional and forces most to choose euro nymphing technique. Fyi...you were right...i'm now geeking out on trout spey but using one-handed technique and a 3wt sage esn. It's a blast! And thanks, Kelly, as always - your euro trash hippie friend from Phoenix !

[@jaredklein3930]

Yeah but for some reason my euro set up is not working to well in my lake sessions even though I'm chasing numbers.

[@philwistrom9200]

I took up Euronymphing a couple years ago and really enjoy it. But I also really enjoy indicator fishing and when a hatch goes off, I’m fishing dries.

[@Pwrcritter]

My mentor was a classic wet fly and nymph fly tyer. So that's what I learned. I'm learning euro techniques now. I feel it's important to be a well rounded fly fisherman.

[@seanl1054]

Aup and greetings from across the pond 🇬🇧 Firstly I'm not a competition angler, I'm not good enough. I am a pleasure angler who follows the match scene purely to improve my own knowledge to help me catch fish. Some of the best naturalists I've had the pleasure of meeting are competion anglers who have an uncanny ability to read the water and the enviroment around them to help them catch fish. Not really sure what you guys & girls get up to your side of the water but we can fish all different disciplines many times a day folliwing the fish up and down in the water column. There's no point fishing a weighted nymph if the fish are taking drys and buzzers in the top 12 inches of water. It's the ability to read and anticipate the environment were fishing in that makes good anglers. As the purist would say there matching the hatch. Its just the hatch usually starts at the bottom of the water column. Tight lines all 😊

[@mikelundrigan2285]

I had a small booklet, maybe 30-40 pages I bought back in the late 60’s or early 70’s. It was about flys and tying em! In that book was a description of a weighted jig fly method which he fished with a long ultra light spinning rod not a fly rod. One of his favourite flys was the Gimp which he tied on a lead weighted # 12 or 14 jig hook typical of the period! So it did not start as Euro Nymphing but as ultra light open faced spin fishing! He claimed it was very effective and showed pictures of multiple large trout he caught as evidence! It is a matter of opinion if it is more effective with a fly rod! I think an ultra light open faced spinning rod may have advantages? Your choice!

[@chaoyang9080]

I absolutely agree with him. Apart from the type of flies, whether or not using fly lines would also affect the outcome. Mono rigs offer greater advantages in nymphing, sometimes in streamer fishing as well.

[@ChrisTuller]

I dunno about the opinion on competition. Am I not a ski racers if I only ski gates, or only ski x-country? Do I have to compete in DH, GS, XC, Jumping and Biathalon to be a complete competitor? I like that fly fishing competitions exist, just as the Kayak Bass tour exists too.

[@redlight93]

I euro nymph a lot. I also indicator nymph, streamer fish, fish hatch matching dry fly fishing, mouse at night, swing flies for steelhead, fish poppers for smallmouth, etc. I think a good point is made that being pigeonholed into one tactic (any tactic) and using that tactic exclusively, limits you as an angler. Everyone fishes for fun and different people have fun doing different things. However, someone that is a great euro nympher but doesn’t know how to do much else is not a great angler, they are a great euro nympher. Someone who fishes exclusively with streamers is not a great angler either, they are a great streamer angler. Point is if you want to be a great angler (or maybe the term well rounded angler should be used) you not only need to know how to utilize many different techniques but also when/why to employ them. That is what has been lost today for so many and euro nymphing is merely the latest single focus craze. A decade ago it was guys that spent every single second throwing big streamers on a sink tip but didn’t know how to fish a dry or setup a nymph rig. The problem is not any one technique…..it’s the exclusivity of only knowing one technique.

[@robdeddy2133]

Well stated, with you 100%. I also believe that when you add in the fly tying aspect of this hobby we all love so much, it follows suit. A “well rounded” fly tyer also has skill sets with Euro-style nymphs, dry flies (traditional Catskill and more modern), wets, and streamers. But again, if doing just one thing brings you joy on the water, please please have it, all the power to you. Peace and love!!

[@self-taught_angler]

You realize that it is a slippery slope to define an impossible good angler, right? Are you a good angler if you didn't catch a lot of fish in saltwater? Not just Atlantic but Pacific too. How about alpine lakes? Or are you a good angler if you have not done Siearra Grand Slam? Are you a good angler if you cannot spey cast to 90' on both shoulder?

[@conorlinehan4434]

This video is what I’ve learned over I would say the last 3 years. I’ve worked on many techniques throughout fishing, and love exploring new places because it requires you to fish differently.

[@mariejulien6596]

Do whatever you want, feel free to experiment, have fun and most of all enjoy being outside, not paying attention to social media drama ... ❤

[@daveschlom4033]

I really appreciated this take by Kelly. As a fly angler, my thing is to fly fish in many ways and have fun. I like drift boat indicator nymphing, dry flies, swinging using my trout spey rod and stripping streamers and tight line nymphing ala Ted Fay too. It's ALL fun when applicable to the water you are fishing. I like moving water best but really have fun on still waters too. I like FLY FISHING...You are a great role model Kelly. I choose to follow your example!

[@DB-ek5kd]

It's not real fly fishing unless you arrive by horseback and braid your own line from the horse's tail.

[@RWW124]

Anyone know what wetfly Kelly presented in the beginning?

[@Fly_Fishing_Fool]

Hahaha love it! They have no soul! Also, you should host a competition for the 4 disciplines! I could think of no one better, and the location in SW Montana would be quintessentially perfect. Like hosting the ultimate fly fishing competition in the Mecca of fly fishing.

[@thewiseacre]

There are still plenty of elitist fly fisherman who think nymphs are essentially cheating. There are fly fishermen out there who think if you're not tying your own, you're cheating or somehow not really embracing the sport. This dismissal of Euro nymphing is just another chapter of the same boring book, where people who catch WAY more fish are somehow less sporting than "purists" whose rules are only meant to keep others away. While you guys are out there fishing, I'll be more than content to be catching.

[@ThatSB]

None of that is the same. Euronymphing does not require a fly rod. If it doesn't require a fly rod it isnt fly fishing

[@thewiseacre]

​@@ThatSB I'm curious how people ever fly fished before the advent of "fly rods". I guess floating line is cheating, too? Thanks for playing, friend.

[@ryry854]

@@ThatSB Euro nymphing is actually most successful using a specialized fly rod. But I can probably dry fly fish with a spinning rod. The line is more important - if you use only 6lb leader on the reel then getting a dry fly out could be an issue, but you would still be able to flick out any weighted nymph. So are we saying that because you can flick out nymphs with a spinning rod then nymph fishing isn't fly fishing? So only dries and streamers are 'true' fly fishing?

[@jeffreyarthur3780]

Competition breeds innovation. You can thank competitive angling for recent innovations in fly tying, stronger tippets, better leader systems, redesigned rods to handle light tippet, etc.... You don't have to like competitive angling, but you may want to realize that you are probably benefiting more from competitive angling than you know if you've purchased anything in the last 5 yrs from a fly shop. These things may not have started in competitive angling (it's not lost on us that JH was doing something similar before most of us were even born), but learning about competitive angling helped my fishing tremendously without ever having to enter a competition in my life.

[@SFCascade]

I am new to fly fishing. And generally confused on why/how euro nymphing is so much different than just swinging a wet fly?

[@mc10ant]

They aren’t restricted to just euro nymphing in the competitions. They are expert in all aspects of fly fishing and have to be to be effective across all of the different water types and conditions. The perception that competition fly fishing is just based on euro nymphing is wrong. Innovation in our sport is awesome. Let’s not get hung up on the wrong things.

[@brandontc229]

Kelly talking nonsense. Dude doesn’t know shit Comp fishing is all styles and lake fishing. You can’t euronymph lakes Kelly. Don’t know why he made a video presenting incorrect information to people.

[@flydryriver4966]

The truth is you can put a euro nymph on a spinning rod with 4lb braid, a fluorocarbon leader cast it out a mile and catch 100 fish, so it’s not fly fishing in my books at all if that euro nymph is on a fly rod. It’s the same as people who say double hauling isn’t fly fishing because you can’t catch fish in the air, well I love casting the fly line to the backing all day long if permitted and when it counts and you need the perfect cast on a rising fish I have it covered whereas these other so called fly fisherman mess up that cast because they basically can’t cast in the first place, I don’t need to catch 100 fish in a day (I can but fly fishing is so much more and most people miss out on that point) End of story.

[@SuperReefdog]

The people who euro nymph constantly have no idea what to do when trout are feeding/rising and you’re catching fishing after fish and they always yell out “what are you throwing to them?” I tell them “a organic orange nymph, you better put one on” Hahaha I agree just because you can cast something out on a fly rod doesn’t make it fly fishing.

[@goldenland6106]

I am not good at casting so euro nymphing makes it easy for me to catch fish. Is that so wrong? Yes I get your points that a euro nymph can be cast on a spin rod so maybe it’s not fly fishing in a traditional sense, but it’s still fun!!

[@flydryriver4966]

@@goldenland6106 you answered you’re own question, euro nymphing is NOT fly fishing.

[@flydryriver4966]

@@SuperReefdog I couldn’t agree more. These guys (euro jiggers) have no idea what to when fish are feed on emerges for example let alone putting In perfect casts one after another. And they are always the first to ask “how are you catching them”? “Or what fly are you using and do you have a spare one?” But these same clowns will then proceed to ask you “how many fish have you caught today?” Then they go ahead and say “well I out fished you then”.

[@edwardchavez5627]

💯👍🙌 I totally agree and very well said Sir. Thank You.😊

[@todd_2692]

Where can I find that blue book? Whats the title?

[@bruceacphoto5240]

ALRIGHT!!!! KG posting up in the paint & going hard to the hole. I am definitely on board with the " no soul" view......SOOOOOOO KG🙏 As usual, some very well thought out and articulated views, All from one of the leaders in his profession w MANY facets to his impressive leadership mojo. Don't go changing Dude👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@onemorething100]

Where I Live dry fly is like 10 percent of the time. Should I just throw for hours just to look good? Is streamer fishing "Real" fishing?? Whatever catches fish is what you do.

[@cuttlefishpie3731]

How about fly fishing micro spoons?

[@mladenv5311]

I respect your thoughts about fly fishing in general.....I like streamers, wet flies, nymphs and of course dries as the best way ever......don't know about euro fly fishing competition rules but I definitelly know that you can fish all those types of fly fishing on euro style.....you can go nymphs, dries, dries -dropper, streamers or wet flies.....pick your weapon and let's get it on! Many people are thinking of euro as just nymphying technique .......wrong! You can fish euro in all those way above....I tried it and it was a lot of fun...... I am a classic fly fisher from the beginning and I still fish all those ways........the best thing is - I decide today I am going dry fly and I go......I can catch one or none, it doesn't matter I had a day at the water with my favourite stick in my hand......I like to be on the river, get that feel for it, watch the water or say better read the water and get one!!!!! That makes your day complete! I don't have to catch twenty or more of them....I just need the one that I was aiming for.......pick your weapon and use it wisely and don't damage the fish population......tight lines dudes!!!!

[@flyfisherer4337]

Ya know what we need more of in this country?……Division. More of “us vs. them” more of “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Makes perfect sense. Go out and fish and quit worrying about what everyone else is doing

[@vincenttrzeciak878]

I dont use a rod or reel any more. Just line in my hand with whatever fly. I call it caveman style lol.

[@stevef2624]

careful, the purists will say that's no bueno

[@playhouseinthewoods6103]

This can only be called caveman fishing if you use wild horse tail hair or the strands of tail hairs collected form a pure blood brahma bull on the first 5 minutes of a total eclipse. And they must harvested with a stone knife. But if your not a purist then just some mono you picked up at wallie world with the flies of your choice then just enjoy 😁

[@mvsc-k5e]

i put on my stork beak and squat stream side, ready to plunge my face into the water

[@dougkeiser9406]

I’m sure lance egan, Devin Olson, or George Daniel could all give Kelly a run for his money in whatever discipline

[@Wogger46]

Doubtful. I would put my money on Kelly 100% of the time. If you don’t think so you don’t really know who he is.

[@Wogger46]

Truth be told Brandon Soucie from Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt Colorado can out fish Devon, Lance or anyone else all day

[@DsmeclanNoonan]

I don't agree with what you said because in the 2023 word Flyfishing Championship in Slovakia the eventioul world champion was also using dry flies , I've see it on videos ,in the worll Championships top anglers can fish any method that is most Suitable to the beat they are on.

[@martinhodell8465]

I agree with the preference for versatility. But the same critique could be levelled at bobber fishing with fly line and 9' leaders. (nevermind Euro). Consider this: A stout (e.g., 20 pound Maxima) 25 foot mono-rig can let you contact nymph, fish dry-dropper, streamers, or even just throw dries. That's actually way MORE versatile than many fly-line based traditional styles. So we shouldn't necessarily think the old ways are the best.

[@louied6065]

Great post . I clinch knot my mono rig to my floating fly line, for when the occasion rises.

[@stephenkutney9626]

In skeet competition they shoot four guages for overall champion. Why not for fishing?

[@rolandlabriejr690]

Well said just be a well rounded angler love your channel your always straight and to the point

[@eriksey81]

I couldn’t agree more. I personally fish all aspects of fly as well. There are days one one discipline is better than the other. I do like to tight line, also like to use jig streamers as well on my “Euro” rod. As for the competition aspect, the fact there is even fly fishing competition is foolish to me. But that’s my opinion.

[@craighamley3669]

If I'm out fishing on my home river (the Truckee in California and just across the Nevada border), what I use depends on my intention for that day... I can, and sometimes do, fish dry flies on the surface, but all I'm going to get are babies 1-2 years old... If I want to catch anything big, like a fat brownie or mature cutthroat, I have to get down deep to the slower moving current along the bottoms of deep slots and pockets. When the Truckee is running at 4-600 CFM, or like last year when it was nearly 900 for practically the whole bloody summer, the only way you're getting down there is with a "soul-less nymph", as you put it. If anybody thinks it's cheating to high-stick nymph fish, then come try wading out into the cauldron and I guarantee you'll change your mind in a heartbeat... Not to mention that novice anglers (regardless of their technique) likely kill many many of those little 1-2 year old fish that they think they're releasing unharmed. I'm not out to call anybody a cheater (even the fat cats who can afford a guided drift boat)... I just want to see the rivers respected, protected and effectively managed so that my kids' kids will still be able to go hook a monster and feel the thrill that brings.

[@dylanwilliams213]

Just was nymphing in Bishop CA, and then was on the CA delta fly fishing with a spinning rod for bass, b/c my fly rod broke ... still had a blast. Fishing is fishing from the "purest" form the kookage it takes to keep going. Just have fun and set a hook 😂

[@jeffersonjensen7249]

It’s a different type of fishing. You don’t need fly line, rod ,or reel to fish euro style nymphing. Fly fishing to me is the art of the cast. The weight of the fly line is what will propel the fly to its intended target. In Europe, tight line, french, etc. you are lobbing a weighted nymph up stream and keeping contact. Similar to a Ned rig in bass fishing.

[@lesgrosshans2266]

Finally someone says the same I've been saying its not a fly fishing competition it euro competition.

[@jeremyhamilton6113]

Couldn't agree with this video any more. Love it Kelly.

[@davidhanni208]

OK, Fly Fishing competitions aren’t strictly just euro nymphing . Some guys carry 2-3 rods with different set ups .

[@waynehanshue712]

I’m with you. And as far as pictures of my fish if don’t want to believe me on what I landed I don’t really care. It’s my satisfaction.

[@richsadowski312]

i totally agree im not a big picture guy . Ifish for my self . been fly fishing over 60 yrs like the old ways, don t like tournament fishing or hunting ....

[@2por2a4d]

I have no problems with euro nymphing. I started out traditional fly fishing (and was mediocre at best) before getting big into euro nymphing. I did euro for a good bit of time, but I now mostly do traditional fly fishing now. Having done both and having gotten really damn good at euro nymphing (I'm talkin 50+ fish days consistently), I have found that I just enjoy the whole process of traditional fly fishing more. Honestly, what I have learned from euro nymphing (in particular about depth and depth management with nymphs) has actually significantly improved my success with nymphing on traditional fly fishing setups. I still enjoy euro nymphing on occassion. That being said, I find it odd that Kelly would mention bass fishing in particular yet hold his opinion about fly fishing competitions with regards to requiring the use of multiple fly fishing tactics in fly fishing comps. It's akin to saying bass competitions should require anglers to use every type of technique in bass fishing (of which there are countless methods). Some bass anglers win competitions using literally one technique the entire time, and we are talking about multi-day tournaments. Kelly claims his qualm is with calling trout fishing comps "fly fishing comps;" however, I get the impression there is more to it than that. What he said early in the video about the nymph having "no soul" is likely more in alignment with how he really feels about euro nymphing. To an extent, I can understand the opposition to euro nymphing because of how far away it is from the roots of traditional fly fishing. However, the fact of the matter is that the quiver of fly fishing techniques/methods has grown, and that's just something that will have to be accepted, much like how it is with bass fishing.

[@TroutDaze]

Hard to argue with Kelly here…and I predominantly tightline nymph. It’s something I’m aware of for my own fishing…be well-rounded, try other things. It’s gonna come down to not packing the gear to tightline…force myself to do the other things more often.

[@barry4fish19]

In Missouri, what is tied on the end of your line defines what kind of fishing it is. A single hook Rooster Tail is considered a fly here, even if it’s cast with a spinning rod. A fly tied to a Tenkara rod is considered fly fishing too. Both are legal methods in fly fishing only segments of trout waters. I realize it’s not the same everywhere. Sure maybe competition needs more specific definitions, but none of us should really care one way or the other, it’s just fishing with a variety of tools and methods. Same with so many other topics on YT, if we get caught up on it too much, it will take the fun out of it.

[@davidveilleux4688]

What ever floats your boat . Me personally would rather dry fly or streamer fish.

[@MrJTime]

I bet the pros fishing those tournaments could outfish Kelly in every single discipline and tie way better flies. They are better all around fly fisherman than he (or most of us) will ever be.

[@Wogger46]

Love Kelly, it is nice when people actually have a true opinion rather than trying to kiss ass

[@BJJ_Jim]

It’s semantics. Kelly would most likely be ok if they called it a tungsten bead fishing competition or just a fishing competition. To call it a fly fishing competition I’d have to assume he’d want the rules to say no weight can be added to the hook outside of wire used to create body segmentation. I’d also assume that he’d be fine with adding weight in the form of split shot to the leader to get the hook subsurface.

[@mvsc-k5e]

Kelly woke up today and chose VIOLENCE.

[@RoryLynott]

I wouldn't go that far. Violence? That's a hilarious thing to say.

[@Fishlicker98]

@@RoryLynottbuddy this ain’t literal it’s a saying

[@RoryLynott]

​@@Fishlicker98😂😂😂😂😂I'm not from your generation😂😂😂😂😂😂now violence is a saying😂😂😂😂😂

[@roblacitinola866]

BAHAHA!!! Yup, old mean angry white guy!! LOL!!! Kelly's a legend!

[@mvsc-k5e]

@@RoryLynott yep just a little joke is all. kelly as gentle as a kitten (except when dunking on the euro bros which is also a thing the kids say)

[@ironlung7146]

Respect always being real.

[@andrewstager1378]

There can be competitions with any number of ways of keeping score. Any number of events. If you don’t like comp, make a new event. “I don’t care at all, but also it’s a crock of shit and I hate it” is … certainly a take.

[@rustbeltwilds837]

I euro nymph with a 7 ft ultralight and 4lb test spinning rod ..very effective🎉

[@johnnylightning1491]

But it's the best damn burger in the world. Maybe you should start the Slide Inn fly fishing competition. In my world I really don't like fishing competition of any kind. I my world it's about the fishing not necessarily the catching, although the catching is nice. I can get all of the fish I want at the local fish monger, but I can't get the the sunrises or sunsets and the experience of being out in nature, in the city. Keep the good stuff coming buddy but next time tell us how you really feel.🙃

[@RealHipHopLives]

I have been fishing for 4 decades. One thing I have noticed is most fly fishermen are elitists who look down on other types of fisherman. Many salmon fishermen are the same way, thinking they are better than anyone who fish for trout, bass, panfish, etc. And I work at a fishing store, most of them are salmon fishermen, and store mostly focuses on them. And many of my managers and fellow co-workers think they are some big burly manly men who only fish for salmon, and look down upon anyone else. And they go out of their way to treat customers like crap who don’t fish for salmon. I just tell them to go to Bass Pro Shops, because my employer thinks they are too good for their money. Eventually, the store I work for will go out of business. Sales drop year in and year out.

[@lesbridges3460]

Same as Texarkana! Just tie some line on a telescoping fishing pole. It is not fly fishing. It does catch fish but so does a worm on a pole.

[@MelvinHymas]

Part of the fun of fly fishing is figuring out what the fish want. You shouldn't exclude anything just because it's a fad or something like that. I was given a worm pattern once and was told to try it. That thing say in my fly box for nearly two years. I was getting skunked one day and I thought well it can't get any worse. I tossed that pattern out and I started killing it. Try new stuff out you might find it works.

[@jimholland1592]

Well said, hope everything is going well stay safe and enjoy life☕️☕️

[@davecollins6113]

I don't really know a lot about "style", the competition guys have some interesting gear ideas, some have some interesting "knowledge" and theories. But, all comes down to what fish you are pursuing, getting out to different environments, tossing a line in the water, andyou either have it right, or don't. Plenty of times the "experts" get it wrong too. If you put something that looks edible in front of a fish and it is in the mood to try it out, that's all you can ask.

[@paulebennett9342]

Thank you Kelly I agree with you

[@Courtney-mo1qp]

I used to downhill ski race and people gave us sh*t too. “Ohh you and your weird spandex suits.” “Oo you make too many turns” “Oo all you can do is carve.” “Skiing is supposed to be fun and free!” Well guess what, I like to go fast, I like competitions, because I have a competitive nature, and nothing else quite gives you the same rush as competing. Nothing. I miss it, as much as I love skiing powder and backcountry now and drinking beers on the porch. You just learn to ignore it all. But I’ll tell you this. Almost all big mountain skiers, and professional skiers, that you see getting sponsorships, were former ski racers at some point, because their technique and foundation is SO strong, they can easily move to other disciplines and excel. The thousands of hours spent on snow, the years focusing on technique, getting coaching, examining video, perfecting your form, the way it forces you to learn to ski under ALL conditions, from October to May, is pretty hard for others to catch up to. Competing creates excellence where recreation does not, that’s the nature of it. You can for sure make fun of it, and know it’s not for you if you don’t have a competitive nature, but the versatility, foundation, technique and skill formed for competitors is still above most.

[@jodypower4606]

They do fish multiple disciplines in competitions though Kelly, including lakes, so it is more than just euro

[@davidpolk8676]

Kelly was looking for the subscribe button to be hit. I think he just got a few more on his take on euro nymph fishing. I personally love that he is a no bull shit type of guy. That being said I will be on the Madison in July euro nymphing my ass off along with drys indicator and yes I will hook a brown on a streamer in July 😂

[@frankyaun]

Not all euro nymphers are light in the loafers, my friend says he isn’t, but he’s a Ga Bulldog, so that makes his claim suspect…

[@jayr7471]

If it gets you on the water away from stress, do it. Who cares? I agree with the comp thing, because I did it for a year and got burnt out on trout and switched to fly fishing for crappie, walleye, etc. However, many comps have lake venues thrown in and on rivers, many anglers utilize dry/dropper and streamers too. It’s not just euro nymphing. As far as the flies, “soulless” flies catch fish just the same. The pattern is for the angler’s enjoyment more than the fish. If you find joy tying intricate patterns, cool. If you want to use simple ones and just catch fish, cool. Again, who cares? If it gets you out there on the water and gets the blood flowing, more power to you.

[@RoryLynott]

Agreed 100% on warmwater species. I love trout as well, however there's too many people on the rivers where I live so I'm more into stillwater.

[@wayway872]

I was totally ready to disagree with Kelly but honestly he makes a good argument. I would love to see an all around tournament style.

[@Dream-season]

Never change Kelly!