Joe Humphreys | Nymphing Techniques

Joe Humphrey teaches the essentials of nymph fly fishing. This full-length show was shot in Joe's home region of Pennsylvania. Far more than a fishing show, this detailed video is about this legendary angler who has made a positive impact on fly fishing and people's lives.
If you enjoyed this video, we strongly recommend you check out the documentary film about Joe called "Live the Stream - The Joe Humphreys Story". You can learn more at www.livethestreamfilm.com
One of the great patterns to learn that Joe uses can found here: • Phat and Phunky Pheasa...
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www.thenewflyfisher.com

[@cbut098]

I bet the fish ask for his autograph after he catches them. Amazing man.

[@Jonathan-fc2gt]

I fished with him 3 weeks ago

[@ellederberryblue8377]

Lovely comment.

[@davenotyerb4923]

I remember a few years ago fishing with my daughter at a culvert down the road from our house. There is a huge brown that lives there but it takes off anytime someone gets close enough to cast at it. So one day my daughter had an idea, she said that we should go to the other side of the road and feed our fly through, under the road through the culvert and sure enough, that big brown trout took the fly. I rushed over there and netted it. We took a photo and let it go. It’s still there and a lot of people fish there.

[@stevechristian5268]

Awesome story! Sounds like my daughter and I!

[@Transblucency]

Sounds like your daughter is a natural strategist, which is awesome. It took me years to realize that I do much better when I think through how to approach a swim, pool or lie so that I can present my fly in a way that is going to give me my best advantage. Took me a long time to realize that I had much better luck that way rather than keeping on doing what I was doing, i.e. simply favoring an upstream approach (I mostly fish dry flies because I enjoy it the most) and casting up or across to likely spots. Now I spent a little bit more time observing and thinking about food sources, wind direction, undergrowth, likely feeding channels and lies, water depth, turbulence and clarity, and how best to approach and move through a pool in a way that (hopefully) will ensure my best presentation to where the fish are. Now I just need to learn acceptance; dry flies aren't always the way, no matter how much I enjoy fishing them. Fishing with nymphs and other wet flies has far greater value than the dropper afterthought to which I have previously relegated them. Oh yeah, and how to unlearn my many bad casting habits. Having a strategy for a fishing spot helps me to compensate for any shortcomings I might have in casting technique.

[@johnjhay74]

"It was an ongoing process and I'm still learning at 84" . That is it right there 👍❤

[@flyguy1457]

Legend! The man has forgotten more about fly fishing than I will ever know!

[@davelester3357]

This guy is a national treasure....have learned tons from him over the years. Now I teach it to my boys. Tight lines Joe.

[@TheXeniaman]

I love he still gets thrilled with the connection. It never gets old.

[@englishroundtable]

"I lost him, but I got him"

[@1001SHAD]

I met him once, in Philadelphia at a talk he gave and I showed him a few flies I had tied for the friend who invited me. He gave them a close inspection and told me "I could have used these yesterday." Nicest guy on the water and a real privilege to meet him.

[@johnsmith-em2wp]

I graduated from Penn State, took his class the semester after he retired. Timing is everything they say

[@alanvangorder8145]

@@johnsmith-em2wp damn it

[@ethanbertini721]

Amazing

[@milangradinac9148]

This is a real gentleman, a good man, an excellent fly fisherman, if you listen to him carefully, and with understanding, you're not aware of how much good tips you can pick from the real, true master. I am also an experienced fisherman, 45 years old, from Bosnia, from the age of seven fish in mountain streams. In this gentleman seeing myself in the future, and I really admire him, his every word it is in place. The first time I watch this video, I immediately received a confirmation for some of my personal experiences in which I was not 100% sure. These are some little things that can be read between the lines, but which are often crucial for a good, successful fishing. Max

[@kenankamaric4252]

Milan Gradinac I am bosnian as well. I am just getting into fly fishing. i picked up allot from this video even though I knew quite a bit. Such a legendary fisherman.

[@karenolivo117]

@@kenankamaric4252 all I can do is cry and pray that somebody with some sense will make that Pebble mine thing go away and leave Bristol Bay alone I grew up in Alaska I was lucky I love Alaska and all things in it it's not to be destroyed but to be preserved for my great-grandchildren and my great-grandchildren great-grandchildren please please don't let them destroy Bristol Bay

[@brentalous]

What an absolute boss. Wasn't prepared for those feels at the end!

[@chjamie]

I feel you

[@paulpaul1815]

I got something in my eye too

[@troybaucom2051]

The World would be a better place if there were more people like Joe Humphreys...

[@justinpartington9220]

WHO SAYS YOU SHOULDN'T "DRINK MILK"!!, absolutely a great life for this man.

[@DarthInsomnis]

I’ve been learning to fly fish now for about 4 weeks, and I have to say this man is not only very knowledgeable, but helped me understand better what fly fishing is all about. God bless this man.

[@stonefly4894]

I have studied and learned Mr. Humphrey's nymphing techniques over the years,the downer and upper cast,the tuck cast,adjusting weight, rolling the bottom with your nymphs. All I can say is buy a copy of Trout Tactics, study it , and watch your fishing get a lot more productive. Thanks for passing your knowledge along Mr. Humphreys.

[@dfow999]

This actually brought a tear to my eye, what a wonderful man.

[@austintrenkamp8205]

Agreed, such an inspirational fella whose every bit of heart and soul is in this way of life we all call being a fly angler

[@23v0lv32]

This is one of the greatest clips of fly fishing media. Period.

[@chjamie]

What a man! I nearly cried when he told his resume of his lifetime (at 20:30 ) . He seems like such a great guy! I want to look at my life like him when I am his age and I hope he can catch (and release) trouts until the end of his time...

[@eyeintheskiesdavid9277]

I’m learning from a true legend of fly fishing and thanks to you I’m catching more fish than I ever have in years of fishing thanks very much 🤝🇮🇪🎣

[@thecalfisher]

I’ve watched this video over and over again for 9 years straight. I learn something every time.

[@areess6209]

Finally a fly fishing tutorial where some is actually catching fish. Wish I could shake that man's hand. Thank you sir.

[@randalltom9750]

I’m Sixty-One. And I’ve flyfished over many productive waters for over fifty of those years. Joe Humphreys is a true master. As simple as it may seem, mastery of nymphing is difficult. Ask any golfer, as they face a lifetime of challenge to perfect their game. Yet, it is the love of the sport which makes such toil, pure joy.

[@favirefunnyfarm1043]

I met Joe several times over the years and always told him he made my life better by lightning the fire to fish under me. Always kept me out of trouble and he is right it’s the best therapy ever to hear the water running and the birds singing. Thanks Joe I will never forget the gift you gave me.

[@bellliberty4500]

What a legend. 84 years old with the kneeling, flawless, bow cast, which instantly produces a brookie. So cool!

[@DrJohn493]

...and he's a lefty too! Amazing the shared experiences. Like him, after school, I'd jump on my bike, head to a nearby creek and fish the deep holes for largemouth bass. Only two lures, a plastic worm and a Rapala top water minnow. Years ago, I transitioned to fly fishing and only then did I realize how therapeutic the art of trout fishing can be. Mr. Joe summed up the zen of fly fishing very poignantly for all of us who came to it later in life.

[@istvan_david]

Wow. The world needs more people like him. Thank you Joe.

[@timmcfadden432]

I went to Penn State in the 60's and he taught a baitcasting class. Talk about learning from the Master! A wonderful person with a calm, serene manner.

[@bobdonaldson445]

I’ve watched this video several times and it never gets old. I’ve been fly fishing for over 30 years and the older I get the more I understand everything Joe is talking about. He’s a real treasure!

[@danhewko1093]

I had the Penn State fishing course co-taught by Joe and George Harvey around 1970. Two very knowledgeable and capable fisherman and teachers. Glad to see he is still out on the water. I was fortunate to fish throughout PA and now in NZ, his best advice is to monitor and adjust to each situation. In fly fishing you never stop learning.

[@Bay_32]

Hearing you explain how you fish is so incredible. You think about everything!

[@DGK007]

There are many more learnings here than fly fishing. A true example of a life well lived.

[@TroutbumBlazer]

Ive met Joe a number of times when I was in school at Penn State and a member of the Penn State Fly Fishing Club and while living in State College. Great guy, every time I met him I learned something, he's a natural born teacher. Crazy that he's almost 90.

[@renewenergystructure]

Was lucky enough to meet Joe twice so far at fly fishing symposiums both in Northeastern Ohio and then again over a decade later in Pleasanton, CA. Taking a fly casting lesson from him on the second meeting. He taught us to cast from our knees in order to help encourage a proper loop. He said "You're going to be a good caster some day". (I think that meant I needed a little work) His words were similarly colorful and full of imagery as well as contenting as seen in this video. Fished Sugar Creek, Oil Creek, and Caldwell creek in PA not too far where Joe lives. On my hands and knees I used his bow and arrow cast to get under some hanging fir limbs and managed to hook a decent sized fish which rolled quickly and was gone. Hitting the Sierras this weekend and was doing a little surfing when I stumbled upon this video. Hey Joe!

[@martuni1539]

What a gentleman and master of the art. From the younger generation, thank you Mr. Humphreys!

[@ronaldpurvis4293]

I've admired you for many many year's Joe. We were in State College one evening and went to a Inn on the main street going through State College, don't remember it's name. We learned from the hostess that you were always seated at this one booth. We asked if we could be seated their, she said certainly. We had a wonderful meal that evening and felt so honored 🎖to be seated where you would be. I am also a avid fly fisherman. Keep a tight line Joe.

[@vonhaynes6163]

Why would anyone not give a thumbs up to joe humpherys. He has tried to teach any and everyone how to fly fish to their best ability. Give gratitude to who it is deserved.

[@gregoryc5431]

This was incredible! I've always heard the OG's here in the hills say: the difference between a average nymph fisherman, and a great nymph fisherman is a couple of splitshot!! R.I.P the #goat 🙏

[@paulsnyder681]

Learning from the legend in person is an amazing experience and he is why I got into fly fishing. Love our PA mountain streams.

[@Dieiamgi]

I'm lucky to get to fish with a older generation fisherman who teaches me a lot about fly fishing and helps me get out into the mountains. I just came back from a creek and was catching baby brook trout like he had on this video. They are beautiful fish.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

So glad these legends of the sport are being preserved, and put on KZbin!

[@cassandravasil5057]

this video was the first i watched when gaining an interest in fly fishing. im in my 2nd year of fly angling and recently started tying flies and nymphs, and as joe mentions, studying the underwater species of bait fish and bugs. several times on the water, and during times of no rises or no bites i flip stones and observe the bugs and such. this season has been my most productive on the water catching everything from trout to bass to various species of pan fish all on the fly. thank you joe for sharing your knowledge and inspiring me to be a better angler. and thank you to the new fly fisher for providing us with these informative videos. like joe here teaching the masses his skills, i have 2 children who i take fishing as often as i can and my oldest son who is 6 is gaining interest in fly fishing. again thank you, and good luck to all the angler who view this video and comment. keep them lines tight! - jake

[@Piedscooter1]

I personally in the flesh have studied under the tutelage of Joe Humphreys. His books along with books by George Harvey, Ed Shenk, Charlie Fox, Datus Proper, and Vince Marinaro have shaped my fly fishing life. This video from 20:00 to the end really chokes me up..........................

[@newflyfisher]

Thanks for the kind words and glad to hear you met Joe. Great man and educator.

[@seanearnest]

Very heavy closing segment. He seems like a really great man.

[@maverick120adventures8]

I was lucky enough to fish with this man on Clarks Creek in Pennsylvania. It was many years ago I was a burgeoning fly fisherman he did his dissertation on leaders and nymphs we all listened then we fished we stopped at a good section of pocket water Mr Humphries gave me a few pointers I think I made a few casts and sure enough I caught a fish! I believe from that moment the next five years the only kind of fishing I did was with a fly rod I was hooked for life.

[@ontarioriverguides2084]

That's one of my favorite episodes of the New Fly Fisher. What a privilege to get to meet and fish with such a great icon of the sport.

[@theboy7740]

What a sweet man. I hope to find half the satisfaction in anything I do as he finds in fly fishing.

[@fshng2fish]

Great video Joe. Thanks for keeping the sport alive and teaching many people how to do it.

[@ryanglenn7565]

Outstanding video. Thank you for posting. Mr. Humphrey is an inspiration.

[@LarryLeFoy]

Thank you so much Joe. I really enjoyed the tips and watching you handle your fly rod. Thankyou again!!!

[@dattack1970]

I don't even fly fish but I am mesmerized by this documentary.

[@OtherEndofLine]

I don't fly fish (yet) but what he said at the end of the video really moved me. I hope I can do the same thing. Thanks to Joe and all the people who made possible to let us watch this video. :)

[@23v0lv32]

Oh wow what a spectacular video. His monologue at the end gave me chills

[@wlnlax14]

Saw this video was I years old and got worried he wouldn't be around still. Turns out he's 94 and still fishing 👌 seems like good therapy indeed

[@ericlewis3681]

Great to see an old Master still at it!

[@NHWildscapes]

Your one of the best Joe! Always been one my iconic fishing idols since I was a kid in the 70’s.

[@Brew2626]

Had me in tears at the end, what a legend!

[@terry1965]

I have been nymph fishing for years this gentleman Joe has got it figured out. One of the best fisherman I ever saw. Terry Farrell Lake of the Ozarks Missouri

[@alancarlyon3928]

What a great man sharing all his knowledge with us all! Many thanks as you have taught me a few things!

[@EweCantHandletheTruth]

Joe is the kind of angler that all who fish should strive to be...his knowledge, philosophies and appreciation for the gift that he learned is infectious

[@Mojsinjski]

A legendary video ! Legendary master ! Thank you.

[@AdoNaVodi]

Beautiful message at the end! Great guy!

[@dfzurichch]

Good man passing on all this good information, I started out the same on small country streams and river looking for insects and see if I could catch a fish. What a beautiful time. Well done.

[@KutthroatOutdoors]

What a legend, every ounce of information he gives is a gem and you can tell how passionate he has always been for the sport!

[@keiranrooker7981]

I remember my great grandfather edward Rooker telling me about when he and joe humphry fished together and he taught him a lot of stuff with fly fishing and joe showed my papa some stuff too

[@ptolemy7918]

What a true fisher - beautiful film, beautiful man.

[@milesanthonystaub9435]

I’ve known Joe Humphries since I can remember. My pap and him are in the same rod and gun club in state college on spruce creek. Thanks for treating me like a young man and teaching me tips and tricks that turned me in to the angler I am today. A purely amazing soul

[@newflyfisher]

joe is awesome and responsible for helping many people learn to fly fish

[@DavidJohnson-pn5lf]

I believe I learned more in these 22 minutes than in my so-far lifetime of unsupervised stumbling around in trout streams. But a bit let down somebody else has the bow 'n arrow technique... thought I had that one patented! Thank you, Joe!

[@teacreek1377]

Love the video! Trout, history & education all wrapped into one. Definitely inspiration for our channel. Thanks!

[@caileanmoore2835]

Joe, you're a true gent and such an influence on the young and mature fisherman of today. Wishing you all the very best from Scotland.

[@user-iz7zy7rx9t]

LOVE THIS!!! new to fly fishing and learned a lot from this video.

[@lito_al_booboo]

Amazing. It takes good energy to catch good fish like he does.

[@oleinfidel]

Such a pleasure to watch this great gentleman show us a few tricks!

[@Sport--willow]

One of the if not the best video I have seen on youtube to date! While watching, you can not only hear the love and compassion, but feel it too. Thank you for sharing, it was the exact video I was in need of seeing this morning.

[@newflyfisher]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zackamig4446]

I'm brand new to fly fishing and this was an incredible video. Watching a true genius at work. I'm from central PA and cannot wait to go hit the streams

[@Northy678]

Cheers Mr. Humphrey! What a great video.

[@oceanexploration]

For those who are complaining about Joe lipping trout, I have a couple points to this. First, he does so gently. He doesn't yank them out of the water. 2nd, these aren't particularly large trout. Even if they were, just think about it. Every time you hook a trout, you hook it somewhere in the mouth and the fish is fought, you guessed it, from the mouth. I highly doubt lipping a trout is any worse for the fish than the initial hook set, which does actual tissue and cartilage damage. Personally, I land using a net and try not to handle the fish unless I am taking a picture. Plus I do not have tough thumbs like Joe. Mine would get bloody in a hurry. That said, he catches far more fish. Enough said.

[@JoshuaCrunk]

Totally agree. Quickly and securely lipping a small trout has GOT to be better for it than squeezing it to death while it's squirming, possibly dropping it onto the bank, etc. to get the hook out. People complaining about the way he handled those trout have not actually done much fishing.

[@kevinblanchard611]

Boy your smart

[@therusfosterson238]

With all due respect to Joe (and he is due A LOT of respect) there is no reason to touch a fish when releasing it. Use forceps to grasp THE FLY, turn the hook upside down (so the barb is pointing down towards the water) and gravity gently pulls the fish off. The fish never comes out of the water and is never touched or injured by hands.

[@Ragadadalad]

Watching this two years later, and I first felt uncomfortable about the lipping too. But then I noticed that he always keeps the fish just hanging there vertically. This is in extreme contrast to trying to present the fish horizontally as many do with bass (which have stronger jaws that will do this without complaint to some extend). Regarding the force applied to the jaw, this makes an immense difference.

[@dylanmounsey7515]

Therus Fosterson you shouldn’t even be fishing these creeks with barbs on your hooks bud come on now

[@cuttzizzle]

He's still amazing all these years later. Watched him on Fishing Creek one day around 30 years ago.

[@FlyFishingwithLadin]

This is a classic video...Joe has a heart of gold!

[@charlespalmerii4299]

Thank you for all you have done for this sport we love!

[@BackGuy318]

What a beautiful video. So touching at the end

[@Waxwing66]

Just caught up with this video. So very good, lots of good advice that will work just as well in my fishing waters here in the UK. He seems like such a lovely guy.

[@ChipSpencer123]

Superb video. The short casting stroke, separating the weight and an overhand knot, being flexible. Just what I needed.

[@kerrypitt9789]

The very first Video I ever watched back in the early VHS days, was by Joe I have fished by his advice for many years.

[@PaulKenyonFFD]

A wonderful instructional and inspirational video from master fly fishing instructor and author Joe Humphrey. Packed with invaluable tips and techniques

[@chuckmitchell1707]

Epic video... Joe is certainly a legend of the fly fishing community. His love for the sport and dedication is something we should certainly cherish as anglers. Once you’ve caught a fish on a fly, it is ingrained in your DNA. It is so comforting to see that Joe is so dedicated and sharing to his passion for the sport. It would be an honor to meet and fish with this gentleman.

[@Sveinn1984]

This is the coolest video ever. This man is an artist! Just bought my first fly rod and found the PERFECT channel. The wisdom this fella has!

[@newflyfisher]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@PerfectoM]

Outstanding, I love his passion and love for the sport. Just amazing and yeah you keep catching those trout.

[@davidwisemanii1723]

Just watched his documentary!! I loved it and Joe!

[@fishingscotland3068]

Joy to watch you just starting with fly rod after always spinning nice few tips picked up from you

[@dmetzgarful]

Greatest fishing video I have seen. Really fun to watch.

[@NjordFishingChannel]

Amazing video! Great angler and person! Really enjoy the end of the video! Congratulations from Portugal

[@judydec8996]

Very informative video. Since I'm a beginner he addressed a lot of concerns I had on nymph fishing as far as setup and river current, the rest is up to me, great job Joe .

[@tonymarshall1931]

I enjoyed Mr Humphreys the most! The rocking chair is closer to me than ever before and that's my plan too!

[@luckyloser89]

Wow! What an incredible man, this was such a joy to watch. And with some good advice and a lot of heart I am more inspired then ever to get out into that water. Anyone who's had a lesson from him is truly blessed! I hope i'm this awesome when i get older

[@ome69]

What a lovely man and so healthy for 86, he has a poetic way with words.

[@Tabascorider]

one of the most humble men I have had the pleasure of seeing doing this

[@loudol4]

Thats the best video i've seen. Thank you for it. I love Pa. streams and enjoy Joe. What a Great story.

[@justinmorlock4281]

You sir, are what many of us aspire to be. You leave large boot prints to fill. One day, I hope we can find the compassion and the patience to learn to love one another and teach each other without the woes and cares of today's world. Just fishing and the love of the outdoors.

[@terryduffield5860]

The Undisputed Undefeated Heavyweight Nymphing Champion. I’ve done this stuff for 40 years and he’s a hero to me forever

[@TheEmiliodiaz]

Thank you @ The new fly Fisher for this video, I went back and order Joe Humphreys movie and watched it last night. Such an amazing man, his knowledge and love for the sport is felt. To the new fly Fisher keep uploading videos and helping out newbies like us. Thank you.

[@Grouse2275]

I met him many years ago, have read his books and always appreciated his knowledge and passion. He taught me a lot......great video, great man!!

[@scotsmaninthephilippines1659]

Great video and a truly nice gentleman with so much to offer and a delightfully gracious manner of delivery. I too hope that when I'm too old to tap out a roll cast I'll take to my favorite chair, just as Joe told, and I too will have memories that will put a smile on my old face!

[@henrysiegelson8342]

This video was a revelation. Technique, love of his craft, and elation about a vey tiny catch. Thank you so much for this