Most Simple Nymph Setup EVER // Breaking the Rules!

[@baileyboy5253]

My God, this was such a relief to watch. This is how my grandfather taught me decades ago but like so many of us as an adult I have let myself get caught up with the latest approach, the latest trend. Refreshing to see someone saying, it's OK to keep it simple.

[@fluxcapacitor05]

That it is. I'm pretty sure it's the industry creating these "trends" to push product sales. Same exact thing happens every 4-6 years in the shooting world.

[@407instructor8]

I have caught most of my fish with this technique. I just started doing it when I was new to fly fishing and didn’t know what I was doing. Thanks for a great video.

[@PAwader]

The swing gets them all the time!

[@brettneuberger6466]

This could be my favorite tip EVER. Fish up with a dry, fish down with a single nymph - keeping it so simple! Thanks!

[@redsflyshop]

Ha YES! Simple is good. It won't always work but don't overcomplicate things. Start basic, work up from there.

[@jamesbrede8700]

I gotta say joe , you are a HELL of a dad !!! No more said.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks James, we have misadventures at times but we keep our foot firmly on the gas haha! This means the world, thank you.

[@dsltrb]

Kind words James!!

[@imagingconcepts]

Rules really are overrated!! I really enjoy your content but it’s your passing the gift to your kids that has made me a fan, excellent work!!

[@soopernate]

Thank you for bringing back an old school technique. Refreshing and nostalgic at the same time.

[@mikeclement5383]

Bro... I never knew any of this stuff. I never looked online or fished with anyone that told me the correct way to nymph. I always just use a single nymph on my line and swing it like a streamer. I'm totally relieved this is way to go. I will say... I lose a LOT of nymphs to the shale bottom. Edit: I just started watching fly fishing videos because I finished all the THP videos and tried some fly fishing variants. Total mind blow seeing all the different methods and setups.

[@silvercreekflyfishing]

This opened my eyes. One of the reasons I love fly fishing; no rules. Definitely gonna try this on the deschutes this weekend. Thank you for your knowledge, it helps noobs like me improve every day.

[@redsflyshop]

You bet I love fly fishing, and helping out anglers every chance I get!

[@richarde1355]

Yet another quality Red’s Fly Shop video! Beautiful water, Joe. So fun to see your boys fishing with you.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks, those boys have become fishing and hunting fanatics. Loving the outdoors here in the PNW.

[@ozangler5642]

G'Day Joe, Great to see you out fishing with your kids--priceless moments for all of you. I recall many years ago catching my first stream trout on a swung wet fly. I need to get back to more basic presentations as you suggest. Swung wet flies and nymphs have caught fish long before fly fishing became burdened with rules and snobbery. When our Victoria, Australia streams reopen in September, I think I'll swing nymphs and wets and see how I go. Wading downstream has to be easier on my legs than battling upstream against the current. On my last river trip with a mate before COVID19 reared its ugly head, I slipped and got dunked twice after the current threw me off balance even though I had a wading stick. Dodgy knees and shoulders-- getting old is a crock but , I guess it's preferable to the other alternative! Thanks for this advice. I enjoy all your videos and look forward to watching more. Cheers, Steve.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Steve, good luck when the streams re-open there! We appreciate the kind feedback very much.

[@briankelly6113]

I've been doing this for decades, I always thought I was doing things wrong (while I catch a lot of fish). I take it one step further though, I'll strip 8-10 feet of line off the reel and feed the fly down stream quickly after the swing. It ends the whole cast like a 8-10 foot dead drift. This really does work. To heck with the purists who criticize it!

[@redsflyshop]

Good tip, you are following your instincts well done! The strike indicator has pretty much become "the law", this breaks the law haha.

[@infinityflies484]

I too have fished like this for a decade now. Never even tried strike indicators lol when that fly starts to swing and rise Brook trout smash it 🤣

[@RogueSteel]

Used this same exact method to catch my first trout on the fly. Kind of just figuring it out as I go and this felt the most natural.

[@gregtarris9057]

I found the technique you mention especially effective on land locked salmon in Maine. I guess the fish watching the fly suddenly sees it pass buy or move downstream and pounces on it.

[@ghice64]

Hey Joe, Love your videos and love the beginning of this one with both your boys hooking up on a Rainbow and then talking trash on who's the largest 😊 ... I actually fish this way all the time when I'm Euro Nymphing ... 99% of the time I allow my drift to swing to the end and rest there a few seconds ... It's amazing how many strikes I get at the end if the swing ... Great video and wonderful advice ... Tight Lines from Tennessee 🎣

[@gbossaboy]

When I was a kid this was referred to as the "Leisenring Lift" often used with wet flies and soft hackles - the key being allowing the current to pull the leader tight and raise the fly through the water column.

[@Netherflyfish]

Couldn't agree with you more. Extra fun with a tandem of flies. Let's keep it simple.

[@paulcolson3220]

An ole doc I used to fish with had about as much patience as these young fellas probably do and fished nymphs the same way and with much success. His mantra was “I just want something jerking on my line. Don’t care about the fancy stuff!” Great video.

[@smau990]

This is the content I want to see. On the location, actually showing how it's done in compact form. Thanks!

[@ljr1515]

Great tip. I fish like this all the time. I typically take one rod, a 5wt and interchange between dry flies and nymphs often. My favorite setup has been a 7.5’ 3x tapered to a tippet ring then 3x, 4x, or 5x tippet. Sometimes people get intimidated with the highly technical setups and this proves that simple works just fine. 👍

[@redsflyshop]

That is a good idea with the tippet ring, it would make putting a chunk of Fluorocarbon and a nymph on pretty easy.

[@Khaosgardenz]

How's that tippet ring do with your dries especially smaller ones does it drag them down at all?

[@ljr1515]

@@Khaosgardenz I haven’t seen a significant issue with the setup, but I do tend to hackle my flies pretty heavily so I may not notice the weight of the ring. The tippet ring is also a good distance from my fly.

[@Khaosgardenz]

@@ljr1515 aweee gotcha I don't tie my own flies so I rely on the fly shops

[@sdriza]

Once I started using tippet rings, I haven't turned back - dry flies no problems

[@mikekrol7485]

How many people have stumbled through fly fishing without these great shortcuts? I see them daily. Thanks Joe. I learned the value of the swing empirically. You could have saved me much time. Great vids.

[@robt979]

Moyie kicked my butt yesterday for dries, so it’ll be nice to have this tactic for those small fast riffles. Thank you for simplifying.

[@manacass]

This technique helped me to crack open fly-fishing secrets. I was hesitant to buy a fly rod for a very long time (and I was spin casting only for years), but when I finally bought this was the way I caught my first trout on a fly. Now... I prefer no indicator at all, to be honest. Thank you very much!

[@redsflyshop]

Excellent! There is a time and place for indicators, but it's not a steadfast rule that you need to follow like many instructional lead us to believe.

[@gregtarris9057]

I do this all the time. I prefer a fly like a bead headed woolly bugger black and about 2 feet behind size 20 zebra midge. I think the big fly attracts fish ( they sometimes take it) but then they see the midge as easy takings. I have also used a soft hackle as tail fly very effectively. Thanks for the review!

[@redsflyshop]

Good tips, I like that setup and a great way to hunt for some larger fish or use a heavier fly to get the little one down in the zone.

[@cachi-7878]

One hundred percent agreed! This is how I fish 99% of the time because as you said it’s easy, clean and a heck of a lot of fun. I don’t like using strike indicators or weights to get down to the bottom. I’m lazy but I also like the purity of the system with just your nymph and nothing else. I might not catch as many fish as others might with different setups but I think I enjoy it more and that’s what matters to me. Which river is this, Joe? It looks like the Yak but it cannot be cause you’re wading.

[@PenAirPilot]

Reminds me of your "Streamer fishing on a floating line" Video. That has been enormously productive for me and I love your vids, Joe! Keep em coming! Thanks for the advice and happy summer! -Cheers from Montana

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words.

[@ericfreeman5795]

Thank you. You're absolutely right, it does compare to the streamer on a floating line video. I love this way of flyfishing. One fly, not multiple. No weight nor indicator. No dropper that gets tangled. Just one fly and one fish. More sporting, and teaches you more technique. Simplicity is perfection. Keep up the good work.

[@Midge1k]

Great for streamers as well - a pause after the end of the swing is a necessity . Great tip for nymph fishing thanks

[@redsflyshop]

You bet, thanks for the contribution. Good reminder.

[@bassinsquatch8503]

Bringing back old school, was taught this way in the 70's and always fish like this.

[@ianatkins1213]

Love your 5 minute tips. This is a great way to cover a lot of water.

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you! Yes, fast and efficient!

[@davee8133]

Here on the Central Pa spring and limestone streams, swinging flies is still a thing because it works!. Good Video!

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks!

[@chrislock208]

Brilliant tip! So many vids over complicate with little or no thought to those of us who have yet to have mastered or tried this style of fishing. Thank you so much! 👍🍻

[@redsflyshop]

You bet, fly fishing gets "foggy" the more we talk about tackle and technique. Best to find the most simple strategy, start there, then move on.

[@davidburnham794]

So a water load and just fling it back upstream. Elegant.

[@719angler]

It’s called a roll cast noob😂

[@davidburnham794]

aidan kirk are you sure about that?

[@brookmelee5983]

@@719angler Calling someone a "noob" as an insult shows how intelligent you really are. You must have had a fly rod in your hand as an infant, right? There is no casting in nymph fishing, only an ugly mess. You might as well just use gear.

[@CoachEd78]

aidan kirk roll casting is next to impossible with a euro leader.

[@flairball]

Yup. It’s fast a water load, and then a drift. Looks like a combination of high sticking and swinging wet flies. Certainly no roll cast involved. The bead head fly gets the fly down in the water quickly in that fast water.

[@mickeyjamison1085]

Wish I'd have known this technique for fishing in CO this past weekend. This would have been super helpful. Fortunately, I'll get to go again soon.

[@redsflyshop]

Well now ya know and you'll likely spend a lot less time rigging. Hope you had a nice trip!

[@mg-by7uu]

Joe my friend you are one of the only people I've ever seen mention this. I caught a rainbow and a cutthroat at the same time doing this a while back. I swing all my nymphs downstream. I'll use either two nymphs or a nymph dropper and soft hackle point fly.

[@eugenesheridan6268]

Eugene, I do this all the time with North Country siders👌

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks Michael, isn't that weird? I think we fish "on paper" or computer far too much! When you are out there in the trench sometimes simple combat maneuvers are the most effective!

[@billkennedy8795]

I agree this will work, especially with younger smaller trout. I have less luck employing this type of tactic with larger pickier trout. I find i need a drag free drift over the seam at a perfect depth and speed to catch the nice ones.

[@redsflyshop]

Agreed yes, the larger fish often won't come up in the water column into swift currents to grab a nymph. A euro style presentation will dig 'em out very well though.

[@tonyhunter6397]

Excellent point, people want to enjoy fishing, make fun and effective, they will be part of the community before you can say fish on.

[@davyjones922]

Another great day with the boys. As a dad i can say theres nothing better than a day fishing with the kids. The best tip i ever got when i started nymphing was to just associate it with fishing natural baits,worms,eggs etc. Concentrate on a natural drift and line control keeping the bug in the sweet spot and just read the line for any suttle take just like baiting. Its sounds so crude and basic but its worked and its the tip i give to anyone i fish with that wants to start nymphing

[@gregtarris9057]

Yes I even hold the fly line in my left had (I am a righty) to feel the nibble as if I were using a worm.

[@grantsmittkamp1757]

Love your teaching style. Great tips

[@corndog8183]

Love your quick but awesome videos- great to learn while on my lunch break. Awesome tip and keeping it simple for those of us working on basic skills- that’s what I need as I am learning stream fishing. I will definitely be using this technique. Can you elaborate a little more (or refer me to a previous video you may have made) about the dry fly fishing going UPSTREAM?? Would love to know about that also! Spokane, WA

[@mattokeefe691]

I had success on the swing fishing last week in the Bow here in Calgary

[@chrisowenuk3792]

Simple and effective, excellent video, really enjoy your videos. Thank you, tight lines

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you Chris!

[@enjoyphill2623]

I'm just happy to see you so happy man.

[@Rick_Cheney]

This is my preferred nymphing set up. Floating line, nine foot leader tapered to 5 or 6x. Tie on anything from a 16-20 style euro jig nymph. Let it swing and hold on for the big one..

[@redsflyshop]

Simple. If it works, keep it pure and the leader free of extra BS.

[@johngetz8585]

I like your video and I agree. This old-school nonsense is just that. Many many of us have never quit the standard non indicator nymphing. Some love the bobber.. especially the newbies. It's not necessary if you take the time to learn how to properly Nymph fish.

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

Hi. I drifted into they style myself. It's basically swinging a wet fly I guess. I agree≠≠indicators are a ain. This method is clean and I love the simplicity. I can;t bothers with two flies .The simpler the better. Thanks for the posting. :--) And yes. lucky boys! :-)

[@seansherlock9047]

Joe your videos are always informative and entertaining. Thanks.

[@bentpolski]

Good Old Tight Line High Sticking. I've been doing it since 1973.

[@jasonriede6056]

I love outlaw nymphing I didn't know I was an outlaw or a rule-breaker😃 that's why those guys were giving me the stink-eye I have a hard enough time just tying the fly to the line I love a single nymph strike indicator reminds me of bobber fishing 🎣 keep it simple and fun

[@redsflyshop]

Agreed, at times fishing no indicator has great advantages. Likewise, sometimes an indicator is essential.

[@Riich87]

I’m looking to get into fly fishing this looks much easier

[@Daw231]

Nice! As a beginner I’ll definitely try this.

[@redsflyshop]

It's a great way to simplify, get that fly in the water and not get bogged down with complicated indicator rigs. You may work toward that eventually, but sometimes not necessary.

[@Daw231]

@@redsflyshop Great I’ll order some nymphs and stop avoiding those riffles. Thanks!

[@marchurlbert586]

Uh, yeah -- It's called the leisenring lift as I recall...

[@redsflyshop]

Ok cool, I am going to call it that from now on. Makes it sound more special.

[@kodyryan5694]

It's the guys name it works great with caddis mergers to

[@steveharper6104]

The Leisenring lift is really directed at fish you see feeding and you stop the rod tip from swinging and following the fly. Stopping the rod tip with tight line lets the current force the fly up in front of the feeding trout. It’s like forced stop at an known target.

[@christopherperisho4819]

Loving these videos and that you’ve got your boys involved!

[@byronc7284]

I just asked the guy at my local fly shop if this was possible. He said no, I need an indicator. Glad rules are meant to be broken.

[@jamesmccreery250]

I love this style of nymph fishing!

[@westyjah]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@redsflyshop]

You bet, good luck out there I wish you the best of success!

[@jamesmccreery250]

This is the method I grew up using, only with lead weighted flies rather than bead heads. It works great in low water slow flows as well.

[@redsflyshop]

Fun and simple, if it works don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be right!

[@jamesmccreery250]

@@redsflyshop I don't have time to complicate things in between catching trees and rocks and falling in the river!

[@redsflyshop]

@@jamesmccreery250 That is awesome, thanks for the light hearted humor. These make my day!

[@57Adventures]

Dude….great video.

[@redsflyshop]

Appreciate it! Thanks!

[@MrCinnamon123]

Nice video

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks, appreciate the watch and comment. Good luck out there.

[@edwardcowan7012]

Good advice

[@redsflyshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Keith-nu3di]

How do you do this in a small river with 245 flow with rock base and vegetation? I am new to fly fishing and am trying to Learn.

[@redsflyshop]

Well I think that river is about 245 ish, similar, when you say vegetation are you talking about weeds and such in the water?

[@TheFlymanJim]

Good work again Joe.

[@Northerngulf]

I want to social distance in a cool river with my sons and scrappy trout.

[@h00k32]

Other than the rod length to get some more distance from the fish, how is this different from esn setup? According to this I can take my standard 9ft5wt rod and use a jig style nymph and get the same effect. Am I missing something? I know different situations call for different setups but I love ditching the wt and indicator. Thanks!!

[@redsflyshop]

Oh good question. It is very different as this rig will rarely ever reach the bottom, whereas Euro fishing we are in constant contact with the bottom and the fly moves about 1/4 the speed downstream of this quick trick.

[@johnyorchak5162]

Luv the videos. Great to see the boys killing 'em again. With so little line out this technique looks perfect for my tenkara rod. I fish this way all the time with my tenkara rod and soft hackles but I haven't tried it with a bead head nymph...I will now! When will the boys be guiding clients?

[@pecosnick45]

Hi Joe, by any chance, would you consider using this method on a pressured tailwater with extreme rocky topography and pocket water? Euro nymphing is the go to on my river but I miss casting a fly line and frankly bobbers are a huge pain in the ass cause of the extremely variable terrain.

[@jcanderson3856]

Loved watching this 🐠

[@elwha6025]

I like your basic thought here......keep an open mind and don't be bound to what others do. Sometimes in highland lakes I do the same with one nymph or terrestrial with various speeds and lengths of stripping. Caught LOTS of fish that way.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks, never be afraid to fish outside the norms right!

[@martinstults9419]

What is that line green fly rod you are using? I believe I have caught more trout on the swing than any other way. Great tip.

[@captainkoo]

Great advice !

[@keiranrooker7981]

Wow a child who actually knows how to handle a trout very impressive!!

[@JP-dz7zu]

Most people don’t forget until they become adults with social media accounts and cell phone cameras.

[@fionadineen]

Great video Joe. How longa leader?

[@flavortown3781]

today i caught 2 decent fish in a lil honey hole on a nymph and just slowly banged the bottom and pulled up as i retrieved

[@redsflyshop]

Nice work!

[@Luk_i_fly]

You have lot's of beautiful streams. I'm jealous :/

[@_JimS]

AND for me this works great for streamers too. They like striking when the line tightens on the swing and I'll twitch the streamer as I work it back a short distance.

[@gregtarris9057]

try and put a soft hackle on as the bottom fly

[@josephdelucca8434]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing. Question: how do you know the fish took your fly without the indicator? Are you watching your fly line for any pauses or can you actually feel the take?

[@cyguy8577]

You will feel the take, it is explosive. It is the same principal as swinging a team of wet flies (soft hackles, unweighted nymphs) and it gives euronymphing a run for its money. Swinging wet flies is a blast and the violent takes are a blast.

[@trapper8015]

How long of a leader do you use?

[@redsflyshop]

Most of my fishing here is short, so I like a 7.5' leader to make these short casts easier. This keeps another 18" of fly line out my rod tip when compared to a 9' leader. Much easier to cast, great question!

[@rodc4334]

Kind of a wet fly approach. Will have to try that more often.

[@redsflyshop]

It's super on unpressured streams, it's a good tug.

[@MrNcturkey]

Cool. I prefer that technique

[@traditionalbowhunter5862]

do you still use a split shot on your leader?

[@RaystownPressureWashing-1996]

Personally,..I would never even think of using an indicator on fly rod,...(AKA bobber),..I prefer to watch the line....I love bobber and worm fishing on conventional gear though....My observation on the fish taking it on the "swing" often,....Happens with me more times than not. To me,.it takes away from the whole idea of a natural presentation being the key? I could be wrong,..but as soon as it swings cross current,.and even stops,..that isn't natural,....At least I wouldn't think.....I realize this is old,..but just had to ask your opinion on the swing and stopping often triggering a bite....

[@redsflyshop]

Oh strike indicators are amazing tools for suspending flies and provide some very fine control. I love fishing yarn style indicators in many situations. The downside of indicators is that they bog down many beginners, so that was sort of the premise of the video here. I personally use every tool in the box, depending on the water.

[@RaystownPressureWashing-1996]

@@redsflyshop Yea, not debating effectiveness..I do love slip bobber fishing to suspend bait with conventional rod and reel....For fly fishing,..I just prefer rudimentary,..seems like if I would venture into the world of catching fish without the challenge... I would take minnows and or other live bait,..I go in the water with one fly pattern (Barbless),.. and make it work,..I think it makes me fish more precisely?.....Ha, Ha,..Either way....As long as we're happy fishing!!

[@cathyr1192]

Downstream Nymphinh I do it all the time in Australia and its deadly

[@redsflyshop]

Excellent!

[@shawnbarry3893]

Thanks dude 👍

[@braaap5681]

This is what i do all the time didn’t know it was frowned upon lol

[@redsflyshop]

Ha yea you are so lame for fishing a tightline haha joke. Seriously though, so many people forget that a simple tight line presentation is good fun, simple, and productive on unpressured trout.

[@iananderson7644]

So just like fishing traditional wets or soft hackles

[@redsflyshop]

Yep, it doesn't always have to be a dead drift.

[@jasonbeary5771]

The oldest way we humans started to fly fish. (like 100's of years back). THe way the old guys around here (Pennsylvania) did it all their lives.

[@Flightofthearrowoutdoors]

Can you drop another nymph off of the main one or just stick to one wet fly?

[@redsflyshop]

Yes absolutely, I do that when I need more weight to get the fly down in heavy deep currents. Sometimes two flies is just for more weight.

[@Flightofthearrowoutdoors]

Red's Fly Shop awesome, thanks for the great videos, about 1 year into fly fishing and learning a ton

[@redsflyshop]

@@Flightofthearrowoutdoors Thanks! We appreciate your support and kind words!

[@guyquinton2413]

I love the warm days and no waders ...

[@sebastiangarces5568]

did you still tie a split shot to your leader?

[@redsflyshop]

No I didn't, just a nice heavy beadhead nymph. Tungsten is great!

[@sebastiangarces5568]

@@redsflyshop Thanks so much I’m trying to figure this whole thing out.

[@kodyryan5694]

I don't know that water looks great it's 25 below in February in Montana I'm drooling

[@redsflyshop]

He yea, our river now is a complete slushy so we're not far behind you as far as water is concerned. It's a balmy 15 above here though. :)

[@kodyryan5694]

@@redsflyshop wow break out the flip flops and shorts fire up the grill but really every year I take the nice days for granted then when it's thirty below and I've tied everything I can think of I see a video like that and take a deep breath and shake my head at my own foolishness

[@busterbuffalo5554]

This technique is called the Leisenring Lift.

[@redsflyshop]

Hey thanks, that is good to know I'll research it.

[@infinityflies484]

I always thought it was when you cast directly upstream and while your nymph comes towards you you lift your rod so to take up the slack and as your nymph passes you, you then slowly lower your rod pointed downstream. Effectively giving you a dead drift when done properly with a rise at the end.

[@busterbuffalo5554]

Infinity Flies the LL or Induced Take is more of a wet fly swing! The fly rises on the break line and looks like an emerging insect!

[@thebarkingwater]

This is how I first caught trout on a nymph. I had no idea what I was doing but was catching them. Once I "learned" how to properly use an indicator rig I forgot to use this technique. I guess the more you know...the less you know.

[@thomasnorthrup9990]

Oh, to have summer water like that in Central Ohio.

[@glenkenfield6877]

Where in central Ohio?

[@dennisdrewry5625]

The only way I fish with a Blowtorch or perdigon. No indicator. Plenty of fish to suit me

[@redsflyshop]

Nice, super simple good tight line grabs.

[@dennisdrewry5625]

@@redsflyshop easy to cast

[@TheEastBayAnglers]

what state is this?

[@redsflyshop]

Washington, if you can believe that haha. It's the east side of the Cascades.

[@sponge81235]

What does KISS stand for? Simple is best

[@redsflyshop]

Keep It Simple Stupid. That's what I often have to say to myself.

[@sponge81235]

@@redsflyshop I caught a 13" with your advise

[@redsflyshop]

@@sponge81235 Very nice!

[@robertcpark]

Naked nymphing…also great when you have a small window of time to fish. You can get that rig in the water immediately.

[@redsflyshop]

That's a really good point. Just get in there and don't mess around. I like that.

[@colin-me]

Live it

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Funny I just got into fly fishing. Spent weeks caught nothing. Did this by chance and caught fish all day. 😂

[@redsflyshop]

Excellent. Just excellent, that is so great to hear. You'll eventually find dead drifting and other techniques highly effective but this is a great foundation.

[@amorabito1]

Say it ain't so Joe!

[@johnsurf509]

You could do that with a spinner!

[@norincofan1949]

seems like euro nymphing without the indicator line

[@rstats2127]

Who cares how you fish, if you are catching fish then you are doing something right

[@Zavala211]

Easy enough

[@alanbaker7776]

No one on earth is a expert at nymphing ..