Nymphing up Wild Browns in Stained Water - Fly Fishing the Driftless (Day 5)

It's my final day Fly Fishing the Driftless and wouldn't you know it...the weather turned. Just after arriving, strong storms move through the area. I had to wait it out in the mobile condo. The amount of rain that fell had me concerned about the water conditions. But if you saw my "Fishing Stained Water" video, then you know, I look forward to fishing stained water. When I saw the stream, slightly stained and flowing great, I knew it was going to be a fantastic afternoon. The wild browns were out in force and I had it to myself for most of the afternoon....guessing some anglers didn't want to fish stained water! I do! Be sure to check out my Colorado or Wyoming series! See the other parts from this series below:
Day 1: Fly Fishing the Driftless for wild browns - • Fly Fishing the Driftl...
Day 2: Fly Fishing a small stream in the Driftless - • Fly Fishing a Small St...
Day 3: Exploring a new stream in the Driftless - • Fly Fishing the Driftl...
Day 4: Finally get a dry fly bite in the Driftless - • DRY FLY FISHING the Dr...
Fly Fishing Tip - Nymphing in Stained Water: • Fly Fishing Tip - Nymp...
Gear: Orvis Superfine Carbon 7.5' 3wt
Orvis Battenkill II reel
Orvis Pro Textured fly line
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/ looknfishy
looknfishy.blogspot.com/
#flyfishing #troutfishing

[@kimnielsen7449]

I don’t understand why he does not have 500.000 followers, he has so much knowledge, great content

[@LooknFishy]

It's a mystery but some might argue the knowledge part lol!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

And a very likable personality. I agree

[@tightliningmd]

Rain can be your best friend. Love it! Sunny bluebird days can be your worst friend. Not everyone is willing to put in the work for it. Good video, keep em coming!

[@LooknFishy]

Love it when it rains! Less people and the fish seem to show up more!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

I just love how this footage and your commentary depicts wild trout behavior vs stockers. So cool.

[@LooknFishy]

Thank you, definitely trying to add more of my approach to each video...since that's been a common request!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

@@LooknFishy In general, when you have a scenario where you want to use a dry-dropper and water depth is varying from run to run, do you re-rig and tie on a longer piece of tippet between dry and nymph or do you use some sort of an adjustable system?

[@LooknFishy]

It just depends on the day. If it's worth it to adjust, I'll keep a couple systems ready to go by using a uni knot...backing off the knot and switching out the dropper as needed. But if it becomes too much work I just drop the dropper or go with an emerger. In the White River video, we did this pretty often as the browns were taking the dropper but we wanted to get a few on the dry. The uni makes it quick to remove the dropper and in that case replace the dry as often as we wanted...they still took the dropper and the bows ate the dry!

[@jonclay1563]

"I don't want to be struck by lightening, cause that's no fun". LOL Truer words couldn't be spoken. Another fun video to watch Drew. Can't wait for the next adventure.

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u, I only speak the truth. Planning to start one very soon!

[@OverlandPNW]

I liked seeing the San Juan worm at the end. Not an everyday go to for me but in the right water, I've pulled some nice fish out with them. Great action in this video. You are catching so many nice fish, you might need to head to New Zealand to catch bigger, Ha !

[@LooknFishy]

Same here, there's definitely a time for the sjw...high, fast, stained water...that looks like worm water to me lol! I definitely need to find a way to NZ! That would be such a good time!

[@garykolanda5208]

Drew, that was a tremendous set of videos of the Driftless Region. I like your keep it simple approach and look forward to the next video.

[@LooknFishy]

Thank you, definitely going with the less is more approach, plus add some of the requests from comments...just share the day as it happens! Hoping to leave this weekend but got the tip vid and a redfish video loaded.

[@gordiejones2039]

you are deadly with that nymph rod! Dying to see streamers in that water for a BIGGER brown that is hunting after that rain. great videos and inspiration, thanks

[@LooknFishy]

You and me both, that flow and stain screamed streamer. Gotta remember to pack the streamer box. Gotta get more organized lol!

[@garylee190]

Another great video. Really like your release technique - allowing catch to recover before releasing back into the stream.

[@LooknFishy]

No question, always do my best to release them safely and let them tell me when they are ready!

[@kravist518]

That Redband was a beautiful fish great video as always

[@LooknFishy]

Definitely was and one of the prettiest fish from the trip!

[@lanefaver8899]

Another great video! I always try and recommend you to other anglers!

[@LooknFishy]

Your comment means so much to me! I tell people all the time, I'd rather have a persons respect than anything else! Thank you for the good vibes!

[@HighEndTroutFishing]

wow good looking trouts :D amazing ~

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks dude, was a good time for sure!

[@AnotherFishingAdventure]

Great video, keep it up!

[@LooknFishy]

Will do, thanks dudes!

[@sudiste12]

Nice one man ! Thanks for sharing ;)

[@LooknFishy]

Happy to do it, thank ya!

[@Chricke87]

Awesome videos man! Just found your chanel from Instagram (where you have equally good content!) 🤩

[@LooknFishy]

Thank you, really digging being able to add more to the story here and not just quick clips on IG. Appreciate the kind words!

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Thanks for showing your set-up! Next time show your camping set-up also.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, nothing to show...just an air mattress in the minivan! But will do next time I set up a camp!

[@stephenbrody2717]

I love the bush wracking view you always give on your way to the water. Another cool video. How were the nettles? They seem to stick around forever and die hard. Yarn indicator? I could not see on my phone. Editing is always solid dude!

[@LooknFishy]

Yep, dorsey yarn on this trip. Those nettles are brutal and everywhere! Appreciate it!

[@tedthedog5612]

Thanks for the rig setup. Wondering what you use for camera and sound (and editing), amazing quality!

[@LooknFishy]

You bet, happy to include what others have requested! So I shot with a gopro hero8 for the video and audio...not having a housing helps tremendously! Edit...really just cut the clips using adobe premier elements 13...it was the software included with my laptop. I don't really do much except add some lighting and maybe slow down some releases, I tend to move quick from the net to the water lol! Its been a great grab and go camera...don't really feel like messing with tech when I'm on the road fishing!

[@jimpyle560]

Good stuff. Ever make a smallmouth video? I could use the help with catching them on flies.

[@LooknFishy]

Never made a trip this year, have done plenty in the past. Hope to get some trips in next year...along with some pike...missed throwing big streamers for these aggresive guys!

[@prestongizzi2210]

Could you do a video sometime about your mending. It’s sick. Thanks

[@LooknFishy]

Yes sir, gonna try to do one soon, dedicated to mending. Had a few requests for it!

[@TheNiRho]

What indicator r you using? Love the content. !

[@LooknFishy]

Dorsey yarn indicator...got a vid in my tips playlist talking about it. Another from troutbitten that goes into more detail...dig those indis!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

Awesome job on this one, Drew! They keep getting better. So after the rain, did you try a streamer at all? I always thought the stain gets the predatory fish active? The nymphing obviously was money, I need to nymph more and use streamers less.

[@LooknFishy]

So...I wanted to throw a streamer but again forgot my streamer box at home. Was kicking myself for it but I don't mind nymphing either!

[@supabakezoid5643]

Back in the college days if it had or we knew it was going to rain, we would head to some of the bigger holes and streamer fish. My brother is a fan of hole hopping and chucking cranks. Especially the river tribs.

[@LooknFishy]

@@supabakezoid5643 yep, I had the same idea. Started to rig up my 6wt with sinktip and carry 2 rods back. Which reminds me to get my reels out from the under passenger seat of the minivan lol!

[@supabakezoid5643]

@@LooknFishy That area has a ton to offer. One just has to be comfy out of their zone a bit since they are "roads less traveled" but once you get going....it's on! I drive for work quite a bit and I have a rig or two in the car. A spin set and the 4wt. That way if something is looknfishy........lol

[@supabakezoid5643]

@@LooknFishy And again I appreciate the vids! Good stuff!

[@donbushek]

I was surprised to see how much weight you were using considering how small the water was and your 3wt line. Does it feel like you’re pushing the limits of the line’s carrying capacity? In my mind, a 3wt is more of dry fly rod but it seems to be working fine as a nymph rod for you.

[@LooknFishy]

Yep, one of the reasons I choose the carbon and not true glass is its ability to nymph heavy rigs and throw dries. I use a 3wt more for the type of water, and not so much for the dry fly ability...but I do get why people go glass and throw dries. I just like to fish and be covered for everything!

[@gerbenheijdt4698]

Nice little stream beautiful brownies. Witch fly’ s are you using ?

[@LooknFishy]

Walk thru my entire set up, including flies at the end of the video

[@gerbenheijdt4698]

Thanks for the information i was to quick with My asking. I have just seen the last minits of the nice video. 😀👍

[@LooknFishy]

@@gerbenheijdt4698 no worries, it was a long video! Just couldn't find a way to capture the day under 20 mins lol!

[@RBoas]

Is there a way to highlight the indicator location right after you cast? I start scanning the river in the general area of the cast but rarely pick up the indicator before you land a fish. I just like to watch the drift and see the hit. Sometimes I can see it, depends on lighting and the color.

[@LooknFishy]

Probably is, I'll see if I can figure it out. Technology challenged for sure lol!

[@RBoas]

@@LooknFishy no worries, justice curious. I can cast it to my TV, pause it right after you cast, and wear my glasses too, I'm being lazy 😉🤣

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, no worries!

[@monlunyee4019]

how do you like the textured pro orvis line? is it significantly different with mending or distance. I remember the sharkskin scientific angler lines and they were really abrasive against the finger that I used to trap the line when setting the hook. how is this line been for you - just thinking about this one vs the new rio epic lines. ever thinking about doing a review for the line?

[@LooknFishy]

Yea I was skeptical after some friends warned me of the sharkskin but it's much better. I believe it mends and shots better. Just talked my buddy who was not a fan of the sk, into trying it, and he's been very impressed. I have not, figured since its been out, there was a review already. Always hesitant just b/c there's alot of distrust in reviews or recommendations now.

[@RBoas]

Ok, fishing question now. How deep is that water? Based on your dropper length it is shallower than it looks. That is unless your not trying to stay near the bottom and instead fishing somewhere else in the water column.

[@LooknFishy]

So it really varied. Some deep and some shallow sections but also a lot of vegetation with holes that I tried to fish right above. The trout would hand out in the the holes and wait for food to pass over. That's why having an easily adjustable indicator is so helpful!

[@Christiantoney1]

Drew, when you fish in the Driftless, do you single nymph?

[@Christiantoney1]

Answered my own question hahah

[@LooknFishy]

I will fish a single nymph, if they are locked on one fly...most of the time that happens when the dropper gets too small or no tag end from changing the 2nd fly...and there has not been any reason to stop fishing to replace it. That happened a couple times on this trip...too lazy to add it back and decided to keep fishing and see if it was needed, which it wasn't. I almost always fish 2 flies.

[@marklamude2355]

Yo Drew!

[@LooknFishy]

That's me!

[@marklamude2355]

@@LooknFishy It is. Hows the adventures going?

[@LooknFishy]

@@marklamude2355 super, planning another right now!

[@marklamude2355]

@@LooknFishy Living the Dream, tight lines bro! Ads watched, keep em coming, Peace. Ps Ive been on those Hazy IPAs because of you lol yum!

[@LooknFishy]

@@marklamude2355 haha...is it ok if I call them my, ride or die! They are on all my trips lol!

[@Abandoned_Brane]

ditch the carbon, go glass.

[@LooknFishy]

Will I catch more fish?

[@Abandoned_Brane]

@@LooknFishy guaranteed. and theyll be bigger fish, too.

[@LooknFishy]

@@Abandoned_Brane haha, that's all I needed to hear!

[@MarkMilleArt]

@@Abandoned_Brane Seriously? Like your rod will make a difference. What a joke...

[@Abandoned_Brane]

@@MarkMilleArt this year, my brown trout average was 17 pounds and 27 inches.