Simple is AWESOME // Beginner Friendly Single Nymph Rig

"Indicator fly fishing" is a term often used to describe a method of fly fishing where anglers use a visible indicator, such as a brightly colored yarn, foam, or plastic bobber, attached to the leader to track the drift and detect strikes. Unlike traditional dry fly fishing where the angler watches the dry fly on the surface, in indicator fly fishing, the indicator is used to suspend nymph or wet flies at a specific depth in the water column while they drift with the current. When the indicator twitches, pauses, or dips underwater, it signals a strike, allowing the angler to set the hook and catch the fish. This technique is particularly effective in deeper or faster-moving water where fish are feeding below the surface.
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[@ZGADOW]

This is super solid advice for those who want to get better at nymphing. Keep it simple. One fly is a lot easier to work with than two

[@redsflyshop]

It really helps anglers move and keep their tempo fluid.

[@timknebel9730]

Excellent instruction and content for someone getting into fly fishing. Or for someone like myself that does not fish as often as I would like to and needs the reminder to keep it simple. You are really doing a great service to fly fishing Joe. Keep it up!

[@jacobheliseva8017]

This is by far the best beginner video out there. so many 'beginner' videos are way too complicated. this is short sweet and all the details necessary thank you!

[@noelslater822]

Thank you for providing this. Very helpful!

[@zeroedinwithzeke4059]

Awesome! Rediscovered the channel several days ago and have binge watched the nymphing videos in preparation for the East Tennessee trip and Montana trip this summer.

[@Fernando_Woolybooger]

Great video. Thank you!

[@christhompson2159]

Thanks for sharing this. I feel I’ve been making nymphing very difficult for myself lately. Great advice and love the setup there. Can’t wait to give it a shot.

[@timothydalton8023]

Wonderful tips. Great reminder to some of us who try to get " too technical" and ( in my case) seem to catch fewer fish. There is a good reason they are called basics. Thanks for the video

[@williammiller353]

I like that, simple and effective, my next outing will try to keep it simple with that rig. Thanks

[@jbonnemort]

We need more content like this that simplifies fly fishing. Great video

[@Riverbugger]

Absolutely awesome and simple. Simple always works it seems like. Thanks for the great instructions Joe and for sharing your knowledge!!

[@GTSierraFly]

dude your instructions and tips are amazing. I've been fishing and catching for years but want to really expand my abilities and your videos help so so much

[@jonnynails]

I literally just started fly fishing last Friday. I'm definitely addicted, but had some frustrations this weekend with complicated set ups and sub par knot tying on my end. In 5 hours I spent 4 of it re-setting up my rod and tying knots. Took a long time as a newbie to put on the indicator and two nymphs plus riverside knots for leader, tippet, flys. I had to keep telling myself I was in the "putting in my dues" stage, LoL. Really happy to find your channel and see this video though. I like keeping things simple. This sounds more like what I need.

[@redsflyshop]

I hope this helps and cleans it up for you, there is much to learn when starting out staying "clean and untangled" is so important. You need reps and this is the best way to get them!

[@jimbaggett133]

I just found your videos. I love how you make fly fishing simple. I mostly surf fish and don't get to trout steams but once or twice a year. The other videos get way too overcomplicated. Thanks for making this easy to understand.

[@bobdonaldson445]

Always great stuff Joe! Though I’ve gotten into Euro nymphing (and love it) there’s nothing like going back to basics like this and catching nice fish.

[@daleleavitt]

Good nymph tips and rig....I'll use this rig on the upper canyon of the Yakima just south of the Thorp bridge. Great bank fishing on the south shore.

[@TheGhs1]

Excellent advice , keep it simple and enjoyable 👍

[@eddies4921]

Excellent technique high numbers of fish excellent casting now we can get so caught up in these things we completely miss the true beauty of flyfishing

[@nathans.citybyforest]

Awesome! I love your tips and pointers

[@gbottomly]

I got caught up myself as a new fly angler making things harder then they need to be..I'm going back to simplicity..Great vid..Thanks

[@captainkoo]

Another brilliant lesson. 🙏🏻

[@jbonnemort]

Great edu on keeping things super simple!

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you! Really appreciate the kind words.

[@robpool7814]

Great video for beginners- or old guys like me that hate complicated rigs. You don’t always catch more fish with two flies than one- especially if, like you point out, you are spending all your time in the water detangling and removing your flies from trees. I got into fly fishing 20 some odd years ago because I liked the idea of the simplicity of a dry fly at the end of a line. Over the years it got more complicated. I got sick of the peer pressure of clubs trying to convince me to use two flies. It made me want to quit. And honestly, I don’t fish that often anymore. I’m just going to go back to one fly rigs and hold my head up high. Fish the way that is enjoyable!

[@stephenbrody2717]

Joe killing it again. Simple is good sometimes. It is funny how I get to big water sometimes and have these complex plans. Then end up back to a simple set up. I have probably caught more fish in my life single nymph than double . Thanks again for a great video

[@redsflyshop]

I like that! "Complex Plans". I share your sentiments there. Game time combat often requires simple efficiencies to succeed. Totally get ya.

[@ffg6019]

Awesome video, so easy to make things complicated. Down in New Zealand and been using the "bomber rig" for an eternity - two nymphs with an indicator you could make a jacket out of 😆

[@bonnerapplegate4824]

Thanks for this awesome advice, I am into my girst real year of flyfishing and I am just trying to keep it simple and learn so thanks for this awesome video

[@redsflyshop]

You bet, keep it simple and get lots of reps in.

[@joeborgione5477]

Simple is good! Great vid.

[@jbsunking]

Great stuff as usual Joe...... 'Let it end with dignity...'

[@lukewood6709]

Excellent video thank you, wish I had a shop like that in the UK where I could get advice

[@sterlingspor7851]

Man this would have helped me so much years ago. Way to go passing on some knowledge that’ll help get some folks into fish!

[@mjll9988]

Joe I love, love your videos.

[@divoc1736]

my uncle is a guide in CT and this is the simple technique he thought me to get me into nymphing. It has worked so well for me and just a great way to fish. Great video

[@redsflyshop]

Oh thank you very much, it's easy for us all to get sucked into the double nymph rig thing all the time. Sometimes a lighter more delicate rig is an advantage... plus it rarely tangles.

[@DAVIDDAMIENR]

Thank You for Sharing

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@SeanStewart88]

This looks like a setup I can get started in. I’m still pretty new to fly fishing and it can get super complicated at times. I’ve been wanting to get below the surface fishing for a while but always been put off for some reason. Glad this makes it easy.

[@cavpaulmuller]

It is great to find a video that has real instruction to it. Keep it up, we beginners need more of this. Thank you

[@dixiemae5042]

Thank you 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@marklyons4999]

Love the KISS principle!!!

[@redsflyshop]

It keeps angling fun, more casting, less tying. It's a nice reset.

[@riverrightoutdoors]

Great stuff Joe . My euro game is stronger because of your vids . Thanks man..

[@angelfarias7545]

Thanks for the advise that morning.!

[@redsflyshop]

Ha yea man! You were in here that day hahahah. I hope you guys at least felt confident, and I hope your day was outstanding!

[@tedbuchanan2143]

I love catching release. Trout forever.

[@aaronmoreno4180]

Thank you for the great tips.

[@redsflyshop]

Absolutely! I love my job!

[@gocubbiesgo]

Was inspired to simplify my setup yesterday by this video. Fished some tough conditions, but hooked up with two fish within 20-30 minutes. This video was a great reminder to keep it simple and not to overthink it.

[@redsflyshop]

Awesome! That is great to here.

[@garysoden9048]

You make it look easy but as a newbie at fly fishing I pretty much know .... for me nothing is as easy as folks like you make it look. I'd love to go out with you !!! Thanks for ALL of your great video's

[@redsflyshop]

Ha so true. Like me watching downhill skiing. It's like everyone's doing backflips and I'm just trying not to look like a newb. Thanks for the props. Best advice I can give is fish simple setups so that you can get lots of reps in the water.

[@dorsalfishing]

Solid gold advice man! It's hard to get more people hooked on fishing when we make it too complicated and expensive. You just earned my business.

[@redsflyshop]

Oh that is great to hear, there is a time and place for more technical rigs but it's ok to keep it simple! Thanks for the kind feedback.

[@MrDanofthewest]

Question: What type of knot do you use to attach the Yarn Indicator to your leader in this video? It appears to create a better hinge point as apposed to using the O-Ring and tensioning it tight in-line with the O-Ring? Thanks in advance!

[@EvergreenOG]

Great lesson

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks!

[@protopiper5567]

I would have to agree with the comment section. This was very helpful instruction for the new folks.

[@redsflyshop]

Thanks so much, really want to see everyone succeed here on this channel. Glad this made sense and resonated.

[@1Troutguy]

I was at Dream Stream(Colorado) yesterday and used a Pheasant tail and no indicator, a nice trout ate it, love the simplicity of 1 Nymph. Great tip...

[@redsflyshop]

Thank you! Helps you focus exclusively on presentation and strategy, rather than wondering if your flies are tangled up haha!

[@daviddoerr749]

Ya gotta love the trout that have more fight than size... the yakima has some strong trout.

[@johnyorchak5162]

Thanks for the video Joe. All this time I thought I was just lazy fishing a single nymph with an indicator a couple feet from it with no dropper or anything. Turns out I’m just fishing simple! Hope to see the boys soon on a future video. Take care.

[@redsflyshop]

Yes, simple and clean. More fishing!

[@AndrewLakey]

Excellent advice..KISS

[@bigron8346]

Nice!!

[@davidhowie584]

please tell me the reel and rod combo in this video...You had one Nymph ,one indector,I may buy that hole rig set up....Dave

[@ERone43]

Nice vid

[@mattokeefe691]

Good advice. Kiss. Keep it simple and succeed

[@redsflyshop]

Yes thank you, I see too many anglers spending half their time untangling and retying. This has to stop!

[@georgeholmes6099]

Which knot have you used to tie the tip topper? Blood knot and lots of tag end to tie the nymph on to? Cheers

[@redsflyshop]

To install the Tip Topper, you simply fold the leader over and put it through rubber O-ring, slip the yarn through that loop and cinch it on. No knot required!

[@TeamHardLife]

Very nice and good morning first comment and like

[@rodc4334]

And you can only lose one fly at a time! More time fishing, fewer tangles. Sounds good!

[@redsflyshop]

Ha, yes!

[@livinginorangevilleontario4246]

This is a great video! How could one tell if you needed to add split shot or not?

[@redsflyshop]

Well, for this application the "simple" rig I wouldn't even entertain it. My preference would be to use a fly with a larger Tungsten bead if I feel like the current was too swift to allow my fly to sink.

[@patsheridan]

Hi Joe. Thanks as always. Quick question: why choose an indicator over euro-nymphing given you are fishing so close in the whole time? Thanks!!

[@redsflyshop]

Great question. First off, this is intended to be a super simple rig that is beginner friendly. Euro nymphing is def. not that. That's the narrative of this video. Also, Euro nymphing isn't always more effective especially on big water. Much of the time a suspended nymph free drifting is both more productive, and more efficient.

[@patsheridan]

@@redsflyshop Thanks for that Joe. Very much appreciate the response. Sounds like a suspension rig in big water is the better way to go. I'll certainly give that a go.

[@bok9201]

Great advice, great technique. Another simple but subtle way to start is with one wet fly, no indicator and either a floating or even an intermediate line like the Rio SHS 3D intermediate. Sweet way to fish that suits beginners and experts both.

[@patrickbianconi1817]

Awesome video! But when the water is murky and you’re new to the area and you don’t know the river depth very good, how do correctly judge the distance between the nymph and the indicator?

[@redsflyshop]

Good question! Start short, then work deeper. My personal preference is keeping my nymph suspended. Start with 2' and watch your indicator for clues on depth. You'll see it tap when the fly is making contact, when it speeds up and moves freely you're off the bottom. Flirt with the bottom, but don't grind it.

[@patrickbianconi1817]

@@redsflyshop thank you so much for taking the time to respond and for the explanation: I can visually see what you mean and I’ll give it a go! You guys are awesome, keep it up

[@Jimithy98]

Thinking about doing a trip on the river with you guys this year. What time of the year would you recommend?

[@redsflyshop]

Anytime other than December/January. Each month has its own amazing nuances!

[@Jimithy98]

@@redsflyshop awesome hopefully i can do it soon

[@67polara]

I come to Yakima sometimes and want to bring my stuff. Is there parking anywhere or did you hike in a good ways? And WA allows felt soles or no??

[@redsflyshop]

Yes tons of wade fishing, felt is Ok!

[@farmerbob4554]

Indicators for slower water and tight line for faster water? Is that an OK rule of thumb? Nice rainbow Joe!

[@redsflyshop]

Yes, that is a pretty good assessment. The main thing is if anglers are struggling to be efficient a more simple approach is necessary for gaining reps.

[@skiplitt2738]

Is it fairly easy to move that indicator up and down if needed?

[@redsflyshop]

Not super easy, but it should stay on that portion of the taper, all tippet below the indicator is best. You can add a piece of tippet for length. That is MY suggestion, certainly not the only strategy.

[@Swizzlestik]

Finally a nice simple setup, everything I have been seeing is putting 100 things on my leader

[@SimplicityEDC]

Help! Would this be ideal with monofilament line or fluorocarbon leader? Thanks!!

[@redsflyshop]

You'll be best served by running a mono leader (so that the butt section doesn't sink), and a piece of Fluorocarbon tippet. However, to keep things SIMPLE just run the leader as it's sold and when you need to repair it, use 5X Fluorocarbon Tippet material to mend the tippet with a Triple Surgeon's Knot.

[@SimplicityEDC]

@@redsflyshop thanks!!

[@redsflyshop]

@@SimplicityEDC No problem!

[@tedbuchanan2143]

Flyfishing awesome.but it like fishing for steelhead with float and jig real similar to it only deference there Mico jig fly

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi, you honestly call that a “Small Indicator”? Try the KIWI indicator and go really small to fit the circumference, you will see that its easier to cast as it’s less bulky and just as easy to see. Cheers mate. Harera

[@redsflyshop]

Oh for big water like this with boils, and heavy current lines this is pretty much the minimum. It's much sparser than it looks.

[@benmackinnon2742]

I’m going to give myself away: I’m new to nymphing. Can I ask why you were doing your drift downstream? My understanding is that you would need to set the hook in a downstream direction, but you were fishing the opposite direction. Can you speak to this?

[@redsflyshop]

Oh good question, when nymphing it's very common to cast upstream, let the flie(s) drift back to you and continue downstream. Typically casting back upstream to start.

[@benmackinnon2742]

Tremendous! Thanks! I got my butt handed to me on the river last weekend because I was fixated on the hook set. Little did I know that the fish fist has to bite first. I’ll fish it better this weekend!

[@benmackinnon2742]

Could you help me to understand how setting the hook upstream wouldn’t take the fly out of the mouth of the fish?

[@bobbyk1796]

Noobs 🎣😂👍 good tips Joe!

[@kyle_juhl4716]

This type of rig was working better than a full blown nymph rig one time for me. I had a nymph rig on with two flies and a air lock. 5 fish in front of me and nothing. I then put on a little piece of wool and one fly and caught all almost all 5 fish

[@redsflyshop]

I've seen and heard of that many times, its crazy how different it drifts.

[@rschreck876]

Man those indicators always seem to move on me. As in slides up and down my tippet.

[@redsflyshop]

Never had an issue with the Loons.

[@OdinsChosen208]

also fish hold on to the hook longer when they bite on yarn indicators because there's no tension or resistance when they take it so it doesnt feel unnatural immediately

[@feltn78]

Hey, we’re fishing y’all not painting a Picasso. Loved it we all could use more simplicity

[@redsflyshop]

It's refreshing sometimes, get back to some primal instincts and focus on the prey not the tackle.

[@DoubleBtmBouncer]

Great video. I've picked up fly fishing 3 years ago now and everyone explained dropper rigs while nymphing to me but I like the single nymph. My problem is knowing what nymph to use and when. Any help would be appreciated.

[@redsflyshop]

Mike, first off, thanks for the support and watching the channel. I find that the weight/size of the nymph is the most important element. In fast water you'll need more weight to stabilize the rig, in slower water you'll need a lighter nymph in order for it to flutter, levitate, and move naturally. Hopefully this is helpful!