Using Full Sinking Lines In Small Rivers and Creeks

Small Streams and Rivers are perfect for full sinking fly lines! Let's face it, as fly fisherman we want out flies in the strike zone quickly. Full sinking lines get down quick and if you run a weighted streamer it's even that much quicker. I have used these techniques with great success and hope you do too!
Gear Used:
Orvis Clearwater 9ft 6wt
Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan 3D Int/Sink 3/Sink 5
Kelly Galloup Sex Dungeon Size 1

[@self-taught_angler]

In small creeks I prefer using short sinking heads. One thing that is very underutilized by the community is nymphing with full sinking lines/heads. Everybody is into euronymphing but it is a very distance limited technique. One can experiment and acquire the skill of adjusting the casting and leading with respect to desired depth using full sinking heads. This way one can cast a single size 16 stonefly and fish from 40ft away. I am not just talking about when it is dangling. Spey anglers know various adjustments to speed up, slow down the fly without mending (also you can only air-mend with a sinking line). Here is a simple example. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWibaZt8rKh9edU Although it is not common, one mistake people do when switching to sinking lines is that they don't make sure that the line is not in front of their fly. If it is, it will shoo the fish away.

[@barry4fish19]

Thanks, really a cool technique I hadn’t thought of. Also, if you don’t want to give up the visibility of a floating line, you can use floating line with a blood knot leader made with fluorocarbon. The knots are a little more difficult to do, but I use 30 lb. for butt, then step down to 20, 15, 10, and then 6 lb. for tippet (or 3x or 4X). I sometimes use these leaders to load the rod better at short range, get your fly down really well, and cast into the wind better, similar advantages to a sinking or sink tip line. I can see using both these techniques now, nice to have the versatility.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Appreciate the tips. Also, polyleaders do a great job too but the mass of a well designed sinking line is difficult to beat. Good luck on the water 🙂

[@augustonthefly]

All this yes. But one series drawback imo is mending, especially in fast water.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Not really something you do when streamer fishing. When that streamer hits the water, it’s go time!! If you’re swinging, you can still mend but you usually do it at the beginning and then you’re set for the swing through. Hope that helps :)

[@jonathanbradshaw2754]

Is there a reason you are using maxima ultra green over maxima chameleon for the leader?

[@greenhornflyhorn]

UG matched the flexibility of the fly line perfectly. Also, i find UG to be slightly better for knots, since i switch flies like a mad man, it’s a great perk to have.