Friday, April 4, 2014

Using The Swing Cast Nymphing


I was brought back to reality Thursday morning on the tailrace after having what I consider the best trout fishing outing I have ever fished. I wanted to fish a couple of hours before the wife and I would welcome the grandchildren for their spring break. I started at access four where there was some slow water with no surface activity at all.
The water was in great shape crystal clear and low. I have had success in this area with a size 18 Zebra Midge so that was the pattern 3 ft. below the indicator. With limited time and no takers here I moved up to another area I have fished before.
This run is where I always get some attention with the Leech. Between the two boulders here there is a narrow seam that has some current as it flows over a log jam at the bottom of the run; this pocket is always a trout landed using the Leech. Sorry to say I missed all that came at the Leech this morning here.
With time running out for me I decided to move up to some faster water and swing the nymph.
The swing paid off as I was working the Leech slowly back to me. I’m getting low on this pattern after losing two today in rocks, really a fantastic pattern for nymphing.
 
 
 
 
 
 

22 comments:

  1. Amazing what a little midge can catch.

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  2. Bill! I applaud the tenacity and creativity. Love it when it is not working mix it up. Nice fish! Great Post! Enjoy the grandkids!!!!!

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  3. Ya just have to give them what they want, that day.

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  4. Daniel
    The Zebra Midge is the number one pattern on the Sipsey. Thanks for the comment

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  5. Al
    The Grandkids left today and my wife and I need a rest. Thanks for the comment

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  6. Mark
    The Seal Leech has been good for me on the tailrace. Thanks for the comment

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  7. Bill, just like the old saying goes. "Just when you got it figured out, you don't". Sometimes, it is the weather, the fishing pressure, or, sometimes the fish win in the game of fishing! Next time is your turn.

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  8. Mel
    Trying to figure out the fishing game is what makes it so interesting. Thanks for the comment

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  9. Alan
    I was glad to just be on the water-thanks for the comment

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  10. Lester
    The Sipsey Tailrace was formed by our local Trout Chapter here years ago. The tailrace utilizes the cold clear water that comes from the bottom of Smith Lake. The tailrace stays a constant 55 degrees year round. Take a look at this link for more info.
    http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/rivers/smithtailwaters/

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  11. Howdy Bill. I have to hand it to you. I'm amazed you can remember what flies work in different locations.

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  12. Lester
    Not to worry I have done that a time or two myself. Thanks for the comment

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  13. Howard
    When it comes to fishing I forget very little. Now when it comes to things my wife wants done at times I forget???? Thanks for the comment

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  14. Nice, Bill! With my recent success of swinging streamers, I have been reading quite a bit about techniques and such. I had read about swinging a nymph but it just seemed so out of the ordinary from what the rules of nymphing teach you - drag free! The idea of swinging just sounded preposterous. Glad to see that it really works!

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  15. Nick
    Trust me the swing method works, and even better one doesn't have to use anything but the beadhead nymph, no indicator. Thanks for the comment

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  16. Great looking fish. glad you got into one!

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  17. When I hear "swing", I think of soft hackles. Do you throw those? I'm a fan of the zebra midge 18-20 all year long. If things slow down, it usually will catch a fish. They are are staple of a fishes diet... Good call and nice going!

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  18. i really enjoy the pretty rainbows you get from your local tailrace, these are my favorite posts second only to the slab gills

    do you guys have any brown trout in there?

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  19. RD
    I haven't use the swing cast with a soft hackle; the beadhead seal leech is the only fly I swing cast. The Zebra midge is by far my favorite of all the midges. Thanks for the comment

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  20. Blake
    Thanks for the reads on the bluegills and rainbow. I wish we had browns as well, hopefully in the near future we will get to stock some. Thanks for the comment

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