Fishing a Riffle

[Flytepath]

I think the old sliding bead technique is an old bass fishing trick... using a bullet weight above the worm and letting it slide as it moves along the bottom...sure works with a plastic worm on bass... should work on trout.

Funny this thread took a turn to a sliding bead.

I have been using them since the first beads showed up at my local flyshop in the 80's. The instructions on the package clearly read, "slide up the line, then attach fly". That was so long ago, the thought of adding the bead to the hook hadn't even been thought of yet.

God, I'm old.

Dubbn
were they brass or just plain old lead like a split shot?
Caught many a bass on the texas rig

[DUBBN]

Plain brass.

[Mike62]

I think the old sliding bead technique is an old bass fishing trick... using a bullet weight above the worm and letting it slide as it moves along the bottom...sure works with a plastic worm on bass... should work on trout.

I'd forgotten about that set-up; we used to use it when surf casting for stripers quite a bit. But, that was always with the dreaded spinning gear.

This is a great thread; it's always fun when Wayne's brain goes out on tour like this. I thought about trying the sliding brass bead thing, but then I realized that I just don't want to work that hard anymore. I'm going to fish the runs-to-riffs the way I always do, and enjoy reading about how better fishermen than I conquer their rivers.

[Streets]

I have started swinging soft hackles and am new to this fun brand of fly fishing. Despite lots of hits, I struggle to hook fish. (Mostly 10”-14” bows) I have tried both split second sets and the long, let ‘em eat it steelhead method with inconsistent results.
Any suggestions?

[Ron Eagle Elk]

I have started swinging soft hackles and am new to this fun brand of fly fishing. Despite lots of hits, I struggle to hook fish. (Mostly 10”-14” bows) I have tried both split second sets and the long, let ‘em eat it steelhead method with inconsistent results.
Any suggestions?

I usually only swing a fly at the end of a dead drift from up stream. Down stream takes are usually pretty strong. I tend to use a strip strike. Just a slight pull on the line and move the rod tip horizontally toward the near bank a bit. I very seldom have a fish come unbuttoned.

[Streets]

When fishing upstream, what is the technique for recognizing the strike? Sure, if there’s a surface take or a flash we set but otherwise should I be watching the nail knot?

[DUBBN]

When fishing upstream, what is the technique for recognizing the strike? Sure, if there’s a surface take or a flash we set but otherwise should I be watching the nail knot?

Last year I started using sighter wax on the upper third of my leader.

Like you, a surface bulge or a flash is the best and most common way I detect my strikes. However, every now and then the sighter wax was the only way I knew I had a strike. It happened enough times, I have continued it this year.

[Mike62]

I must live under a rock, or in northern Maine, because I've never heard of this stuff until just now. I think I'll try it, thanks for the knowledge, Wayne.

[Oenophileangler]

SA also makes some markers, in several different colors, for use on leaders for sighters. I bought a couple a while ago, but haven't used them. I bought them for my euro setup, but have since found that I don't really like that style of fishing (even if very effective).

https://scientificanglers.com/product/i ... r-markers/

Dale

[DUBBN]

I think the old sliding bead technique is an old bass fishing trick... using a bullet weight above the worm and letting it slide as it moves along the bottom...sure works with a plastic worm on bass... should work on trout.

I think we are comparing apples to oranges here. I have never dragged a bead head, or a bead slipped above a fly along the bottom in moving water. In lakes yes with a sinking line and a bead, but not in nymphing mode trying to achieve a drag free drift.

I have been mulling over your post for a few weeks now. In my opinion, and that's all it is, fishing a nymph with a bead slid on the leader above it, is not the same nor similar to a Texas Rig worm.

As usual I have zero data to support my opinion.