What does the fly-fisherman do when his fly floats seductively on the surface, but the fish do not react? That is a weighty topic and the answer is to add weight and penetrate the water column where the fish are holding.
Rejection
We have all experienced that time when the fish seemed to have lockjaw. That is often the case when conditions are difficult due to warmer weather. Trout are very sensitive to water temperature fluctuations and when the summer doldrums occur, they seek out cooler water in the depths of the pools. Of course, heavy pressure by anglers may also contribute to their retreat.
Oxygen depletion due to warmer water is another problem that can cause trout to change their habitat. They may relocate to riffles where the turbulent action of the water increases oxygenation.
Rather than continuing to pound the water with dry flies, it may be time to change to sub-surface tactics. Nymphs and streamers lend themselves to being weighted and will add to the angler’s success.
Dry flies are called that because they mimic insects on the water surface. The truth is that a greater percentage of feeding takes place below the surface, and as the warmer weather occurs, they seek out the depths to enjoy the cooler temperatures. The solution to those fishless days is to follow the fish to the depths with your offerings. That means fishing with nymphs and streamers and the deeper water may require the use of weighted flies.
How to Increase the Weight of a Fly
The fastest way to increase the weight of a fly is to pinch a small split shot about 8” or 10” above the fly on the leader. Split shot is available in various weights and is also available in non-toxic varieties. Some streams’ requirements call for only non-toxic shot to be used.
The weight of the shot will be determined by the depth of the water column or the turbulence of the water in the riffle.
Nymphs and streamers may also be tied with weight added to the hook shank during tying. This tactic is more subtle and will not affect casting as much as the use of split shot. The use of lead wire adds the necessary weight, but is small enough in diameter to not affect the overall appearance of the fly.
A quick check of my tying supplies revealed that I have lead wire designated as .010, ,015, .020 and .025. These allow the addition of weight to a wide range of fly sizes. It can be wrapped smoothly around the hook shank and, if needed, it may be wrapped over the thread base and reinforced with head cement. After the weight has been added, the fly or streamer is tied in the normal manner for the pattern selected.
Castability
Unless a lot of weight is added to the fly, the affect on castability is minimal. The use of split shot is probably the method that would most affect the cast. It might require the alteration of the cast to have a bigger loop and be somewhat slower. Bead-heads and weighted bodies would have minimal effect on the cast.
The fly will immediately begin to sink and reach the depth where the fish are located. If fishing a pool, cast to slightly above the top of the pool and the fly will reach the proper depth as it enters the pool and not pass over fish located there.
Transition
Once you have adapted to casting and fishing with weighted flies, you will experience an increase in success, especially in the difficult periods mentioned above. With minimal adjustment in casting, you will find that fishing with weighted flies is a tactic that fits into your overall methods and assures an improvement on those tough days that formerly left you scratching your head and going home fishless.
Final Thoughts
Be aware that warmer temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the summer may cause stress to the trout population. Trout are more comfortable in 50-to-60-degree water and when the water temperature reaches 70 degrees or higher, it can be fatal. This is exacerbated by excessive handling by the fisherman. Try to keep the fish in the water during the release, if possible. If the fight time was extended, it may be necessary to allow the fish to recover prior to releasing into the current where it might die.
Trout are a wonderful resource and deserve to be protected to provide the most sport for the largest number of sportsmen.
