Trout eat under the surface most of the time. The indicator rig is a fly-fishing float rig: an indicator holds the flies at depth, weight gets them down fast, and two flies on a dropper give the fish a choice. It is the everyday rig on the Grand River, the Credit, the Bow and the Sainte-Marguerite. Set the indicator at about one and a half times the water depth and mend for a dead drift.
What you need
- Fly lineWeight-forward floating line on a 9–10 ft 4–6 wt rod
- Leader9 ft tapered leader, 3X–4X
- Strike indicatorYarn, foam or airlock indicator, set 1.5× the water depth above the flies
- Split shotTin or tungsten shot 8–12" above the top fly, as needed
- Tippet3X–5X fluorocarbon; 12–18" between flies
- FliesPoint fly: weighted nymph (Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, stonefly, size 12–16). Dropper: smaller nymph or egg (size 16–18)
How to tie the nymph indicator rig
- Attach the indicator to the leader at about 1.5 times the depth you expect to fish; you will adjust.
- Tie 18–24 inches of tippet to the end of the leader with a surgeon's or blood knot.
- Tie the first (top) fly to the tippet with an improved clinch knot.
- Tie 12–18 inches of tippet to the bend of the first fly (or use a tag from the blood knot) and tie on the second fly.
- Add a split shot 8–12 inches above the top fly if the flies aren't reaching bottom.
How to fish it
Cast upstream at a 45-degree angle, throw an upstream mend immediately, and follow the indicator with your rod tip, keeping slack off the water. Set with a downstream lift whenever the indicator hesitates, twitches or dips. Adjust depth and weight until you tick bottom every few drifts.
Tips
- If you are not occasionally snagging bottom, you are not deep enough.
- A heavy point fly and a light dropper is the standard pairing.
- Fluorocarbon tippet sinks faster and is nearly invisible.
Common mistakes
- Not mending, which drags the flies unnaturally.
- Indicator too close to the flies for the depth.
FAQ
How far should the indicator be from the nymph?
About 1.5 times the depth of the water for a typical run. Deeper or faster water needs more; shallow riffles need less.