In the video “ORVIS – Fishing Follow Up Behind Another Angler PT. 1” by The Orvis Company, Dave Jensen provides valuable insight on how to optimize your fishing experience when following other anglers in sections of water that have already been fished. Recognizing the importance of knowing if another angler has been there before, Jensen advises on the necessary steps to take in crowded streams where finding untouched water may not always be possible. By adjusting your approach and considering factors such as fly size, casting accuracy, and water disturbance, you can increase your chances of success in catching trout that may have been overlooked by other anglers. For further assistance and fly fishing instruction, The Orvis Company offers additional online learning resources.
When fly fishing a stream, it’s always good to know if another angler has been there before you. Although it’s always best to have water that has not seen another angler all day ahead of you, on crowded streams that is not always the case. In part 1, Dave Jensen shows how to maximize your fishing time when following other anglers in sections of water that have already been fished. For more help and fly fishing instruction, visit our other online learning resources.
Determining if You Want to Fish Follow Up
When it comes to fishing, some anglers prefer to follow up on the success of others. This can be a great strategy, as it allows you to learn from the experiences of more experienced fishermen and potentially increase your chances of catching fish. However, before you decide to fish follow up, there are a few things you should consider.
Firstly, you need to assess the distance between yourself and other anglers. If the area is crowded with fishermen, it may be more challenging to catch fish. This is because fish can become spooked by the presence of too many people and will avoid areas that are heavily fished. On the other hand, if the area is relatively empty, you may have a better chance of finding fish that have not been disturbed by others.
Another consideration when fishing follow up is adjusting the size and profile of your fly. If you notice that other anglers are using a specific type of fly that is yielding good results, it may be worth trying the same. However, it’s important to remember that fish can become wary of too much of the same thing, so it may be necessary to switch up the size or color of your fly to entice the fish.
Using Droppers and Obscure Patterns
One strategy that can be highly effective when fishing follow up is using droppers and obscure patterns. A dropper is a smaller fly attached to the main fly, and it can be a great way to increase your chances of catching fish. By using a dropper, you can present two different types of flies to the fish, increasing the likelihood that one will be appealing to them.
Obscure patterns are flies that are not commonly used by anglers. These patterns can be highly effective in situations where fish have become accustomed to seeing the same types of flies over and over again. By using an obscure pattern, you may be able to catch fish that have become wary of more common flies.
Switching to Tungsten Bead Head Nymphs
When fishing follow up, it’s important to adapt to the conditions and techniques that other anglers are using. One technique that is often effective in this situation is switching to tungsten bead head nymphs. Tungsten bead head nymphs are weighted flies that sink quickly, allowing you to target fish that are holding in deeper water.
By using tungsten bead head nymphs, you can effectively fish at different depths and increase your chances of catching fish. These flies are also highly versatile and can be effective in a variety of fishing situations, from fast-moving rivers to stillwater reservoirs.
Lengthening Your Leader and Dropping the Tibbet
When fishing follow up, it’s important to consider the importance of approach and water movement. Fish can be easily spooked by loud noises or sudden movements, so it’s important to be mindful of your actions when fishing. One way to improve your approach is by lengthening your leader and dropping the tippet.
A longer leader allows for a more delicate presentation of your fly, as it allows the fly to land on the water more softly. This can be particularly important when fishing in calm waters, where fish may be easily disturbed by a heavy splash. Dropping the tippet further increases the sensitivity of your setup, allowing you to detect even the subtlest of bites.
Importance of Approach and Water Movement
When fishing follow up, it’s important to be mindful of debris and noise in pools. Fish are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and debris and noise can spook them and make them more difficult to catch. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach the pool quietly and avoid creating unnecessary disturbances.
Furthermore, it’s important to pay attention to the movement of the water. Fish are naturally drawn to areas where there is a steady flow of water or where there are natural currents. By observing the water movement, you can identify where the fish are most likely to be and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.
Casting Accuracy and Line Control
Finally, when fishing follow up, it’s essential to focus on casting accuracy and line control. As you observe other anglers, take note of their casting techniques and try to replicate their accuracy and control. A well-placed cast can significantly increase your chances of catching fish, as it allows you to present your fly in the most enticing manner.
Line control is also crucial when fishing follow up. By maintaining control of your line, you can ensure that your fly is presented in a natural and appealing way to the fish. A poorly controlled line can result in unnatural movement of your fly, potentially scaring away the fish.
Conclusion
Fishing follow up can be a highly effective strategy for increasing your chances of catching fish. By assessing the distance from other anglers, adjusting your fly size and profile, using droppers and obscure patterns, switching to tungsten bead head nymphs, lengthening your leader and dropping the tippet, considering approach and water movement, avoiding debris and noise in pools, and focusing on casting accuracy and line control, you can optimize your fishing experience and improve your success rate. Remember to be observant, adapt to the conditions, and be patient. Fishing follow up requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to learn from others, but it can greatly enhance your enjoyment and success in the sport of fishing.
