Finding the Balance Part II: Presentation and Setup

Part II to fishing balanced flies dealing with setup and presentation. 

A prime spring rainbow!

 Setup

Casting strike indicators coupled with long leaders is a visual eye sore. There is no elegance about it. Weighted patterns and in some instances added weight to the leader via split shot often requires large open loops to reduce tangles. The name of the game is to minimize false casting. Using the resistance between the fly line and the surface tension of the water aids in loading the rod and ensures the fly line will turn over. Longer fly rods of 9 feet or greater are preferred. Six and seven weight lines will allow the indicator and fly to be picked up with greater ease. The current line of choice amongst serious Stillwater fly fishers for this method is hands down the Rio Indicator line. The thick front tip and short front taper easily turn over the strike indicator.

A tiger trout that fell to a balanced leech in 30' of water.

Balanced patterns can be fished with leaders up to twenty five feet depending on at what depth the trout are feeding. In most instances a leader of ten to fifteen feet will suffice. When asked what size of tippet one should use the best answer is to let the conditions decide. With patterns in sizes #6-10 3-4X fluorocarbon will handle most situations. As patterns get smaller (#12 down), or in the case of clear water, 5X fluorocarbon tippet may be required. Flies tied using the pin and bead method tend to spin or “helicopter” during casting. This usually results in unwanted twisting in the leader. Attaching a small #12 black barrel swivel between the end of the leader and tippet material will correct this problem as well as aid in getting patterns down quickly. It will also eliminate knot slippage between the monofilament leader and fluorocarbon tippet.

 A major factor in increasing the effects of the balanced fly is the proper leader to fly connection. A standard clinch knot draws life from the fly and reduces its animation in the water. Used in conjunction with a Non Slip or Duncan loop for the leader to fly connection the balanced fly can come to life with minimal surface chop.A good illustration of a non-slip knot can be found here: http://swittersb.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/loop-knot-for-streamers-nymphs-non-slip-mono-knot/

Presentation

Balanced patterns can be fished throughout the open water season with success. Starting in spring, when trout patrol the shoals and littoral zones of lakes, hanging balanced leech patterns below a strike indicator is an effective method to entice some of the lakes largest specimens. At this time of the year water temperatures and oxygen levels are ideal for trout in shallow zones of the lake. As the season progresses and the water warms, trout will seek more suitable temperatures and oxygen levels in deeper water where permitted. During this time, fish can still be taken with balanced imitations below a strike indicator.  As the water cools in the fall trout return once again to the shoals and littoral zone and can offer exceptional late season fishing with leeches, scuds, bloodworms and smaller damselfly and dragonfly imitations fished below an indicator. At any time during the season it is a good strategy to focus around weed beds both shallow and deep as well as any structure such as sunken islands or points. Trout will often key in on the array of forage in these areas which offer prime habitat for a variety of both invertebrates and minnow species. Like with any form of fly fishing, matching ones patterns to what is on the trout’s menu is a sure fire way to be rewarded. Close inspection around the lake shore for recently hatched insects and on the water for shucks will aid in pattern selection. It is this initial observation that can often determine whether one has a boom or bust day on the water.

A fine Maligne Lake rainbow taken on a balanced pattern.

Generally flies should be fished within one to two feet of the lake bottom. To determine this, the easiest method is to attach a pair of hemostats to the fly, which is attached to the leader, and lower it until it hits bottom. By raising the fly/ hemostats off the bottom the fly fisher can accurately determine where to attach the strike indicator. The most effective strike indicators for this method are those of the quick release variety as they allow easy adjustment when changing depths.

Always be observant of bottom type and or the presence of macrophytic growth (weeds) and debris. Sometimes it is a good idea to fish amongst weeds such as lily pads and openings in pond weed as trout themselves cruise under cover in search of food. When fishing over Chara mats make sure your fly is clear of the vegetation as your pattern will go unnoticed.

Another quality Saskatchewan Bow'.

          As with chironomid fishing an anchored platform offers the easiest and most precise way to cover water effectively. When fishing from a boat a double anchor system is indispensable in reducing side to side drift. If fishing from a pontoon boat or belly boat, a single anchor in conjunction with the use of fins will allow proper boat control (you can still mount a second anchor if you choose). Quartering casts with the wind is the most effective way to cover water using the indicator and fly. The wind not only provides animation to the fly but slowly allows the indicator to move with it, dragging the fly along in the strike zone. Balanced patterns imitating caddis pupa and mayfly nymphs are extremely effective in mimicking these species near the lake bottom as they stage just prior to a major emergence. The quartered cast method is ideal for covering water during such times. Once the line has blown straight down from the anchored boat “popping” the indicator back with short 2-3 inch strips will prolong the presentation. More often than not this is the only way to present balanced flies on calm windless days. 

"Popping" balanced flies can pay off under calm conditions.

          Fishing balanced patterns static under a strike indicator is an effective and enjoyable method of Stillwater fly-fishing. By applying these patterns (see previous article) and techniques the beginner and advanced fly fisher alike will add another tool to their arsenal in unlocking the world of Stillwater trout.