The Riverkeeper Fly Shop - Tactics and Skills

Tactics and Skills

This is one of the most important features inclusive to the sport of fly fishing. Equally, it is also one of the most overlooked and understated. Therefore, we have made it our mission to personally evaluate various fishing scenarios around the area, pick them apart piece-by-piece, and explain how tactics and skills apply in virtually every situation.

Fishing the South Fork of the Boise

Fishing the South Fork of the Boise this time of year typically means that you'll have to deal with several different types of fishing situations. This year's high water has opened up all new opportunities to fish in areas we would otherwise overlook. Whether you're fishing nymphs or dries, it's always a good idea to scout the river, determine your approach, and plan for success. In our clips below, Todd Smith and Greg Montemurro take you through some of the South Fork's most common scenarios - hope you enjoy!

Kick Screen the River

Taking a few moments to kick screen the river before you fish can be a very effective method of determining types of insects that inhabit the stream as well as an indication of the populations. You may see a greater frequency of one type of insect over another. Knowing this information, in addition to the ability to match the insects to the flies in your box, will greatly improve your chances of success.

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Insect Identification

When screening the section of river we planned on fishing, we found numerous varieties of insects. However, some were more prevalent than others. In this section we found an abundance of golden stonefly nymphs, flavs, caddis egg sacks, and midge larva. If we were to nymph fish this section, we would most likey use a double nymph rig and set it up with a hare's ear (size 12) and a bead head zebra midge dropper (size 20).

Stonefly Nymphs

Flav Nymphs & Caddis Egg Sacks

Midge Larva

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Determine Your Fishing Strategy

While screening the river, we noticed fish rising tight into the banks above us and decided to investigate. As with most high water situations, we didn't have to venture far from the river's edge to get to the area where the fish were feeding. The current is fast, and they don't want to fight it any more than you do - so keep tight to the bank. As we moved upstream, we noticed large mayflies drifting by. It turns out we were in a marginal flav hatch - not heavy, but just enough to get the fish looking up.

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Understanding Your Fly Selection

As we moved up on the fishing area, we noticed a few decent sized heads sporadically taking early stage emergers. The fish seem to know that Flavs are most vulnerable when they are trying to break from the water's surface. As the fish notice these trends, so should we. It's best to take a few moments to observe. Are the fish up on adults? Are they taking emergers? Or, are they just taking anything that drifts by. Noting that the fish were somewhat selective in their takings, Todd made an excellent decision in choosing his CDC Striving Dun to start the evening.

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Figure Out Your Fishing Range

When approching these types of scenarios, it's best to plan ahead. Be sure to use long leaders as fish may be put down by fly lines drifing overhead. Typically 12' to 15' will do the trick. Equally, if there are multiple fish feeding, be sure to "spot" each fish and determine your fishing range. Visualize how far from the bank they are and which one you will cast to first. Generally, it's best to start with the one closest to you and work your way to the fish above. Note that if you immediately cast to the lead fish, you will spook the ones behind.

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The Hookup

Just as we suspected, Smith's CDC Striving Dun (Flav) was on spot - the first drift was a winner. Todd hooked up and the fish immediatley went to the surface. Two jumps later, and he was about 30 yards downstream and digging into the current. Notice in the clip, right after Todd hooked up, he pulled the fish into the faster water (to his right) away from the bank. This action allows the fish to run out of the seam without spooking the others. Also note, that when the fish hits the faster water, Todd takes up the slack line. This helps in keeping leverage on the fish and allows him to maintain greater control.

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The Result

With a bit of observation and planning, Todd managed to hook up a really nice fish. Note the method in landing. Todd keeps pressure on the fish by raising his rod tip. This lifts the head and puts the fish off balance. With a clean net job, and a quick release, we can say this has been a good day. Fortunately, this is a typical quality South Fork bow - certainly not the largest we've seen this season, but it's really nice to know that we can land a 16" - 18" fish on the South Fork and call it average.