“Dynamic” – what a powerful and inspiring word demonstrated by some of the most successful people in the World. Depending on how you look at the word it has multiple meanings but from an angling sense, I like the “active” usage as it relates as to how successful nymph fishers are “actively” looking for the correct technique for the given piece of water they’re fishing. Let’s face it; no single technique is the cure all for all water types. There are a handful of anglers I know that stick to only one nymphing style/technique for all scenarios. Success will often come their way but there are times when the “one trick pony” approach will not compliment the stream condition, which may lead to a disappointing outcome. For example, some anglers refuse to use an indicator and stick to their tight line tactics at all costs. While they catch fish when conditions allow them to get within 15-20’ of their target, there are times when a longer presentation is needed. For example, low water conditions often force the angler to present the fly from distances exceeding 30 feet. At least for me at that distance, it’s very difficult to maintain line and leader control without the use of an indicator. As a result, I will resort to a suspension device that allows me to effectively drift a nymph from a distance but I didn’t always have this attitude.

Growing up in Central PA, I was taught to nymph without an indicator and believed it was the superior method for all conditions until I fished with anglers who tripled my catch while using an indicator. Granted, the conditions were prime for suspension nymphing-long and slow moving runs where a suspension tool allowed the angler to cover the run with one cast while my tight line approach restricted me to short drifts-maybe 10-15’ long. Simply put, it was the right tool for the current job. This is why use a leader formula that allows me to bounce back and forth from tight lining to suspension nymphing.

While I spend most of my time nymphing without an indicator, there are times when a suspension tool is a more effective tool as mentioned above. I enjoy fly fishing for the sake of fishing but I’ll be honest-I like to catch fish and will resort to whatever tactics necessary-even if that means I have to tie on a suspension device that looks like a decorative Christmas bulb. While I prefer to nymph without an suspension device (personal preference), there are times when I have no problem attaching an indicator to leader, if I know it’s going to allow me to catch more fish. Also, switching to an indicator does not mean you have to utilize a different leader. Quite the opposite, in fact, I often use a suspension device with my tight line leader formula. Here’s a formula that works for me: