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| Deep seam bow caught on weighted san juan worm and split shot |
I asked Tim what he was tying at last weeks Tuesdsay Tyers session. "A bomb," he replied. "I don't want to have to use split shots next time I'm trying to get down to those fish." This heavily weighted fly consisted of a tungsten bead head, .20 lead wire and a "buggy" attire. Whether you are using weighted flies, weighted line, or split shots, getting down to the fish is essential to catching them in deep water.
Tim was preparing flies for our upcoming trip to the Bighorn River in Montana. The Bighorn is notorious for this requirement. A spring trip in 2012 welcomed us with a midge hatch and rising fish. Our best success, however, was found deep, with zebra midges and skinny nelson patterns. Yeah, you could catch fish on soft hackle emerges and dries (certain times of the day produced very well), but your catch rate would be more consistent fishing deep.
But it meant fishing deep properly. That meant a weighted fly and often multiple split shots were required to reach those fish with a realistic presentation. That was your best shot for success. This obviously depends on the season, water level, water clarity and food options available, and varying your presentation is key to finding the right amount of weight required. Some casters will start big, getting down to the bottom as quick as possible and adjust from there. Others with make their best guess as to how they will get close and add as necessary. Either way, you'll be on the bottom, and that means you're going to lose flies. You'll have to come to grips with it if you want to catch fish deep. It's all part of the game, but you have to play to win. You must be willing to give up a few of those flies that you worked so hard to tie up, or spent hard earned cash to purchase. That's the only way you can beat deep water and gain the confidence to work the water properly. You'll catch more fish and will be a more experienced fisherman because of it.
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