Weekend Defeat

[americandesi]

I got into fly fishing myself about 2 years ago, and it took me awhile to get comfortable with nymphing. One thing I learned is that trout take nymphs much more subtly than they take bait or lures. More often than not you won't be able to feel when they bite.

Were you using a strike indicator? Asking because using a strike indicator or an indicator built into your leader (such as colored monofilament) makes a huge difference. Countless times (especially when it's cold out) the indicator revealed a strike, when I didn't feel a bite. I also set the hook whenever the rig doesn't move naturally. Numerous times when I thought I was snagged, it turns out I had a bite!

Also, having the right amount of weight on your setup is key. If you have too much you'll be continually snagging bottom. Too little and the nymphs won't sink deep enough in time to reach the fish. But if you put your mind to it, you'll figure it out.