Release Strike Indicators for Stillwater Fishing
A couple of posts back, I discussed stillwater fly-fishing for trout. While stillwater fly-
fishing can be done with streamers, wet flies and dries, the most common method is nymphing, often with chironomid patterns. Lakes are full of midge larva.
In a stream or river, nymph fishing is typically done under a strike indicator, rarely placed over 3 or 4 feet above the fly. When you go to land a trout, the strike indicator’s position does not interfere with you reaching the fish. In stillwater, however, the fly may be 8 feet or farther down the leader. Now a convention strike indicator becomes an obstacle when landing the trout.
A release indicator solves the problem. For example, if you feel the stillwater fish are likely
ten feet down, you can position a release indictor ten feet up the leader. Now you are fishing at the proper depth. When the strike comes, setting the hook causes the release indicator to side down the leader to the fly. Bingo life is easy. You got to love it!
