Sammy you bring up a good question.
I like what the others have added as well…
Regarding how to match speed of the water where the fish holding - while indicator nymphing:
Generally, I like to see the indicator drift slower than the foam line around it. And I like my leader set-up so there’s nothing but tippet (or thin line anyway) below my indicator.
If it’s deep and/or fast water – I’m a fan of the “turn-over” and “stack” mends early on to set up a good drag free drift – sometimes you don’t need as much weight as you think.
One reason tight-line/high sticking/indicatorless nymphing (I’m resisting calling it Czech Nymphing out of respect to old time Nor Cal Anglers) Whew… is so deadly, is a heavily weighted leader, of a thin diameter, can effectively “slice” through water current with less drag while sufficient weight on the leader (or flies) will slow down the drift speed – hopefully in the realm of the current speed where the fish are feeding! It’s easier to demonstrate than explain – and I’m already wordy…
This last point should not raise debate about indicator vs. indicatorless nymphing, that really should be a decision based on the TYPE of water you are fishing (how far away the fish are, how long a drift you need etc etc) not whether or not one technique is better or more sporting than other. Both techniques have valid points, and disadvantages.
Happy fishing...
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