Written By Trent Jones

If you're looking to boost your success on the water, understanding how to get your nymphs down and dirty is absolutely crucial. Did you know that about 90% of a trout's diet consists of underwater insects? That's why mastering nymphing techniques can significantly increase your daily catch rate and keep the stoke up high every time your on the water. The standard nymph rig is a fantastic way to achieve this, and today, I'll guide you through setting it up step by step.

Step 1: Add Tippet to Your Leader

Start by adding about 8 inches of tippet to the end of your leader using a blood knot. This knot is essential for later steps, including attaching the split shot and bobbers. You can find a tutorial for tying this knot linked in the video description.

Step 2: Attach Your First Nymph

Next, attach your first nymph to the end of the tippet using a clinch knot. If you need a refresher on how to tie this knot, there’s a tutorial available in the description.

Step 3: Add More Tippet

Cut an additional piece of tippet, approximately 12 to 18 inches long. Attach one end of this tippet to the bend of the first nymph's hook.

Step 4: Attach a Second Nymph

Select a second nymph from your box and attach it to the other end of the new piece of tippet using a clinch knot.

Step 5: Attach a Strike Indicator

A strike indicator helps you detect when a fish bites your nymph. You can choose from foam, plastic, cork, or wool indicators based on your preference and the fishing conditions. Position the indicator about 1.5 times the depth of the water above your first nymph. For example, if you're fishing in 4 feet of water, place the indicator about 6 feet above the first fly. Adjust as needed based on water depth and clarity.

Step 6 (Optional): Add Split Shot

If your nymphs aren’t reaching the desired depth, you might need to add split shot to your rig. Clip it onto the tippet just above the triple surgeon's knot. Remember, split shot can make detecting strikes more challenging and may snag on the riverbed, so use it sparingly.

Adjusting Your Rig

To ensure your nymphs stay in the strike zone, adjust your rig as needed. If you need to get deeper, add heavier flies or more split shot, or move the indicator up. To shallow your rig, remove split shot, move the indicator down, or switch to lighter flies.