Nymph Fishing In Practice

Upstream nymph fishing has developed from the minor tactic of G.E.M. Skues into a universally-accepted method wherever fly fishermen fish for brown trout and grayling. The history of nymph fishing is notable for the argument between F.M. Halford, the dry-fly ultrapurist, and Skues, culminating in the debate on the legitimacy of fishing nymphs on chalkstreams and the later fallout between Frank Sawyer and Major Oliver Kite. For the first thirty years of the twentieth century, nymph fishermen were held in contempt and often considered little better than poachers on many chalkstreams. Nymph fishing started and was developed in England and then spread, along with nymph patterns, around the world through the writings of Skues and others and the travels of English anglers. Over the last fifty years, the English method has been adapted and developed to suit local conditions, particularly in the United States.

This new edition of Oliver Kite's 1963 classic includes the complete text of the original, hailed as one of the most lucid works ever on the subject. Includes a new introduction, notes on Kite's fly dressings and reminiscences by his contemporaries, plus a new color section and historical photos. Kite studied nymphs extensively and here classifies them by type, explains their adaptations to specific habitats, and rates their relative significance to fishermen. He also explains the essentials of tying artificials and of fishing nymphs in all situations.

Discover the spiritual potential hidden in every cast of the fly rod. "For us, fly-fishing is about more than catching fish. We have been skunked on the stream too many times to count, and stood shivering in our waders in 45-degree water long after sundown. Yet, every chance we get, we head back to the river in search of trout and something more." —from Rabbi Eric's Introduction "Early in my fly-fishing career I remember telling a friend that there is so much to learn! Some forty years later, that is still true. Every trip I learn something new about rivers, fish and the natural world. Most importantly, I learn something new about myself. Every encounter with the waters of our planet draws me deeper into who I am and who I want to become." —from Reverend Mike's Introduction In this unique exploration of fly-fishing as a spiritual practice, an Episcopal priest and a rabbi share what fly-fishing has to teach us about reflection, awe and the wonder of the natural world, the benefits of solitude, the blessing of community and the search for the Divine. Tapping the wisdom in the Christian and Jewish traditions and their own geographically diverse experiences on the water, they show how time spent on the stream can help you navigate the currents and eddies of your own inner journey.

New and specific presentation techniques beyond traditional dead driftingLong-line nymphing, no-line nymphing, downstream strategies, micronymphing, nymphing lakes, and designing your own imitationsInstruction on hauling with weighted rigs, hammering, jabbing, tilting the rod plane, roll casting, elliptical casts, curve casts, downstream loadingNo other form of fly fishing has broader application on so many types of water for both active and inactive trout. So argues Osthoff, who challenges the long-held notion that nymphing involves little more than dead drifting with the current. Osthoff advocates an active strategy of moving the nymph, applying effective casting and creative presentation techniques that will attract the most elusive trout. With comprehensive advice on rigging and prospecting, practice tips for a wide variety of casts, and strategies for precise control to bring your nymph to life, this is your guide to becoming a truly versatile angler.

A richly illustrated guide that offers precise terms for every part of the cast, with sections on line speed, improving accuracy and distance, loop control, and much more.

Advanced tight line nymphing tactics, including Czech, Polish, French, Spanish, and American techniques.