I don’t like fishing with strike indicators. But, for long runs, there’s nothing better. An example of that is the Swift River hatchery pipe area. You have the opportunity to do some long sub-surface drifts. There also are many long runs at the Westfield and Millers rivers.

I also have a theory that wily trout in C&R areas often see bobbers and will glide out of the way when one is drifting towards them.

So, when I need a strike indicator, I use the New Zealand kind. You’re basically drifting pieces of wool. They’re super-sensitive and don’t create a kink in the leader. And, they’re easy to adjust up and down (the length between the indicator and the nymph(s) should be 1.5x to 2x the depth of the water you’re fishing).

I add a bit of floatant to it, and I’m good to go. I strip set if I see the indicator pause, move sideways, or do anything unusual. That’s particularly important at rivers like the Swift. The trout will spit out your fly as fast as they can.

If you’re interested in learning more, a video is below.

Last, I’m looking for someone to write a guest post about streamer fishing. With autumn coming and browns getting more territorial, it would be great to get a POV on streamers.