Every single river in the world is different in its own right whether it's the size depth speed of flow features such as boulders or overgrown trees - finding fish can be challenging. Sometimes Brown Trout can be in the heads of pools other times they're in the tails. Some rivers might have lots of pocket water but always remember that Brown Trout love features. In this article I will explain how to use the Duo technique - a searching technique perfect for fishing pocket waters.
The Duo tactic is a very simple yet an extremely effective method. So let me explain how it works. A simple set up would be to use a 12ft tapered leader probably down to around 3lb tippet would be ideal for fishing small streams and rivers here in the UK. You can either attach the dry fly direct to this or attach maybe 2 feet of lighter tippet if you feel it is necessary.
You can now either attach the tippet to go to your nymph on the curve of the dry fly hook (known as New Zealand style) or you can leave your dry fly as a dropper so it can move around more freely. Both ways work - some prefer New Zealand style others prefer the dropper. I use both in different circumstances. For example if I'm casting quite a distance say 10 yards upstream and the water is very slow moving I'd prefer to attach it to the curve of the dry fly. In pocket water for myself it is totally the opposite. Normally I use around 55-60cm of tippet from the dry fly to the nymph.
To fish the method effectively imagine being stood in the middle of a river or stream and try to imagine a 2ft square grid being placed over the top of it. Working from right to left or left to right place casts in these 2ft square zones - this way you will cover the water effectively and efficiently. After covering one length (from side to side) take a couple of steps upstream and repeat the process.
There are no set rules into what dry fly to use. Klinkhammers Parachutes and Sedges are always a favourite. They not only catch fish but are also easily visible. A good tip is to have a couple of bright posted flies colours such as pink or orange work very well if the lighting is poor. Normally a size 12 or 14 dry fly will be all you need.
As for the nymph something with a 2mm or 2.5mm bead are what you would be looking to use. Sizes can also vary from size 14 to 18. A very simple fly is something called a Mary which is basically just a small pheasant tail other nymphs such as hares ears flashback caddis also work very well.
Rivers with pocket water can be so much fun! What is pocket water? Ok what is being described as a pocket is basically an area behind a large or small rock in some cases. It can be water in front of the rocks or behind them a section of water that is just deep enough and big enough to hold a Brown Trout.
To fish this kind of water effectively you simply cast from pocket to pocket keeping the tip of your rod nice and high. You'll find that you will gain more control of where your flies land (so your accuracy will improve). Remember sometimes that the Brown Trout and even Rainbow Trout in some rivers will react so fast even before your dry fly lands they will jump out and grab it! It's more common than you may think!
Greys ProTeam member Lisa Isles started fly-fishing aged 10 years old after her dad and granddad introduced her into the sport. Having entered her first England Youth National Championship aged 13 Lisa fished for the team for 5 years including fishing at both international and world level. Lisa has been lucky enough to Captain the team to win Bronze medal at the World Championships in Pennsylvania.
Lisa has fished for the England Ladies Team twice and won Team Gold and Silver medals. A keen traveller Lisa has explored many fly fishing destinations including New Zealand Australia Norway Poland and Slovenia.