Wet flies while fishing stained water, a comprehensive guide

Enticing rainbows in the murky depths of Bennett spring with wet flies is a rewarding pursuit that often yields larger, less pressured fish. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these conditions successfully.

I. Understanding the environment

* Stained Water: Reduced visibility is the key factor here. Sunlight penetration is limited, making it harder for trout to spot subtle presentations. This means your flies need to be more visible and create more of a disturbance to be noticed.

* Large Wet Flies: These patterns are typically tied on larger hooks (sizes 6-10) and often incorporate materials that add bulk, movement, and profile in the water like a slicked back mallard flank feather or a larger "flowyer" face hackle, Think spey flies, Woolly Buggers, leeches, larger nymphs, and smaller streamer-like patterns.

II. Gear Considerations:

* Rod: A 9 to 10-foot rod in a 5 or 6 weight offers a good balance of casting power for larger flies and sensitivity for detecting subtle takes in deeper water.

* Line: Sinking or Sink-Tip Line: This is often essential to getting your unweighted flies down into the strike zone quickly. Consider different sink rates depending on the depth and current. A Type 3 or Type 6 full sinking line can be useful in deeper, slower currents. A sink-tip line (e.g., 10-15 feet of sinking material) can be effective in moderate depths and currents another alternative would be to pickup a few different sink rates worth of exchangeable poly, dura, or any kind of sinking leaders that way you aren't stuck with one fixed sink rate, Rio makes a fantastic sinking leader called the versileader which would be my personal recommendation

* Floating Line with a Long Leader: In slightly stained but not overly deep water, a long leader (9-12 feet or more) with added weight (split shot or weighted flies) can also work.

* Leader and Tippet:

* Leader: A tapered leader in the 4X to 5X range is generally suitable for these flies.

* Tippet: Use a tippet of apropriate diameter (5X to 6X) a personal suggestion of mine would be a fluorocarbon like Berkeley vanish or fluorocarbon coated line like P-line fluro clear although in stained water, this might be less of a critical factor.

III. Fly Selection for Stained water

The key is to choose flies that offer visibility and presence in murky conditions. Consider these categories:

* Dark and Bold Colors: Black, olive, purple, and dark brown are often highly effective in stained water. These colors provide a strong silhouette against the muted background.

* Flies with Movement: Marabou, rabbit fur, and hackle create enticing undulations that trout can detect even in low visibility. Think Woolly Buggers with palmered hackle, leech patterns with flowing tails and larger soft-hackled wet flies, (or anything with schlappen).

* Flies with Flash: Incorporating materials like Mylar, Krystal Flash, or tinsel can add a visual spark that attracts attention in stained water. A subtle amount of flash is often better than excessive bling.

* Larger Profiles: Don't be afraid to fish larger flies (sizes 6-10). In stained water, trout may have a harder time seeing smaller offerings. A larger profile creates a more significant target.

Specific Fly Patterns to Consider:

* Woolly Bugger (Black, Olive, Purple): A classic for a reason. Its buggy profile and undulating tail are irresistible. Try them with and without bead heads and with different colored hackle.

* Leech Patterns (Black, Brown, Olive): Simple yet incredibly effective. Variations with marabou, rabbit, or micro chenille bodies are all worth trying.

* Streamer-like Wets: Patterns that bridge the gap between traditional wets and streamers like a Scottish snatcher or an alaskabou that are often tied on longer shank hooks with more movement.

IV. Presentation and Techniques:

* Get Deep Quickly: This is paramount. Use sinking lines or weighted flies, Allow sufficient time for your fly to sink before starting your retrieve.

* Vary Your Retrieve: Experiment with different retrieve styles. Try slow, deliberate strips, short jerky movements, or even a dead drift with occasional twitches. The reduced visibility might make trout more reactive to movement.

* Fish Methodically: Cover the water systematically. Start by fishing closer to you and gradually work your way further out. Focus on areas with deeper pools, submerged structure (logs, rocks), and along current seams.

* Consider the Current: Even in deeper water, current plays a role. Trout will often hold in areas where they can conserve energy but still have access to food. Try fishing along the edges of faster currents or in the slower water behind obstructions.

* Swinging Flies: when fishing a consistent current, swinging wet flies across the current can be a productive method. Allow your fly to sink and then let the current sweep it through the likely holding water.

* Listen to the Fish: Pay close attention to any subtle takes. In deeper water, the strike might not be aggressive. A slight hesitation in your line or a gentle tug could indicate a fish. Be ready to set the hook with a firm but controlled strip-set.

* Experimentation is Key: Don't be afraid to try different fly patterns, retrieve speeds, and depths until you find what the fish are responding to on that particular day.

V. Reading the Water in Stained Conditions:

While visibility is reduced, you can still look for clues:

* Changes in Current: Look for seams where faster and slower currents meet. Trout often hold in these transition zones.

* Submerged Structure: Rocks, logs, and drop-offs can provide cover and holding areas for trout. Try to present your fly close to these features.

* Depth Changes: Even if you can't see the bottom, look for changes in the water's surface that might indicate deeper sections. Slower, smoother surfaces often indicate deeper water.

* Fish Behavior: Watch for any signs of fish activity, even if it's just a subtle swirl or rise. This can give you clues about where they might be holding.