On the Fly: Tippet proportions and fly size make all the difference when on the river

Over the years we have encountered many frustrated anglers who can’t figure out why the fish are continually refusing their flies.

Individuals often drop by the shop complaining that numerous fish would inspect their particular pattern and refuse it. They will then explain that they changed flies several times and the fish repeated their inspections and 95% of the time refused the fly. This is especially true while dry-flyfishing or sight nymphing while one bears witness to these annoying recurrences. The fact that you are getting refusals usually lends us to believe that the “drift is quite good.” This being the case, all that is needed is to lighten up on your tippet size in most circumstances. 

Typically If your fly is being refused at the last moment, then the trout likes what it sees from a distance. However, with closer inspection there are three major things that cause trout to refuse a fly. These are micro drag, a fly that is one size too big or too small, and too large a tippet.

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Micro drag is a slight imperfection in your presentation caused by small subtleties during the drift; usually only the most selective fish notice micro drag. Most anglers try different size flies most of the time in their efforts to figure out the issue. However, 95% of the time when an angler consistently changes flies and fish consistently refuse the offering, the problem can be attributed to too large a tippet diameter. The simple solution is to drop down in tippet diameters. Sometimes dropping down by one size is enough, while other situations may require dropping down several sizes.

Tippet size is influenced by several factors. These factors include the size of your fly, water clarity, water speed and temperament of your quarry. Generally, the larger your fly, the larger your tippet can be. Heavy, fast or discolored water usually enables you to use slightly heavier tippets than if conditions are low and clear. You will also encounter fish that can be leader shy or on more heavily fished waters, trout that are more selective and cautious. With these thoughts in mind, you need to adjust your tippet accordingly. You may be able to fish a size-12 green drake tied to 3X on a big freestone river like the Roaring Fork, while you will need to size down to 5X when fishing that same fly on a tailwater like the Fryingpan. 

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Keep experimenting out there, and we hope you have some eureka moments soon out on the river.

This report is provided every week by Taylor Creek Fly Shops in Aspen and Basalt. Taylor Creek can be reached at 970-927-4374 or TaylorCreek.com.