When Should You Not Use an Indicator for Fly Fishing?

Fly fishing is an ancient form of angling that has been practiced for centuries. It is a sport that requires skill, patience and knowledge.

An important part of the fly fishing experience is the use of indicators, such as strike indicators, floatants and bobbers. These indicators can help anglers to detect strikes and locate fish in deeper water. However, there are times when it is not advisable to use an indicator for fly fishing.

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When Wading: It may be challenging to spot strikes or takes while wading in shallow water, especially if an indicator is being used. A large or bulky indicator can create drag and hinder the detection of subtle takes. Furthermore, a highly visible indicator can appear unnatural and spook fish.

In Clear Water: In clear water conditions, using an indicator can be counter-productive because it can spook the fish. The bright colors and shapes of most indicators can easily be seen by fish and may cause them to flee before the angler has a chance to make a cast. Additionally, some indicators may have too much buoyancy causing them to float off after a few casts.

When Fishing Dry Flies: Dry flies are designed to look like natural insects on the surface of the water. When using dry flies, using an indicator would interfere with their natural presentation and could cause them to be ignored by feeding fish.

Conclusion: Indicators are an important tool for fly fishermen but they should only be used when appropriate conditions exist. They should not be used when wading in shallow water or when fishing dry flies because they can interfere with detecting strikes or spooking fish away before they’ve had a chance to take the bait. Additionally, in clear water conditions, many indicators will be seen by fish which could have a negative effect on your catch rate.

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Lindsay Collins