Caddis and PMD Nymphs on the Weber River

Nick and I were able to fish a different section of the Weber River every morning and afternoon during my daughter’s visit.  Each stretch produced well and kept us anticipating what would be around the next bend.  

This is the perfect trout river for fly fishing; plenty of pools, runs and riffles along with winding turns and structure.  

There are even stretches that have a rusted out car or two and old mink cages thrown in to add variety.

Wildlife is plentiful as well as domesticated animals, including llamas. This week we saw a family of sand hill cranes.

The typical setup Nick and I used was a 9 foot, 4 or 5 weight rod with a 9 foot tapered leader.  We used the new Air-Lock strike indicators.  We used fluorocarbon tippets at 4X or 5X depending on the size of fly.  

Mostly we used size 18 or 20 PMD nymphs or size 16 green caddis imitations, usually with a bead head. 

I like the black, tungsten beads.  One or two BB size split shot were needed to keep the flies near the bottom.  

Nick used the typical setup of split shot, fly, leader tied to bend of hook and then a second fly at the end.  I used the downrigger method with a split shot at the end with two droppers up the leader from that.  

Strike indicators were set at 1.5 to 2 times the depth of the water which ended up being about 5 or 6 feet.  The trout seemed to like the riffles that were near deeper water.  

They also seemed eager to eat whether it was morning or afternoon.  On some rivers the fishing slows down in the afternoon during the summer.  The Weber browns were just as active mid-day.  We caught mostly 13 to 18 inch brown trout all week long with maybe one or two rainbows and a white fish.  Once in a while we would see fish rising, but mostly not.

Fly Fishing With The Air-Lock Strike Indicator

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I am always on the lookout for a better strike indicator.  While at the Wasatch Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo this year I stumbled across a booth with new style of indicator, the Air-Lock strike indicator.  

It is very similar to the Thingamabobber but with a different method of attachment.  Rather than doubling over your leader to put it through a hole and then around the plastic bubble, the leader goes straight through a tightening mechanism so the line doesn’t kink.  This can be done by threading your leader through the hole in the tightening device if you don’t already have your flies tied on.  

It can also be done by removing the top of the tightening device by unscrewing it, placing the leader in the device, replacing the top and screwing it down tight.  

There is a gasket that the leader sits against that places pressure on the leader as the top is screwed on.  To adjust the indicator, unscrew the top a little so the leader easily slides up or down and then re-tighten it when it is in the desired location.  You will notice this leaves no kink upon making the adjustment. I’ve used the Air-Lock indicator on a couple of different fishing excursions and find they work flawlessly.  

I am no longer hesitant to make an adjustment because I worry about creating yet another kink in the line.  I find the Air-Lock floats well, is easy to adjust and stays secure where placed on the leader.  I wish I had these to use for the past couple of decades.  Way to go www.fishairlock.com!