Tip of the Week // Dial in Your Strike Indicator Depth Efficiently

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How to Dial in your Indicator Depth Efficiently

One of the biggest frustrations anglers have when fishing with an indicator setup is constantly adjusting the indicator height every time the water depth changes. Instead of spending time sliding your indicator up and down, set it a couple of feet deeper than your target depth and use mending to control how deep your flies fish. This approach keeps you in the water longer and allows for a more natural drift.

Mending for Depth Control

Once your indicator is set deeper than the bottom, you can control your fly depth by adjusting your mends:

✅ Shallow Water: Mend less and let your nymphs tick the bottom. This is especially effective over ledges where trout hold. As you drift over the ledge, a mend will keep your flies in the strike zone without dragging unnaturally.

✅ Deeper Water: Mend more and bigger to allow your flies to sink and reach feeding fish. A well-executed mend removes drag and lets your nymphs naturally drift into the zone where fish are holding.

✅ Fly Selection: A jig-head nymph with a tungsten bead is by far the most effective choice as these flies tick the bottom instead of snagging up on every crook and cranny.  

By using mending instead of constant indicator adjustments, you’ll fish more efficiently, maintain a more natural presentation, and increase your chances of hooking up. Next time you're on the water, try this approach and watch how many more fish you fool!

Stay tuned for more spring fly fishing insights, and get ready for some exciting days ahead!

We teach these techniques and more through our various courses in our University of Fly Fishing.

UPCOMING COURSES TO HIGHLIGHT 

Our classes are moving and shaking and folks... it's getting good!  We have many offerings and you can access the course calendar anytime to find a class that works for you.  If you have not already checked out our new service TROUT TAXI, check it out and learn a new section of the river you want to get after this year.

• Wednesday, March 12th, Euro Nymphing Fishalong, 9am
• Friday, March 14th, Yakima River Fishalong, 1pm 
• Saturday March 15th, PNW Tight Line Rendezvous All Day Event
• Saturday, March 15th, Women's Intro Course, 12-3pm
• Sunday, March 16th, Fly Fishing 201, 12-3pm
• Tuesday, March 18th, Boat Rowing Course, 10-1pm
• Wedneday, March 19th, Trout Spey Fishalong, 9am - 12pm

ENTIRE COURSE CALENDAR HERE 

Our University of Fly Fishing is the most unique, comprehensive fly fishing education available.