Ask MidCurrent: How Can I Fish Tiny Dry Flies When I Can’t See Them?

The flat light of winter can make it very difficult to see small flies. Photo by Paul Schullery

Question: I recently went to a presentation on winter fly-fishing, and all the dry flies discussed were smaller than size 20. I am almost 70 years old, and there’s no way I’ll be able to see those patterns on the water. What’s my best option?
—Jeff K., CT

Answer: For those of us in our bifocal years, this is a real problem. If we can barely see these patterns in the vise, how can we track them on the water?

The best answer we’ve found is to pair those tiny midges and mayflies with an indicator fliy in a two-dry-fly tandem rig. In order to catch cold-water trout you sometimes have to cast flies in sizes 20-26, which are virtually invisible on the water, especially during winter’s low light and glare conditions.

By pairing a highly visible “indicator” dry fly with your tiny midge pattern, you create a tracking system that signals when a fish takes your nearly invisible offering. During winter, when trout typically move slowly and take flies with subtle, deliberate sips, detecting these gentle takes becomes the critical factor between success and frustration.

Winter fishing presents a few challenges beyond the diminutive patterns:

• Low-angle winter sunlight creating maximum glare.
• Slow, clear water with subtle currents and selective trout.
• Flat, smooth pools where fish feed with minimal disturbance.
• Extended fishing distances necessary to avoid spooking wary winter trout.

A two-fly setup gives you the best chance to see when a fish eats your fly, but the presentation has to be spot-on.

A two-dry tandem rig, with a larger fly in front and a tiny-fly dropper will help you detect strikes more easily.

The Cold-Water Setup

An effective indicator-fly-and-midge rig is easy to set up:

1. Begin with a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 5X or 6X.

2. Tie on a visible pattern in size 16 to 18. Winter indicator flies should be smaller than summer versions but still easy to see from a distance.

3. From the bend of the indicator fly’s hook, add 18-24 inches of 6X or 7X tippet. This extreme fineness is necessary for natural presentation of tiny midges.

4. Tie on your size 20 to 26 midge pattern. Consider using a non-slip loop knot for the smallest patterns to allow for more natural movement.

5. Apply floatant to your indicator fly only. Many winter midge patterns work best partially submerged in the surface film or floating flush in the surface tension.

Remember to check your tippet frequently for ice buildup around the knots, as well as “wind knots” which are usually fatal in such fine tippet.

The Griffith’s Gnat (left) and the Rosenbauer’s Double Griffith’s imitate clusters of midges and are easier to see on the water, so they make great indicator flies. Photos courtesy of Fulling Mill

Winter Indicator Patterns

Selecting appropriate indicator flies for winter fishing requires balancing visibility against the need for subtlety. The ideal winter indicator fly should:

Feature synthetic materials that resist waterlogging and freeze-resistance. (No CDC.)
Feature colors that stand out against snow-reflected glare, often dark patterns like black or purple in bright conditions or bright orange/yellow patterns in low light.
Match actual winter food sources. While primarily functioning as an indicator, you increase your chances of hooking up in the top fly imitates larger winter food sources like midges clusters or small winter stoneflies.

Patterns that fit the bill include:

• Parachute Adams in purple or black with white or hi-vis posts in sizes 16-18.
• Griffith’s Gnat or Rosenbauer’s Double Griffith’s in size 16.
• Black Elk-Hair Caddis with bright hackle.
• Parachute midges with exaggerated white or fluorescent posts.

The most successful winter midge fishers often carry specialized indicator patterns designed specifically for this challenging season, with smaller proportions but enhanced visibility features.

Reading Winter Takes

Winter surface feeding is characterized by extraordinarily subtle takes that make summer dry-fly “eats” seem obvious by comparison. Your indicator fly becomes essential for telegraphing these nearly imperceptible rises.

When a trout takes your tiny pattern in winter conditions, your indicator fly may not dive underwater like the barrels in “Jaws.” You might notice the slightest pause or hesitation in drift, often lasting just a fraction of a second. Sometimes there’s only a barely perceptible “twitch” of the indicator as the trout sips your midge. Watch carefully for the indicator rotating slightly out of its natural orientation, which often happens when a fish has taken the trailing fly. Surface tension disturbances around the indicator, though minimal, can telegraph a take occurring inches away. Occasionally, the only sign might be your indicator suddenly appearing closer or farther away than expected as the current relationship between your two flies changes during a take.

Position yourself with the winter sun at your back whenever possible to improve visibility. Polarized sunglasses are essential equipment, as is a subdued approach—winter trout in clear water are more skittish than their summer counterparts. Learning to read these subtle winter takes requires patience and practice, but soon you’ll begin recognizing the difference between natural drift variations and the distinctive, if minimal, changes that signal a trout has taken your midge.