Ask MidCurrent: Should I Not Use a Strike Indicator?

Question: Why do some fly fishers (especially older guys) scoff at using strike indicators, often referring to them as “bobbers”? Is it better to fish without an indicator? If so, how do you do it?
—Ryan B., via email

Answer: Although indicators had been invented decades earlier, it wasn’t until the 1970s—when Dave Whitlock became an indicator evangelist—that the method really started to take hold in the wider fly-fishing communituy. Before then, most anglers fished nymphs without anything but flies and perhaps split shot on the line. These days, indicator fishing is the default method—it’s easy and effective in most situations—but there are iconoclastic anglers who refuse to use a “bobber” for one reason or another. Some think it’s “cheating,” while others consider “naked nymphing” more of a challenge.

First, don’t let anyone tell you how to fish, as long as what you’re doing is ethical and legal, which indicator-fishing is. You do you, and let them worry about their own angling. That said, there are times when forgoing the indicator is actually beneficial, and fishing this way can teach you a lot about observation, presentation, and line control.

When to Nymph Without an Indicator

There are several scenarios where fishing without an indicator is advantageous. In clear, shallow water, an indicator can be a deterrent to wary fish, as the noise of the indicator landing or the unnatural presence of a floating object may spook them. In these conditions, eliminating the indicator allows for a quieter, more delicate presentation.

This technique is also ideal when fishing for pressured or selective trout that have grown accustomed to artificial presentations. A freely drifting nymph moves more naturally with the current, increasing the chances of enticing a take from a cautious fish. Additionally, in fast, broken water, an indicator often struggles to maintain reliable contact with the fly. The turbulence of the surface can mask the subtle movements of a strike, making direct connection through the leader and fly line a more effective approach.

For anglers who want greater control over the presentation, removing the indicator allows them to fine-tune adjustments in depth and drift. Whether you’re fishing riffles, seams, or deep pools, the ability to manipulate the fly’s movement and detect strikes through line movement alone provides a more engaging and skill-driven experience.

Why You Should Try Fishing Without an Indicator

Fishing without an indicator can sharpen essential fly-fishing skills. It forces you to develop a heightened sense of water movement, line tension, and strike detection. Without a visual aid, you become more attuned to subtle cues in your line and leader, fostering a deeper understanding of how nymphs drift and how trout behave. Over time, this approach refines instincts, making strike detection a matter of intuition rather than reliance on a “bobber.”

A key advantage of this method is the natural drift it provides. Because the surface currents are usually faster than those near the bottom, strike indicators can sometimes cause the nymph to drag, moving unnaturally in the current. Without an indicator, the fly drifts unimpeded, mimicking the behavior of real insects. This is particularly useful in technical waters, where fish are highly selective and only respond to perfectly presented flies.

Ditching the indicator can also improve hook-setting efficiency. Indicators introduce resistance that can delay or dampen a hook set. Without an indicator, the rod remains directly connected to the fly, allowing for quicker and more effective hook sets.

How to Fish Nymphs Without an Indicator

Since you won’t have a floating indicator to signal strikes, you must rely on watching your fly line and leader tip closely. Apply floatant to the first few feet of the fly line, so it floats higher and remains visible, making it easier to detect slight hesitations or twitches that indicate a take. Any change in movement—whether the line pauses, veers left or right, or sinks suddenly—should trigger an immediate hook set.
It’s also important to read the water to anticipate where strikes are most likely to occur. Observing the speed and depth of currents, identifying feeding lanes, and knowing where fish typically hold can help you time your strike detection more effectively. (The video above, from Jensen Fly Fishing, offers some great tips.)

Maintaining contact with the fly is critical. Too much slack in the line results in missed strikes, while too much tension can cause the fly to move unnaturally. The goal is to maintain just enough connection to feel or see subtle takes while allowing the fly to drift naturally. Techniques like high-sticking (keeping most of the fly line off the water to minimize drag) and stack mending (adding controlled slack to extend the drift) are essential skills for maintaining the proper line tension.

Naked Set Up

In rivers, start with a 9-foot leader, but for deeper pools you may need a longer setup. Adjusting the leader length based on water depth ensures that the fly reaches the strike zone effectively. In still waters, where you might need to get your nymphs down to where fish are suspending, you might need a 15- or even 20-foot foot leader. Selecting the right fly and weight is also crucial. In deep or fast-moving water, heavily weighted nymphs like stoneflies or tungsten beadhead patterns help the fly sink quickly. In contrast, in slow or shallow water, lighter nymphs or emergers offer a more natural presentation.

When you’re retrieving the fly, patience is essential. In still water, a slow hand-twist retrieve is often the most effective way to keep the fly moving naturally while maintaining the tension required for strike detection. This retrieve method reduces unnatural drag and allows for better control over depth and movement.

Final Thoughts

Fishing nymphs without an indicator is a useful tactic that can actually make you a better indicator angler. While indicators are effective in many situations, learning to fish without one improves your water-reading skills, strike detection, and drift control. The increased challenge may require greater concentration and patience on your part, but the payoff is a more refined and rewarding experience on the water. The next time you’re on the river or lake, consider leaving the bobber behind and embracing this dynamic approach—you may find it to be the most satisfying way to catch fish.

 

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