What is a Dropper Fly
Dry dropper or drop fly fly fishing is a style of fly fishing that has been around for quite awhile and is a great way to target fish in many different water types. The basic idea is to use a dry fly as the primary fly, an attractor, and then attach a sub-surface fly, such as a nymph, to the leader using a dropper line. This allows the angler to fish both the surface and subsurface layers of the water at the same time, increasing the chances of catching fish.
The first step in setting up a dry dropper rig is to choose the right flies. The dry fly is the primary fly and should be chosen based on the type of water you will be fishing and the type of fish you are targeting. For example, if you are fishing a small stream for trout, you might choose a small, light-colored dry fly, such as a Elk Hair Caddis, Adams or a Blue-winged Olive. If you are fishing a larger river for bass, you might choose a larger, more visible dry fly, like a foam hopper or a cicada.
Once you have chosen your dry fly, the next step is to choose the sub-surface fly. This should be chosen based on the type of fish you are targeting and the type of water you will be fishing. For example, if you are fishing a small stream for trout, you might choose a small, light-colored nymph, such as a Pheasant Tail or a Hare's Ear. If you are fishing a larger river for bass, you might choose a larger, more visible nymph, such as a scud or a streamer.
Once you have chosen your flies, the next step is to tie them onto your leader. The dry fly is tied to the end of the leader using a standard dry fly knot, such as a Clinch knot or a Improved Clinch knot. The sub-surface fly is tied to the leader using a dropper line, which is a short length of tippet material that is tied to the leader a few inches above the dry fly. The length of the dropper line will depend on the type of water you are fishing and the type of fish you are targeting. I'll usually start at about a 4 inch line and adjust from there watching how the setup looks in the water.
Once the flies are tied to the leader, the next step is to cast the rig. When casting a dry dropper rig, it is important to keep the dry fly on the surface of the water. This can be achieved by using a light touch when casting and by keeping the rod tip low to the water. When the rig is on the water, the dry fly will float on the surface, while the sub-surface fly will drift in the subsurface layers.
When fishing a dry dropper rig, it is important to pay attention to the way the flies are behaving in the water. If the dry fly is not behaving naturally, it may be necessary to adjust the length of the dropper line or to change the flies. If the sub-surface fly is not behaving naturally, it may be necessary to adjust the weight of the fly or to change the flies.
Overall, dry dropper fly fishing is a great way to target fish in a variety of different water types. By using a dry fly as the primary fly and a sub-surface fly on a dropper line, the angler can fish both the surface and subsurface layers of the water at the same time, increasing the chances of catching fish. With the right flies and a little bit of practice, anyone can master the dry dropper technique and start catching
