Using the right weight in the nymphs

How to know if there is the correct weight in the rig.

The left side of the figure shows the situation in which the sighter is off the water at a height that corresponds to the desired depth. If the rig is not heavy enough, the leader and sighter will have too much curvature. When the sighter and leader form this excessive curve, you lose control over the flies and you lose the strike detection. By lifting the rod, it is possible to achieve the balance between weight and lift, because less tippet under the water creates less lift. Now, with the right gentle curve in the sighter, there is good strike detection. In this situation, you must add more weight if you wish to fish at the initial depth. When using heavier flies than needed (right side of the figure), the sighter is too straight once the desired depth is reached. Excessive tension in the tippet and leader prevents the flies from drifting freely. Dropping the rod point will permit the flies to sink further, reaching a point where the weight and tippet lift are balanced. If the final depth is deeper that the initial one, it means that the rig is too heavy for the initial desired depth, and you must use lighter flies.

As a general rule, 2.3- and 2.8-millimeter flies are best for a basic rig in low summer waters, and 2.8 and 3.3 forms the rig for heavier water.

Depth and speed determine weight, so you must be ready to make changes as you come across different water types. Observe the sighter and decide whether to go up or down in bead sizes to find the perfect combination.