Flyfishing Muddy Water

[John Sheehan]

In an effort to better my fly fishing abilities I call on my more experienced friends here to discuss MUDDY WATER FLYRODDING . I recall once on the West Branch of the Delaware River I did quite well with Panther Martin spinners while skunked Flyrodders ,I talked to ,bemoaned the fast muddy conditions .My topic is this :'What do you do to fish Muddy conditions if you left your spinning rod home and are using only a fly rod .I have three things I think would increase my chances and they are 1) Go to a bigger fly that sinks fast and allows you to fish close to bottom ,or go to a floating bug  ,and keep the bug moving and vibrating so the fish can track . 2) Choose a bright color like Yellow and Orange 3) Fishing warm water ,strip line fast and steady so following fish can pick up on where the bug is .A slow but steady  strip if the water is cold .

 

[dick tabbert]

Rule of thumb at least for me. Dirty/muddy water dark colors (blacks,dark brown, dark olives) the dirtier the water the darker especially with the fly rod cause your fishing sight feeding fish anyway. You nailed on it on the going to bigger flies a bigger target to see you are fishing for sight feeders again. The second which is where I would have problems with cause I like you haven't used the fly rod that much and that would be a bait to give off vibrations or sounds. Then the third which is one a true fly fisherman would never do is smell.The fish use 3 senses sight, sound/vibration, and smell. Hope this helps.

[John Sheehan]

Thanks for the response Dick Dark colors huh not bright  with muddy water ? I don't usually think that way but agree and think I understand your point.

[Allen Morgan]

You can also get some small prop blades to put on a fly hook, then a bead head, then dress the hook as normal.

I also know that some folks will get the little glass rattles that you can stick into soft plastics, and tie those onto a fly hook.

[John Sheehan]

Interesting tip Allen ! I have used a light spinner fly on a fly rod before ,to create some vibration , but found picking up the bait out of the water for a back cast to be difficult because of the resistance of the blade .

[Ray Ditzenberger]

If the water is real muddy I stay home. If I had to fish I would use something black that makes a lot of noise on top or pushes a lot of water below the surface such as a big headed Muddler.