FFT Techniques - Nymphing - Fishing a Drop-Off with a Downstream Presentation

When wading on the Lower Yuba, and for that matter almost any freestone river in the Western United States you will sometimes encounter drop offs at the base of the riffles. I'm going to go over the tactics for nymphing these drop-offs with a downstream presentation from a location just upstream of the drop-off. This method works when you find yourself fishing the drop-off from the inside and you are standing in relatively shallow water.
Next time you’re out fishing try this;
Rigging
 Rigg up with a large thingamabobber at about 1 1/4 times the depth of the water in the the run directly below the drop-off.
 Use enough weight to get the flies down but not hanging up constantly.
 Place yourself in a position that is about 15 feet or so above the drop-off.
 This method is for fishing the drop-off with a downstream presentation and you will be in direct contact with your flies for most of the drift.
 If a fish takes, your indicator will shoot away from you and then you will feel the take.
A variation of this method can be effective when caddis and mayflies are hatching out of the riffles.
So Here’s How to Do It.
(1) Place your cast above the drop-off about 6 to 8 feet above the drop-off, targeting the drop-off spot that is the closest to your position.

(2) The cast needs to be a straight line cast and the flies, shot, and indicator should land in a straight line.

(3) When the flies land they will drop and tumble down the face of the drop-off if you have enough shot on. If you are not hanging up from time to time you need to add more shot.

(4) Follow the indicator with your rod tip down the drop and once they have floated about 7 or eight feet throw a big upstream mend directly above the indicator and feed down a ways into the run.

(5) Pick up and re-cast to the next line 1 to 1 1/2 feet further out.

(6) Continue to work the water out as far as is reasonable.

(7) When using this technique 1/2 to 2/3 of the drift will be tight lined and the remainder will be dead drifted. That is the goal.

Try this method and you’ll have success!