Snoop Dawg would probably be a great fly fisherman. He has the right idea! Using a dropper on a rig is always a good idea. More than one fly offers more than one choice.

Years ago, Daniel Webster used a “Brace” of wet flies to catch huge Brook Trout in New England. This was a 3 fly rig that offered more than one morsel to the trout. Salmon fishermen also used multiple rigs.

Fish must choose, when feeding. Hundreds of food items are drifting inn front of them. They need to choose one. It ends up not being one or another but something instead of nothing. Having a surface and a dropper offers two different flavors. The top fly may expose them to predators but gets their attention. Oh, and there is a second morsel even closer.

Presentation is key. A perfect, natural drift is important, then you offer 2 flies on the same menu! What fish can resist?

The key to a dropper is size and attachment. The dropper needs to be small and light enough so that it does not drag the other dry fly down. The surface fly becomes the attractor and strike indicator. Attaching the dropper can be done using a separate dropper line or tying to the surface fly’s hook bend. A sturdy clinch knot will do the trick. To make a separate dropper line, allow one end of a Blood Knot to connect to the smaller dropper.

Normally I use a larger fly on the top and a smaller fly as the second surface fly or nymph dropper. Beads and weighted flies will sink your floaters so consider small sized 14-20 flies for droppers. Sharpen the hooks. Use a strong fluorocarbon tippet that has a small diameter but heavier pound test.

Zebra nymphs, Serendipities, scuds, worms, and attractors like Lightening Bugs and Princes work great.

Double up and have more fun!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, find him tying 2 on at www.montanagrantfishing.com.