How to Rig a Yarn Strike Indicator

Fly anglers use a variety of flies when fishing for trout, salmon and other game fish species. They cast dry, streamer and nymph flies to entice fish to strike. Fishing with nymphs involves the use of flies designed to be fished down through the water column and on the bottom of rivers and streams. An angler places a yarn strike indicator on his line as a visual reference to help detect when a strike occurs.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly rod with matched reel, line, leader and tippet
  • Yarn
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a location on the leader for attaching the yarn. Base the decision on the depth of the water in which you will be fishing and the depth at which the nymph will be fished.

    • 2

      Form a simple slip knot in the leader at the desired location for attaching a yarn strike indicator. Tie the slip knot by forming an overhand loop in the leader. Feed the short end of the leader back through the overhand loop to form a second larger loop and complete the slip knot.

    • 3

      Cut a 1- to 2-inch long piece of yarn with a pair of scissors.

    • 4

      Place the yarn in the larger loop of the slip knot. Center the yarn in the larger loop.

    • 5

      Pull the smaller overhand loop and larger slip-knot loop down tightly around the yarn to hold it in place on the leader.