How to Tie a Tandem Nymph Setup

Nymph fishing involves presenting wet flies or nymphs down in the water where fish typically hold and feed. Many anglers prefer to nymph fish year round and often have great success when other flies and lures do not produce. Fishing a tandem nymph rig is a popular method of presentation, as it presents two lures in the water at the same time and in essence doubles the chances of a strike.

Things You'll Need

  • Rigged fly rod with reel, line, leader and tippet
  • Nymph or wet flies (one larger than the other)
  • Scissors
  • Tippet material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie the larger wet fly or nymph onto the end of the tippet attached to the end of the leader and line with an improved clinch knot. Choose a fly such as a San Juan worm to use the first fly on the tandem rig. Moisten the knot before pulling tight and trim excess line from the knot with scissors.

    • 2

      Cut a 16 to 18 inch long length of tippet material from a filler spool with a pair of scissors. Choose the same size tippet that is tied to the end of the leader.

    • 3

      Tie the 16 to 18 inch tippet length to the bend of the first fly with an improved clinch knot. Pull the knot down tightly and trim excess line with scissors.

    • 4

      Tie a smaller nymph such as a bead head nymph onto the free end of the tippet length extending from the first wet fly or nymph. Attach the smaller nymph to the leader length with an improved clinch knot.

    • 5

      Attach a strike indicator from the first fly on the leader. Choose an indicator type and color based on personal preference and fishing conditions.