Shop at the Gap

Lets get right to the point

The Manual states that when fishing higher, stained and even muddy water conditions it is a good idea to over size one's Junk. The prophecy according to some ancient with a beard and a vest says it's prudent to use larger rods, leaders, tippets and flies if you are fishing the high waters of spring. If you tie flies, run off is an opportunity to whip bugs together that match water conditions, not necessarily a hatch. So seeing as the trout aren't seeing so good, a crafty fisherman starts fishing larger patterns on heavy gauge hooks with a gigantic hook gap.

Gap is where its at

Two and Three fly nymph rigs commonly are put together with the larger fly first and the smaller flies trailing it.

Ever notice that deep breathe your guide takes when he see's that the fish is hooked on the first fly?

That's because he knows your critter is attached to the biggest hook in the set and probably with 3x or better. Add a good gap and that guide is probably thinking about whats for dinner instead of frantically assisting you in your little trout tussle.

Try tying your favorite attractor nymph on a hook different than the recipe calls for; something with some holding power. This Bareback Pats is one of many I tie during run off on a size 2 Intruder hook. Notice the amount of space between the hook point and the wraps of .030 Lead Free Wire.
Lots of room for meat.

gap+gauge+point=winning

BBP Spicy Pickle on a pig sticker hook

Everything about run off is bigger, including the current. Having a solid wire hook with a significant gap can up an anglers odds at landing good fish in a pushy river. Shop at the Gap during run off you won't regret it.

Big shout out to Ed Nicholson, founder of Project Healing Waters for his well deserved honor of being One of PEOPLE'S Magazines Heroes Among Us

Congrats Ed

The battles over water are not just a western thing.

The Delaware River is in a big time struggle to stay world class and if man takes anymore of this fabled water it may be history we are making, bad history. The first time I ever took up space in a drift boat was on this river. I saw how much there was to this sport as I was humbled by 2 magnificent fishermen during a spinner fall in the Junction Pool. It is a time and a place I will never forget.
Read up and speak up for this special river..

The Battle over Water on the Upper Delaware River



What is your guide serving for lunch or dinner? More on this important part of a Fly Fishing trip in my next bit of nonsense.

Great adventures should include great food.

Carry On