Lake Fishing From a Different Angle

One method for fishing lakes that is slow to catch on in the US but that is popular in the UK and elsewhere is fishing vertically instead of horizontally like you do stripping a sinking line.

There are a few ways to do this that are especially effective because they cover several depths at once. One easy method is with a static nymph rig. This is simple yet effective. Attach 2 or 3 (where legal) weighted nymphs to droppers on a single leader at different depths where you expect fish and hang them under an indicator.

Most people do this with chironomids and other similar flies but other nymphs like scuds, hares ears, zug bugs, and pheasant tails can also be quite effective. Another method is to use a very heavy nymph, something good sized with a tungsten bead, as your point fly (end of the leader) and then attach other nymphs to droppers along the leader. I like to space them 2 to 3 feet apart. Use a floating line, or intermediate for deep water. Cast and then let the heavy nymph fall towards the bottom. When you think it is at a good depth begin to bring the flies to you with a very slow retrieve with pauses so the heavy fly continually pulls the leader straight downward but the floating line keeps the leader vertical. This allows you to cover different depths with the same rig according to how long you let flies sink and how fast you retrieve and if you don't retrieve too fast your flies each cover different depths.

Allow the flies to hang straight down as they get close and lift them slowly. Many fish will strike at this point. Experiment with these types of rigs on your favorite lake and you'll be glad. Often, especially when the bite is a bit off, catch rates doing this will be much better than they would be with buggers.