Getting Down in fast deep pools

[Dr.Shortington]

I was out fishing this weekend and found a nice deep pool. Had some luck nymphing it but each fish I caught (big or small) was tailed by a monster bull. He obviously wasn't taking any of my nymphs so I started chucking pretty much every streamer I had on a sink tip line. Problem was the pool was really fricken quick and I just dont think my streamers were getting down quick enough. Any suggestions? Maybe a heavier sink tip? Add split shots? I just couldn't get him to bite...I wanna go back and get him.

I guess just a general question too on how you guys typically get way down deep in the deep & fast pools with a fly rod.

[SNAPFisher]

I bring my type 7 full sink line for deeper pools. This worked for me this past weekend in a similar situation. Might add some split as well depending on where the bull is hiding out.

[Dr.Shortington]

Originally Posted by SNAPFisher

I bring my type 7 full sink line for deeper pools. This worked for me this past weekend in a similar situation. Might add some split as well depending on where the bull is hiding out.

Yeah I think I might need to just get a faster sink tip...I need to go back ASAP

[Mr Flyguy]

Scientific Anglers (SA) used to have a sink tip called the Streamer Express in some heavy densities which you are looking for. Maybe Rio has something similar. And don't go with a sink tip any longer than 10 or 12 ft. On rivers the sink tip is much easier to use than a full sinking line, at least in my experience.

Also, keep the leader length to no more than about 5 ft, i.e., just use a 5 ft length of 10 or 12 lb fluorocarbon; fancy tapered leaders are not needed for that situation. And of course a loop knot to attach the streamer!

[professori]

Take a look here for some really good advicehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlYr3dclkO8&t=7s

[Don Andersen]

Clousers on a long leader. No need for extra lines.

[Bhflyfisher]

floating line, 10' leader and lots of split shot.

[Mr Flyguy]

Originally Posted by Bhflyfisher

floating line, 10' leader and lots of split shot.

Ugly to cast though and one way to put an arm out of service for a while if trying too hard; I know this from winter steelheading days on the coast.

[Calgaryguy1977]

Hahaha....the super long leader with split shot. It works like a charm for me. Anyone put soo much weight on they have to windmill it? Lol

[Jason.seaward]

With the streamer under an indicator, am I wanting to get the streamer depth to be super close to the bottom?
I was thinking about using a balanced streamer or leech.

[upstream]

Hi, I doesn't think we have to fish all the way to the bottom in those kind of fast deep pool for bulls. I found they were likely to strike in the middle depth of the water. Like if the water is 10' deep, I cast my streamer into the water inflow and let it take it down to around 4' to 5' depth than fast strips, usually they hit. Fast water are usually only on the top 2' of the depth. My personal opinion is that if my streamer is below that fast water and allow me to strip, then I should catch. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Cheers.

[Jason.seaward]

Thanks upstream. That's super helpful. Made me re-think how to approach it.

[JReed]

Maybe try at first or last light of the day, then depth may not matter. Those big fish let their guard down at these times

[Dragless]

I think their whole feedimg stradgey is to wait on fish/nymphs to come tumbling over the top of the run they usually lie and wait at the bottom looking up so a few feet under the surface is the best place, often if the current is swift enough at the top of the run you can cast upstream and let ur fly tumble over . I wouldnt worry about balanced patterns if ur running an indicator because ur fly will be draging slightly behind it due to the differnt currents and it should be upright or atleast animated the whole time an un weightes streamer and 3 or 4 microshot spaced out on your leader works well use a highstick if possible .

[Jayhad]

You're missing the obvious... Your nymphs aren't a large enough meal, the bull is attacking the small fish you are hooking.......success with large bulls is from big streamers getting down fast. you need a 6-8" baitfish pattern, something synthetic will sink much faster and won't hold air and you will want more than a bead head, you need to get down fast.. lead heads or fishskullz.

[highwood]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

You're missing the obvious... Your nymphs aren't a large enough meal, the bull is attacking the small fish you are hooking.......success with large bulls is from big streamers getting down fast. you need a 6-8" baitfish pattern, something synthetic will sink much faster and won't hold air and you will want more than a bead head, you need to get down fast.. lead heads or fishskullz.

100%

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[Dr.Shortington]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

You're missing the obvious... Your nymphs aren't a large enough meal, the bull is attacking the small fish you are hooking.......success with large bulls is from big streamers getting down fast. you need a 6-8" baitfish pattern, something synthetic will sink much faster and won't hold air and you will want more than a bead head, you need to get down fast.. lead heads or fishskullz.

When I first got there I wasn't targeting bulls so that's why I was nymphing. It wasn't until he made a few appearances I started to go after him.

Funny thing was he would should up no matter what size of fish I caught. I managed a 22 inch rainbow and he was all over it, even attacked my indicator haha.

That being said I couldnt get him to take on any of my streamers, big or small. I should have clarified I was having trouble getting my streamers down deep fast not my nymphs.

I will give the lead heads or fish skullz a try. Thanks for the advice!