These are excellent points that Wes makes.
In the clear waters of NZ Long leaders, natural line colours, (and subdued clothing are essential).
A couple of years back we tried a few experiments on a spring fed creek, watching what would spook fish. My kiwi friend was adamant that the small bright indicators I was using were spooking fish... So we did a few experiments, and he was dead right... So I now use a fly or A peice of greased wool as an indicator on those clear streams now...
BTW even on the tannin stained streams at home this also makes a big differnece..
My fly line of choice is a Cortland Clear Creek in a dull olive...
Simailarly the use of 15 - 18 foot leaders is required especially if nymph fishing ,as you need a long leader to put the nymph well upstream and give it time to sink to fish level, without lining the fish...
cheers Ian
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In bright sunlight conditions, you can false cast a fluorescent line over the fish at Sugar Creek Ranch in California and watch them scatter in panic. That truly drives the point home that fish see these lines.
Before going to the expense of buying a clear or earth-toned (tan, sage green, grey, etc.) flyline, see how much longer you can make your leader without introducing casting problems. Extending your leader 5 feet is pretty much equivalent to having a 5' clear tip flyline. If you have problems when you lengthen the light tippet end, then add heavier mono onto the butt end. We have stillwater flyfishers in Central Oregon who won't hesitate to go to a 20' leader if the fishing demands it.
Wes Wada
Bend, Oregon
