Nymph
Nymph
Sure, #1 would look great drifting close to the bottom on a dead drift through a deeper slow pool or along the face of a shelf...while you are standing back at arm and rod's length so when steel looks to go for the leech pattern, you won't be seen. Very effective method imho.
That rod is a 9wt 9ft from LL Bean...one of the best fly rods in my quiver and i have a bunch of them. Fish was a great fighter but i got him on a short leash right away so i had 'hand' from the git. Played him up fast, tailed it, buddy snapped the pic, and back to fight another day he went. I always use fairly heavy tippet so i can bring them in fast without them 'siding' on me. Don't like when that happens.
I've been getting out as long as the water drops after the rain...now i'm just waiting for a day or so to head up and try some new gear and new leeches. I retired the pattern that hooked that good one in October and will keep it as a pattern. Thanks for your comments also Nate and yep, the rivers are filling up. I see road trips soon !
Cheers,
MontanaMoose