Rigging Tips for Fly Fishing High Lakes

Begin fishing with a dry fly or soft hackle on a high lake. Longer leaders are useful, so begin with a 9-foot leader that tapers to 4X, and add two- to four-feet of 4X tippet. If the fish are picky I'll change the tippet by cutting the 4X back to one foot and adding three- or four-feet of 5X, then the fly. Attach the tippet with a triple surgeon's knot, and the fly with an improved clinch knot.

If one fly does not work, try two. Tie a dry fly to the first section of tippet - this is a good time to use the Royal Coachman Trude in a size #14. To the bend of that hook, using another improved clinch knot, attach about two- to four-feet of tippet, then tie on a soft hackle or Bead Head Hare's Ear. Search the water with this rig and find where fish are holding in the lake.

When fishing near the surface proves fruitless, which can happen on calm, bright days, attach a sinking leader, a short section of tippet and one of the streamer patterns in the high lake fly box. Most sinking leaders should come with loops at both ends, making them easy to attach or remove. Cast the rig into the lake and let the fly sink. Count down to know how deep the fly is, then use various retrieves until fish strike. When trout are aggressive they'll hit it hard!

If you're carrying a spinning rod, use light line and a bubble and fly. Put the bubble on the line, and then tie on a snap swivel and several feet of tippet. Follow the tips above for fishing either one or two flies. This is a great way to cover lots of water on high lakes, and an effective way to hook fish.