Choosing the right tandem nymph rig system can greatly enhance your fly fishing experience. It helps you effectively present flies to trout wherever they are feeding in the water column. I describe two of the most effective multi-fly setups. They are the standard tandem nymph rig and the trailing rig. Each rig has its advantages. Understanding their nuances lets you tailor your approach. You can adjust based on the season, water conditions, and trout behavior. In this post, I’ll break down the differences between these two systems. I will share insights on when each rig shines. I’ll also highlight some of my favorite fly combinations for both.
The Standard Tandem Nymph Rig: Covering Multiple Depths
What is a Standard Tandem Nymph Rig?
The standard tandem nymph rig is a two-fly setup. A weighted fly, often referred to as the point fly, is tied to the end of the tippet. A second, usually lighter fly is attached about 12 to 18 inches above the point fly on a tag. There are various ways to add a tag fly. The most common method is tying a section of tippet to the main line. This is done using a double or triple surgeon’s knot. This creates a secondary “branch” where the tag fly sits slightly higher in the water column.
How the Standard Tandem Nymph Rig Works
The beauty of the standard tandem nymph rig is that it lets you cover different depths in the water. The point fly typically rides in the strike zone. This is the critical cushion of water just above the riverbed where trout often feed. Meanwhile, the tag fly is positioned higher, allowing you to offer food forms at two distinct levels.
Best Seasons for the Standard Tandem Nymph Rig
The standard tandem nymphing rig is highly effective. It works best when trout feed actively throughout the water column. This behavior is often seen when insects are hatching. During hatches, trout will rise from the bottom to grab emerging insects. Having a fly at mid-depth can then draw strikes. This rig gives you the chance to present an array of food options, effectively broadening your reach in the water.
Favorite Fly Combinations for Standard Tandem Nymphing Rigs
For a tandem rig, I often use a heavier nymph on the point. I also include a smaller, lighter nymph or emerger on the tag. This pairing helps cover ground when trout are feeding in various parts of the water column. It gives them options as they search for food.
The Trailer Rig: Staying in the Strike Zone
What is a Trailer Rig?
As temperatures drop in the colder months, insect activity tends to decrease. Trout shift their feeding habits closer to the bottom. In these conditions, the trailing rig comes into its own. The trailing rig, or “trailer rig,” places two flies in the strike zone. It offers a pair of options close to the bottom. Trout are more likely to feed there in winter.
How the Trailing Rig Works
For this setup, I like to tie a heavy nymph (often an attractor pattern) to the end of my tippet. I add an extra 12-18 inches of tippet through the eye of the hook on that heavy nymph. I then tie on a smaller and lighter nymph as the “trailer.” Small patterns like zebra midges work well in this rig. Tiny thread frenchies are also effective, especially in colder water when trout prefer subtle presentations.
When rigging a trailer you have two options. Your hooks may be barbed. In that case, it’s simple to tie the trailer off the bend of the hook. Use a simple clinch knot for this. When using barbless hooks, tie the trailer through the hook’s eye on the larger fly.
Advantages of the Trailer Rig
The trailer rig has an advantage. It often combines the appeal of an attractor pattern with the realism of a natural fly. A bright attractor, like an eggstacy egg or a flashy nymph, can catch the trout’s attention. But when they get close, they often end up eating the more natural-looking fly trailing behind. Many anglers believe the attractor initially draws attention. Still, the more realistic second fly ultimately seals the deal. It offers a natural choice that the trout find hard to resist.
Favorite Fly Combinations for Trailer Rigs
With a trailer rig, I like to start with a bold, colorful fly. I use options like an egg or attractor nymph. Then, I follow this with a natural nymph like a zebra midge or a pheasant tail. This combination gives trout the chance to key in on the flash. Once they’re closer, they can choose a realistic option.
Seasonal Flexibility: When to Use Each Rig
Tandem and trailing rigs have their seasonal strengths. It’s essential to keep in mind that both approaches are versatile. They can be effective year-round. I have had plenty of success with tag flies in winter and with trailer rigs during the summer. The key is to pay attention to how trout are feeding and adapt accordingly. If trout are feeding high in the water column, I’ll switch to a standard tandem setup. This ensures coverage across different depths. Conversely, if they’re sticking close to the bottom, I’ll opt for the trailer rig. This keeps my flies in the strike zone where the action is likely to happen.
Standard Tandem Nymph Rigs
Heavy and Light: The Default Set Up
If I had to pick one tandem rig to fish anywhere, I would choose the Heavy and Light. This setup is my go-to for most rivers and conditions. It pairs a heavy point fly with a smaller, lighter fly as a dropper or tag. The beauty of this combination lies in its versatility—it allows me to effectively cover two zones of the water column.
For example, a size 14 Perdigon with a 3.2 mm bead at the point and a size 18 rainbow warrior with a 2.4 mm bead on the tag is a pairing I have fished with confidence for years. The Walt’s Worm gets me down quickly into the strike zone, where I know fish are holding. Meanwhile, the pheasant tail rides a foot or two higher in the water column, ready to tempt trout feeding mid-level.
This rig really shines when I keep a steep angle on my sighter. This helps maintain that vertical separation between the two flies. Some days, when trout focus on emerging insects, I’ll swap out the tag fly. I use a soft hackle nymph to mimic the bugs making their way toward the surface.
Heavy Duty Tandem: When the Water Rises
High water calls for a different approach. In these conditions, I reach for what I call the Heavy Duty Tandem. This setup trades the light dropper for another heavy fly, doubling down on the weight to get both patterns deeper.
Picture this: a size 12 tungsten-bead bare bones stone on point, paired with a size 14 Frenchie as the dropper. Both flies would be paired with 3.2 m.m. beads or higher. Together, these two flies cut through faster currents and reach trout holding tight to the bottom. To maximize this rig’s effectiveness, I’ll adjust my sighter angle even steeper. This adjustment ensures both flies hug the stream bed as they drift. In high water, I’ll focus on softer seams and slower pockets where trout conserve energy. The payoff is worth the effort—this rig has saved the day on many high-water outings.
Light Duty Tandem: For Subtle Presentations
On the flip side, when water levels drop and clarity increases, subtlety becomes the name of the game. That’s when I turn to the Light Duty Tandem. Instead of a heavy anchor fly, I’ll tie on two lighter nymphs, perfect for delicately working the upper water column.
I favor a combination that includes a size 18 Walt’s Worm on point. I trail a size 20 midge pupa behind. Both flies are paired with beads 2.4 m.m. or less. This rig allows for a more natural drift, something that can make all the difference when trout are skittish. It’s also the perfect solution when you spot fish rising intermittently but are not sure what they’re taking. This setup gives you the chance to probe both shallow and mid-depth zones with minimal disturbance.
Trailer Rigs
The Show and the Dough: My Favorite Winter Double Nymph Rig
The Show and the Dough rig has an almost magical appeal. This is especially true during the cold months. During these times, trout are hunkered down near the bottom. The concept is simple. Lead with a larger, flashy fly to draw attention. Follow up with something small and realistic to seal the deal.
My typical “Show” fly is an eggstacy egg , sometimes orange or other bright color, depending on the water clarity. Another one of my favorite “show” flies is the lightning bug. Behind the “show,” a length of about 12–18 inches of tippet leads to the “dough.” The “dough” is a smaller, more realistic option, such as a size 20 zebra midge or a pheasant tail. The larger fly acts as a beacon. It pulls trout in from a distance. The smaller fly gives them something believable to eat.
This rig is particularly effective in deep pools and slow runs, where trout seem glued to the substrate. I’ll cast upstream. I let the rig sink as it drifts. I watch for any slight pause or twitch in the line. Usually, the fish take the “dough.” Occasionally, an aggressive trout crushes the egg. This reminds you why it’s worth keeping on.
Small Stream Tactics
When I’m fishing tighter water, I adjust my trailer rig to match the environment. Small streams demand subtlety, so I’ll often opt for a scaled-down version of the Show and the Dough. I won’t use an egg fly. I’ll choose a size 14 green weenie or a small, lightly weighted jig streamer as my attractor. Trailing behind is usually a size 20 zebra midge or a tiny soft hackle.
This rig excels in low, clear water where trout are easily spooked. The smaller “Show” fly still gets their attention, but it’s subtle enough to avoid putting fish off. This setup requires patience and precision. It’s highly rewarding to catch a wary trout. The trout has been holding tight to an undercut bank or a shadowy pocket.
Closing Thoughts: Experiment and Adapt
The beauty of double-nymphing rigs is their adaptability. I might drop a Heavy Duty Tandem into a raging post-storm current. I could delicately present a Light Duty rig to skittish fish. Alternatively, I may run a Show and the Dough in deep winter pools. In all these scenarios, I know I’m equipped to handle nearly any situation. Experimenting with combinations will improve your catch rate. Fine-tuning your approach will deepen your understanding of how trout feed in different conditions.
Thanks for reading! Spend more time on the water!
Have a great day!
Jeff Smecker
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