New Zealand Method

Whenever I use the New Zealand method, I lose the nymph that is tethered to the dry fly. Should I leave the barb in place on the dry fly, or is there a secure knot that I can use to keep the nymph in position?
Mike Fielding

Hywel Morgan replies: The best option is to leave the barb on the dry fly as it prevents the line slipping off the hook. However, if you do not want to leave the barb on, or you are using barbless hooks, try using a tucked blood knot as this is sometimes more secure than just a blood knot.

Another option is to use a dropper for the dry but keep the length very short so that you are in close contact with the nymphs below. I do not like this method because when the leader sinks it pulls the head of the dry down and it does not fish properly.

If you tie your own flies then you could tie a loop of nylon at the back of the dry fly so you can attach the rest of the cast to it. This makes sure that the fly sits on the water properly and you are also in direct contact with your nymphs.

If you do not tie your own flies and do not want to use a dropper, the last thing I can suggest is that you keep checking the knot. This is time-consuming but it will stop you losing the rest of your leader.

Reprinted with permission of Trout Fisherman magazine.