Recently, the members of Heroes Mending on the Fly had the opportunity to participate in some instruction on the theory and practice of European nymphing from an expert – Ivo Balinov. Ivo is an incredibly experienced fly fisherman who has been coaching and instructing for many years.
Patrick Ang, a HMOTF volunteer and our fly tying instructor, arranged for Ivo to give us a lesson during our weekly online tying sessions. Ivo explained the technical, including equipment and flies as well as tricks of the trade. The lesson which was very informative was only the beginning. Ivo invited us to join him on the Ottawa River to try out some Euro nymphing for smallmouth bass. We linked up on the Quebec side of the Deschenes Rapids in the midst of a huge sedge hatch. Ivo began the evening on the river with some more instruction to get us ready to hit the water. He demonstrated the technique and within minutes, was onto a fish!
Ivo showed us how to rig up, and we hit the water. It soon became apparent that what he made look so natural and easy, was anything but. The key to Euro nymphing is to get your fly down to the fish quickly and to maintain a tight line so that you have contact with the fly so that you don’t miss soft takes. While it sounds easy, it takes a great deal of practice to become an expert like Ivo. Nevertheless, while it took us a little longer, eventually we were into fish.
With the sun just beginning to set, we started packing up after an incredible experience, with many of our members asking when can we get together again! Thanks again to Ivo for taking the time to volunteer to introduce us to this technique. Check out Ivo’s biography on the Smart Angling Website!
