{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Strategies for big Rainbows

Rainbows are generally not known as nocturnal or fish eaters like big browns.  Not to say they won't but that wouldn't be my first thought. You could try a mouse after dark though. If you are fishing mid day in the sun there is a good chance they just aren't going to eat.  

If there is fast water pouring in to the pool I would try and catch a good hatch and see if they move into the fast water to feed.  Rainbows love fast water.

I would also try the other extreme i.e. very small nymphs.  Depending how deep the water is i would hang it off a dry fly so that you can make the cast from a distance and still be able to detect the strike.   I'm assuming the fish are spooky and you mentioned the water is clear so you arne't going to be able to get close.

I don't see why you would need an 8 weight for 18 inch fish.  A five weight is plenty of rod.

On Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 9:38:32 PM UTC-4, kylef...@gmail.com wrote:

I located a couple of 18+ inch rainbows living in a river pool with tons of juvenile smallmouths, pumpkinseeds, fall fish, creek chubs, and carp. They shared a lie with a pair of 12-14 inch bows that occasionally ate a natural nymph.  

The water was very clear and I was able to hide behind a tree and get very close without tipping them off until I clumsily drifted nymphs and willy buggers in front of them.  The large ones kept their jaws shut, not even naturally
Occurring bugs.  

I'm guessing the big ones hunt from dusk till dawn for baby smallmouths, pumpkinseeds etc.  
I'm guessing their diet is more like a largemouth bass than other trout.  

So any insight ?
Should I try crayfish pattern?
Rodents (hell the biggest one looked like it could eat a city rat, a baby bird or a duckling)

What is a good fly to imitate a 3-4 inch smallmouth, pumpkinseeds or creek chub?

Is this a job for an 8wt outfit?  
I'd be happy to catch the smaller bows on nymphs  with a 5-6 weight without spooking the big guys.  

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