SECTION 01Start with a natural drift
With a floating fly, try to let it travel at the speed of the water around it. If the line pulls the fly unnaturally, adjust your position, shorten the cast or mend line upstream or downstream as needed.
SECTION 02Change depth deliberately
Nymphs and other subsurface flies may need added depth to reach the feeding lane. Use only the weight and indicator arrangement that suit the rig and local rules, and keep enough contact to notice a take.
SECTION 03Observe and adjust
Change one thing at a time: angle, drift, depth, fly size or position. Watch the result and stop if the presentation repeatedly snags or drags through the same water.