To ensure a drag-free drift, read the stream currents and position yourself in the best location prior to making your first cast. At times this means fishing from directly below a feeding fish or productive-looking lie. At other times you may need to be directly across from your target zone and, in some instances, fishing from above may be the only solution.
Always take time to position yourself for a drag-free drift.
Too often we get lazy and just slosh our way upstream, casting as we go. The angler who takes the time to assess every productive-looking lie with an eye to identifying the best position from which to make a drag-free drift is the one who hooks the most fish. Every time.