One of the hardest things that many anglers encounter can be seeing small dry flies on the surface of the water, especially if there is a large amount of naturals on the water, or if the water is choppy. In areas where multiple flies are legal it can be helpful to use a second dry fly as an indicator. Tying the second fly on about a foot to 18 inches away from your first fly will give you the general area in which your primary fly is. When you see any strike or rise within a foot of your indicator fly set the hook.
.JPG "Using a combination small and large flies can help you catch fish during hatches of small flies.")
Using a combination small and large flies can help you catch fish during hatches of small flies.
The indicator fly should be larger and more buoyant than your primary fly. I like to tie the indicator fly on first and add the additional tippet on to it at the bend of the hook, the primary fly is then tied on to the tippet. You can also tie the additional tippet to the eye of the indicator fly. A well tied Elk Hair Caddis is always a good choice due to the abundance of caddis in most trout waters. If two flies are not legal in the stream you are fishing using a small piece of synthetic yarn can be subbed for the indicator fly. The advantage of using an second fly where legal is that you also have a chance to hook a fish that may rise to your indicator fly. So next time you're faced with a hatch of size 20 midges or tricos don't give up, try a double dry rig.