August is here, and with it comes a change in the river. Water levels have dropped and the fish have moved into shallow riffles, they are looking up and ready to feed. Anglers have tossed their waders aside and wet wading season is in full swing. These changes are a sign that it is time to adjust our fishing tactics as well. While the classic hopper-dropper rig still has its place, now is the time to go all in on the double dry setup.

Why? Because in these shallower, oxygen-rich runs, fish are holding in comfy spots and watching the surface like hawks. Ready for any passing morsel to come down the tracks.

This time of year, a pair of well-presented dry flies can be downright deadly. Fish don’t need to move much, they're sitting tight and letting the current bring food right to them. If your fly is floating high and riding just right, there’s a good chance it’s going to get eaten.

This is why we focus our efforts on rivers using double dry fly rigs. Presenting two dries allows you to cover different seams and offer flies from multiple angles to the same fish. One thing to always be mindful of is where your flies are landing in comparison to where fish maybe holding. Always get your flies a few feet upriver of holding spots so fish can see the bug entering their zone. This allows them to setup and eat confidently instead of quickly slashing at flies like they do oftentimes if the bugs land directly on them.

When rigging, we prefer 4x or 5x tippet between smaller dries, and 3x or 4x when running from a Chubby Chernobyl to a larger dry like a Drake, Caddis, or Yellow Sally. A good starting point is 24 inches of separation, extending up to 36 inches for smaller Trico rigs.

The added length lets you fish a more visible dry fly up front while trailing a smaller, less visible option behind it, essentially giving you a visual indicator similar to a hopper-dropper setup for the bug you cannot see.

But here’s where things can go sideways: the fly sinks, drags, or gets dragged down easily in faster water. We hear about this often, in the shop and out on the water.

The secret? Floatant. The right kind, used the right way.

We wish there was a one-size-fits-all solution, but not all floatants are created equal. Different conditions and different flies call for different approaches. Choosing the right floatant can mean the difference between a frustrating day of sunk flies or a banner day of dry fly eats.

Here’s what matters:

• Keeping your bugs riding high. The most visible bugs get noticed (and eaten).
• Choosing the right type of floatant. Gels, powders, and sprays each have their time and place.
• Knowing when and what to reapply. The best floatant won’t help if it’s worn off or not used at the right time.

Want to dive deeper into getting your dry fly game dialed in? Check out our video and blog on floatant tips, tricks, and tools from our very own Grant Houx. Filmed during our peak float season, this video covers important details on applications of floatants.

With wet wading season in full and fish looking up, hungry and greedy for their next meal. August is one of the best times of year to fish dry flies, especially two at a time. With the right bugs and the right floatant, you’ll be ready to make the most of shallow water and sipping fish.

Stop by the shop or hit us up with questions, we’re always happy to help get you dialed in for your next trip to the water.