Text and photos: Robert Hansson
One of the things I enjoy most about fly fishing is that it’s never just one thing. There’s always more than one way to approach the water, and choosing between a dry fly, a nymph, or a streamer isn’t just about what the fish are doing—it’s about how you want to fish.
Each method has its moment. And over time, I’ve come to appreciate how the right gear and the right mindset can make a big difference, no matter what you're tying on.
Dry Fly
Fishing with a dry fly is often seen as a method that is about observation and patience. Find a fish that is rising and then pause to look at it before fishing. This is an enjoyable way of fishing and taking in everything that it around just the cast and the fish. But dry fly can also be a great searching method in summertime because it disturbs the water the least. Fish every current seam and blank spot until you find fish. If they don't take you can try one of the other methods later.
My dry fly setups for this season
For calm days and delicate presentations
Rod: Vision Rivermaniac #4 ´9 Medium
Reel: Vision XLV custom Nymph & Dry
Line: Vision XO 150 #4 Float
For windy days
Rod: Vision Rivermaniac #5 ´9 Medium
Reel: Vision XO #5-6
Line: Vision XO 85 #5 Float
Nymph
When there’s no obvious surface activity, I’ll often switch to nymphing. What I enjoy about nymph fishing is that it’s about control. You’re constantly reading depth, current speed, and tension in the leader. When it’s done right, it can be incredibly effective.
My nymphing setups for this season:
For Indicator fishing
Rod: Vision XO III 9´6 #5
Reel: Vision XO #5-6
Line: Vision XO 110 #5 Float
For Euro Nymphing
Rod: Vision Nymphmaniac twintip 11´3 #3
Reel: Vision XO #5-6
Line: Vision nymphmaniac two-tone tippet 2X used as line
Streamer
Streamer fishing is a different mindset. I will try a streamer in any situation and it is my favourite method. You’re covering water, when it works, the takes are some of the most aggressive in fly fishing.
My streamer setups for this season:
Rod: Vision Meri #8 9´
Reel: Vision Merisuola #7-8
Line: Vision Vibe 85+ #7 Float
Rod: Vision Merisuola 9´#7
Reel: Vision XO #7-8
Line: Vision XO 85 #7 Sink 5
Switching Between Styles
One of the best habits you can build is to stay flexible. Some of my most memorable fish have come right after changing approach—tying on a dry fly when I saw one subtle rise, or switching to a streamer when there is a weather change.
It helps to carry gear that allows for quick changes. I often rig up multiple rods if I’m covering a lot of water, or keep my leaders pre-rigged so I can swap them out quickly.
At the end of the day, there’s no single “right” way to fish a river or a lake. Each method has its own rhythm, its own way of reading water and engaging with fish. Learning when—and how—to use each is part of what makes fly fishing so rewarding.
Robert Hansson - Fish Partner Guide
Contact@flyfishingbyrobert.com
Who is Robert Hansson?
Robert is full time fly fishing guide at Fish Partner in Iceland. Prior to that Robert was guiding in the Scandinavia in destinations like Gotland (coastal sea trout) and Tjuonajokk (grayling, brown trout, char, pike). Robert has been long time pro team member for Vision and people have had opportunity to follow his fly fishing life on Robert's YouTube channel Fly Fishing by Robert.
Follow Robert on YouTube: Fly Fishing by Robert
Follow Robert on Instagram: Robert Hansson
