Indicator nymphing has long been an accepted method for reaching trout that are feeding throughout the water column. But not everybody employs the high-stick method when using an indicator, and they should. It really improves your chances.
Above, Orvis’ Pete Kutzer demonstrates how to incorporate a high-stick method with a traditional indicator rig (not everybody likes to watch a bobber, but it can be really effective), noting that it incorporates the water-haul cast that Pete showed us recently.
Again, you don’t necessarily need an indicator when you incorporate the high-stick method, but it does give you an added visual element that can help you catch fish until you get the feel for fishing without it.
See what you think.