The Importance of the Dropper

This tailwater bow took the size 20 midge as a dropper.

     The Dropper.......It's what you need to focus on.  When I am fishing wild brook streams, I don't worry about it too much.  They tend to do fine with just the dry, anything big like a caddis or stimulator.  If I am fishing for wild browns on small streams, I will always put a small nymph as a dropper about 2 feet below my dry.  You will deal with more tangles, but it does pay off and you will pick up more fish.  Just simply use your dry as an indicator, and you will easily see when a fish has taken your dropper.
      When fishing tailwaters, your dropper will probably be your more productive fly when nymphing.  Don't be scared to put something slightly flashy, or of bigger size as your lead fly.  This will get the fish moving towards your fly to check things out, and then usually when they take a fly, it will be your more productive tiny midge which is following.
     Make sure to only use two flies when laws apply.  When regulations do allow for two flies, then be sure to take the advantage.  Pay attention to what is in the water, change flies when necessary, and it will pay off.