Upstream wet fly fishing is a traditional British method of presenting artificial flies to trout and grayling beneath the surface of a river.
The technique is particularly associated with North Country spiders, small, sparsely dressed wet flies that can suggest drifting nymphs, emerging insects and drowned adults.
Unlike downstream and across wet fly fishing, where the current creates a controlled swing, upstream fishing generally involves casting ahead of the angler and allowing the flies to drift back with the current.
The challenge is maintaining sufficient contact to detect takes without pulling the flies unnaturally through the water.
Successful upstream wet fly fishing depends on accurate casting, natural presentation and careful control of the line as the flies drift towards you.
How Does Upstream Wet Fly Fishing Work?
The basic method involves casting one or more wet flies upstream, allowing them to sink beneath the surface and following their progress as the current carries them downstream.
The angler retrieves slack line or raises the rod tip as necessary to maintain contact.
The aim is to allow the flies to travel at approximately the same speed as the surrounding water, although slight changes in movement can sometimes encourage fish to take.
This method is particularly effective in rivers where trout and grayling are feeding on aquatic insects beneath the surface.
It can also be used to search likely feeding areas when no fish are visibly rising.
How to Fish Wet Flies Upstream
The basic technique is straightforward:
- Identify a likely feeding area, such as a run, riffle or current seam.
- Position yourself downstream of the water you intend to fish.
- Cast your wet fly upstream, allowing it to land above the likely feeding position.
- Allow the fly to sink and begin drifting naturally.
- Retrieve slack line or gradually raise the rod tip as the fly approaches, maintaining gentle contact without pulling it faster than the current.
- Watch the leader and the tip of the floating fly line for unusual movement.
- Lift the rod smoothly if you detect a take.
- Retrieve and recast once the flies have passed through the intended fishing area.
The most important skill is managing the line during the drift.
Too much slack makes takes difficult to detect, while excessive tension can drag the fly unnaturally through the current.
Why Fish Wet Flies Upstream?
Approaching fish from downstream offers several advantages.
Trout and grayling generally face into the current while feeding, allowing them to intercept food carried downstream.
Positioning yourself below the fish can therefore help reduce the risk of being noticed, although fish can still detect movement, vibration and poor presentation.
Casting upstream also allows a wet fly to drift naturally into a feeding position.
This can be particularly effective when fish are taking aquatic insects carried by the current rather than chasing moving food.
The method allows anglers to cover individual feeding lanes with precision.
It is especially useful in shallow rivers, riffles, glides and broken water.
What Are North Country Spiders?
North Country spiders are closely associated with traditional upstream wet fly fishing.
Despite their name, they are not generally intended to imitate actual spiders.
They are simple wet flies, usually consisting of a slender body and a sparse soft hackle.
Soft gamebird or hen feathers are commonly used for the hackle because their flexible fibres respond naturally to the current.
This allows the fly to suggest several forms of aquatic food without reproducing every detail of a particular insect.
Traditional patterns include the Partridge and Orange, Snipe and Purple, and various small black, olive and brown spiders.
The effectiveness of these patterns often depends more on their presentation than on subtle differences in dressing.
Short-Line Upstream Spider Fishing in Fast Water
One of the most effective ways to fish North Country spiders is to use a short line in quicker, broken water.
Rather than casting a long distance upstream, use a short length of line, often around one rod length beyond the rod tip.
This provides excellent control over the flies and makes it easier to recognise takes.
It is particularly effective in shallow runs, riffles and pocket water where trout and grayling may be feeding on insects carried downstream.
How to Fish a Short Upstream Line
- Position yourself downstream of the water you want to fish.
- Cast the flies a short distance upstream, using approximately a rod length of fly line.
- Allow the flies to drift naturally back towards you.
- As the current brings the flies downstream, gradually raise the rod tip to take up slack.
- Watch the end of the floating fly line for any hesitation, movement or sudden stop.
- Lift the rod smoothly if you detect a take.
- Lower the rod, recast and gradually work your way upstream.
The important difference from longer-line upstream fishing is that you don't need to gather slack continuously with your line hand.
Instead, lifting the rod tip takes up the slack as the flies approach.
The rod movement should follow the speed of the current without dragging the flies unnaturally through the water.
An Excellent One-Handed Fishing Method
A major advantage of this short-line approach is that it can be practised using only your rod hand.
Because slack is managed by raising the rod tip, your other hand remains free.
This is particularly useful when wading, as you can keep a wading staff in your free hand for additional stability.
You can gradually progress upstream, making short casts into the water ahead without repeatedly retrieving line by hand.
It is a simple and efficient way to cover broken water, where the current often provides a relatively short fishing window on each cast.
Always establish secure footing before casting or moving, particularly when wading in stronger currents.
Greasing the Fly Line Tip to Detect Takes
When fishing upstream spiders, particularly at short range, the tip of the floating fly line can provide an excellent visual indication of a take.
For this reason, it is worth treating the end of the floating line with Mucilin or a similar suitable fly line floatant, provided it is compatible with the line.
The objective is to keep the tip floating high and visible on the surface.
As the flies drift downstream, watch the floating tip carefully.
A take may cause it to:
- Stop unexpectedly.
- Hesitate during the drift.
- Move sideways.
- Dip beneath the surface.
- Accelerate or tighten suddenly.
These movements can indicate that a trout or grayling has intercepted one of the flies.
Not every hesitation represents a fish. The artificial may have touched a stone or encountered a different current.
However, when something looks unusual, a controlled lift of the rod may be worthwhile.
Keeping the fly line tip floating high makes it easier to follow the drift and detect subtle takes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Where Should You Fish Upstream Wet Flies?
Upstream wet fly fishing is particularly effective where the current carries food through identifiable feeding areas.
Riffles and Fast Runs
Riffles and faster runs are excellent places to use the short-line upstream spider method.
Submerged stones and variations in current create small feeding positions where trout and grayling can intercept drifting insects.
Fish may lie behind rocks, along current seams or in slightly slower water within a fast run.
Short casts allow the flies to pass naturally through these areas while the angler maintains control using the rod tip.
Smooth Glides
Smooth glides can hold feeding trout and grayling, particularly when insects are emerging.
However, the relatively even surface can make poor presentation more obvious.
A fly dragged unnaturally across the current may be refused.
Accurate casting and careful control of slack are particularly important.
Current Seams
Current seams occur where water moving at different speeds meets.
These areas can concentrate drifting food and provide feeding opportunities for fish holding beside the faster flow.
Try to arrange the cast so the flies and as much of the leader as possible travel in the same current.
This reduces the risk of faster water pulling the flies away from their natural drift.
Pool Heads
The head of a pool can provide productive wet fly fishing as food is carried into deeper water.
Trout and grayling may hold along the main current or beside areas where faster water begins to slow.
An upstream presentation can be used to drift the flies through these feeding lanes.
Pocket Water
Pocket water contains numerous small currents, often created by rocks and uneven riverbeds.
It is particularly well suited to short-line upstream wet fly fishing.
The objective is to place the flies above a likely holding position and allow them to drift naturally through the available feeding window.
Because these drifts can be brief, accurate casting and quick line control are essential.
How to Control the Drift
Line control is the most important technical aspect of upstream wet fly fishing.
There are two useful approaches, depending on the distance and type of water being fished.
Short-Line Fishing Using the Rod Tip
In faster water, keep the line short and gradually raise the rod tip as the flies approach.
This removes slack without needing to retrieve line by hand.
It provides good control, allows the floating line tip to be watched for takes and leaves the other hand available for a wading staff.
Longer-Line Fishing Using the Line Hand
When fishing farther upstream, it may be necessary to gather slack using the line hand.
As the fly approaches, retrieve loose line smoothly while maintaining enough freedom for a natural drift.
Avoid retrieving faster than the current, as this can pull the artificial unnaturally through the water.
Both approaches aim to maintain contact without unnecessarily influencing the movement of the flies.
How Much Contact Should You Maintain?
Maintaining contact does not mean keeping the line completely tight throughout the drift.
A fully tensioned line may pull the wet fly towards the surface or drag it faster than the current.
Instead, aim for gentle contact with enough freedom for the fly to behave naturally.
The exact amount will vary depending on current speed, fishing distance and the weight of the fly.
Lightly dressed spiders can be particularly sensitive to changes in tension.
A small adjustment to the line may alter both their speed and depth.
The objective is to stay connected to the fly without constantly influencing its movement.
Should You Fish Upstream Wet Flies Dead Drift?
A natural or near dead drift is an excellent starting point.
This allows the fly to travel broadly with the surrounding current, suggesting a drifting aquatic insect.
However, upstream wet fly fishing does not always require a completely drag-free presentation.
Traditional spider techniques can involve subtle movement.
For example, a slight increase in tension may cause the artificial to accelerate or rise through the water.
This can suggest an emerging insect.
The important distinction is between controlled, deliberate movement and accidental drag.
Start by allowing the fly to drift naturally.
If conditions suggest that fish are feeding on emerging insects, experiment with a gentle lift or controlled movement.
Using a Gentle Lift to Encourage Takes
One of the advantages of upstream wet fly fishing is the ability to alter the movement of the artificial as it approaches a feeding position.
Many aquatic insects rise towards the surface during emergence.
A lightly dressed spider can suggest this movement when the angler introduces gentle tension.
For example, you might cast upstream of a trout holding in a glide.
Allow the fly to drift naturally towards the fish.
As the artificial approaches the likely feeding position, gradually increase tension through the rod tip.
This may cause the fly to lift through the water.
A trout may respond to the change in movement and intercept the artificial.
The lift should generally be subtle.
A sudden, exaggerated movement may pull the fly out of the feeding area.
Not every fish will respond to this technique. Sometimes an uninterrupted natural drift is more effective.
How Do You Detect Takes When Fishing Upstream?
Detecting takes can be one of the more challenging aspects of upstream wet fly fishing.
Because the flies are drifting towards the angler, there may be relatively little tension in the line.
A trout or grayling can take the artificial without producing an obvious pull.
The best approach is to watch the leader and the floating fly line tip carefully.
Possible indications include:
- The floating tip stopping unexpectedly.
- A sudden sideways movement.
- The line tip dipping beneath the surface.
- An unexpected tightening of the line.
- A visible flash beneath the surface.
- A fish turning after taking the fly.
If you suspect a take, lift the rod smoothly to establish contact.
Avoid an exaggerated strike, particularly when using fine tippet and small hooks.
Fishing a Single Spider or a Team
Upstream wet fly fishing can be practised with one fly or a team of two or three.
A single spider is easier to cast accurately, produces fewer tangles and simplifies control of the drift.
Traditional North Country fishing often involves a team of spiders.
A team allows different patterns to be presented simultaneously and may place the flies at slightly different depths or positions in the current.
However, fishing several flies requires more careful casting and line management.
When using a team, avoid assuming that every fly is drifting identically.
Different currents may affect each fly differently.
How to Work Upstream Through a River
One of the defining features of upstream wet fly fishing is that the angler progresses against the current.
Begin by identifying a likely feeding area within comfortable casting distance.
Fish the nearer water first.
Make a series of controlled casts, varying the angle and distance to cover likely holding positions.
Once you have covered the available water, move a short distance upstream.
Repeat the process, gradually working through the river.
In faster runs, the short-line method is particularly convenient.
With your wading staff in one hand and rod in the other, you can steadily fish the water ahead.
Keep movements slow and deliberate to avoid disturbing fish.
Whenever possible, use the bank rather than wading directly through likely feeding positions.
Always assess the current, depth and riverbed before entering or moving through the water.
When Is Upstream Wet Fly Fishing Most Effective?
Upstream spider fishing can be productive under a wide range of river conditions.
It is particularly useful when:
- Trout or grayling are feeding on drifting aquatic insects.
- Insects are emerging beneath the surface.
- The river contains suitable riffles, runs and glides.
- Fish are not visibly rising.
- Fast, broken water makes short-line fishing practical.
- Short, controlled drifts can be made through identifiable feeding lanes.
It can be particularly rewarding during spring and summer insect activity.
However, the method is not limited to obvious hatches.
General-purpose spiders can be used to search likely feeding positions when little insect activity is visible.
During very cold conditions or when fish are holding close to the riverbed in deep water, weighted nymphing techniques may be more productive.
Common Upstream Wet Fly Fishing Mistakes
Fishing Too Far Away
Long casts make it difficult to control slack and detect takes.
In faster water, shorten the line to approximately a rod length and use the rod tip to manage the drift.
Retrieving or Lifting Too Quickly
Retrieving line or raising the rod faster than necessary may drag the wet fly unnaturally through the water.
Follow the speed of the current.
Allowing Excessive Slack
Too much slack makes takes difficult to detect.
Use the rod tip or line hand to maintain gentle contact.
Letting the Fly Line Tip Sink
A submerged fly line tip makes it harder to recognise subtle takes.
Keep the floating line clean and use a suitable floatant, such as Mucilin, where appropriate.
Ignoring the Floating Line Tip
The tip often provides the first visible indication of a take.
Watch for stops, dips and sideways movements.
Wading Too Quickly
Moving carelessly upstream can disturb trout and grayling before they can be reached with a fly.
Take time to observe each section of river and maintain secure footing.
Constantly Changing Flies
Poor presentation is often more significant than the choice of pattern.
Before changing flies, consider whether the artificial is drifting naturally at a suitable depth.
Key Takeaways
- Upstream wet fly fishing is a traditional British technique associated with North Country spiders.
- The flies are cast upstream and allowed to drift downstream with the current.
- In faster water, a short line of around one rod length is particularly effective.
- With a short line, gradually raising the rod tip removes slack without using the line hand.
- This allows the angler to keep a wading staff in the other hand while working upstream.
- Treating the floating fly line tip with Mucilin or a suitable floatant helps keep it riding high.
- Watch the floating line tip for hesitations, dips, stops or sideways movements that may indicate a take.
- Natural drift is generally the starting point, but subtle movement can sometimes encourage fish.
- Riffles, fast runs, current seams and pocket water are excellent places to try the method.
- A smooth lift of the rod is usually sufficient to establish contact with a taking fish.
- Work upstream carefully, fishing the nearer water before moving farther ahead.
- Accurate casting and good line control are more valuable than unnecessary casting distance.
Short-line upstream spider fishing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to cover fast-moving UK rivers.
With a short length of line, careful rod-tip control and a clearly visible floating line tip, an angler can work upstream efficiently while maintaining excellent contact with the flies.
In the next article, we'll look at Fishing a Team of Wet Flies, including leader construction, droppers, fly positioning and avoiding tangles.
