In most cases, rules are there to protect us.
In fly fishing, the key is understanding when to break them. Dry flies are supposed to be fished on a dead drift, but nothing has caught me more fish on a particular spot on the Stanislaus River than swinging dry flies – particularly a Griffith’s gnat.
I use the same method on a couple rivers in Alaska too, even hooking rainbows and cutthroats while stripping in the Griffiths.
There is of course a time you’ll need the dead drift, but never assume that’s the only way. Finish the drift and let it swing. Shoot, even let it sit in the current for a second, then give it a good hook set before tossing it back into the lane.
What do you have to lose? Well, a fish, which is the whole point….so ignore that remark.