Sunday 12 August 2012

Calling the small stuff

Despite the warm reprise, I am certain that shifting  pressure has made it hard to find any consistent sport, especially with the dry fly. This is mainly due to the fact that there has been very little fly life to speak of.  Therefore, when lucky enough to find a fish on station, it is essential to approach with stealth, identify what they are feeding upon and then ensure good match and presentation.

I have been finding that a small elk hair sedge pattern works well, but last night, despite a considerable gathering of spinners above the water, it was a para-aphid in a size 24 that winkled out a few fish. Fished on a long leader, a bright orange wing post helps you to identify the path of the fly, especially through the foam lines - an ideal place for fish to sit and target their food, travelling over head.

A lovely, leopard printed brown trout is returned

A clearing stream

The river is clear, but still and good 12" above usual

A small fish on a #1 rod

I like to tie my para-aphids on a Varivas 2200BL-B hook:

A size 24 para-aphid; works as a gnat / ant imitation too
Fish of all sizes are tempted!

Now off to tie some clousers in preparation for some bass fishing... from #24 to #2!

~Dave

6 comments:

Robert Barker said...

Beautiful little bugs David!

Robert Barker said...

Beautiful little bugs David!

Unknown said...

Dave.
Maybe you will have to give carp a try like I have done?

Great fun when the trout are in the shade.

A 10lb fish will give you a bend like nothing else, a 20lb will really blow your sock off?

Bill Trussell said...

Dave
Great looking patterns in a tiny size--just curious what length and size leader/tippet are you using and what length/wt fly rod? Thanks for sharing a great post.

Dave Wiltshire said...

Yes Richard.... never have and must!

Bill, even big fish will fall to tiny flies. I was using a rather unusual 9'6" #1 rod, but will also fish these tiny flies up to a #4.

A bright wing post really helps to see the fly.

Thanks for the comments,
D.

James said...

Hi - Will you please post this Blog at The Fly Fishing Community at vorts.com? Our members will love it!
It's easy to do - just cut and paste the link and it automatically links back to your website. You can also add Photos, Videos, Classifieds, etc. It’s free and easy…
We are looking for contributors to share with our members. Please help.
Email me if you need any help or would like me to do it for you.
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James Kaufman, Editor