September can be a great time to pursue brown trout and it's also the the time I really start to think about targetting grayling. However, the end of August and on into the new month can be lean pickings when it comes to fly hatches - which in turn, can make finding feeding fish a little more tricky. Sure, you can fish a nymph, but before you open the nymph box, try a terrestrial pattern.
Take a look at the bankside flora and you'll find that it is (and has been for the last few months!) literally crawling with insect life - some of which will find itself falling onto the surface, directed down the food lanes and ends up as a decent meal for a stationed trout. Here are a few of the patterns that sit in my terrestrial fly box and have found me some success:
The Hawthorn Fly
Whilst used as a Hawthorn fly imitation early in the year, this imitation continues to bring success right through the summer (and Autumn) months. It's a simple tying with Pheasant tail fibres knotted for legs and a folded CDC wing. I prefer a curved hook - with my preference being for the Varivas 2200BL.
The Procter Beetle
A brilliant, simple pattern that I picked up from Paul Procter. Whilst we usually aim for our artificials to land on the surface gently, this foam backed beetle lands under the leafy bows with a resounding 'plop' - and this can be part of the attraction. The fish respond well to its dark outline and silhouette. My preference is for a pink or orange tag so it is clearly visible on the water.
This has become a favourite pattern of mine when rains brings the water levels up and the river is carrying some colour.
The Klinkhamer
OK, this works in most hatches, but a small, black version can take some beating if the fish are feeding on terrestrial patterns. I prefer it tied in a #22 with an orange wing post. Again, the Varivas 22ooBL takes some beating for this small offering.
A tying sequence for tying the Klinkhamer can been here: River Fly Box - Klink
~Dave
Saturday 3 September 2011
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2 comments:
Hi Dave,
I've just done a post much the same about ants and beetles. Last month and this a beetle or ant has been on my tippet, almost more than anything.
I've found large coloured tags scare mywild fish, but the new loco foams are easy seen on the water.
Regards.
Interesting Richard. I haven't found them to be bothered by a sighter at all. However, there are times, a smaller more diminutive pattern is required - which is where the small Klink come in. There are some other options too that I shall post about soon.
~Dave
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