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NEW BLUE QUILL ANGLER BLOG!!!

Posted: December 16, 2010 by bluequillangler in Uncategorized

0

We have a new blog page so make sure to bookmark the new page as we will not be
posting to this blog page any longer

New Blue Quill Angler Blog

Check out the new one and let us know what you think?  Send comments to
flyfish@bluequillangler.com


PAT DORSEY’S FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB

Posted: December 2, 2010 by bluequillangler in fly fishing - general
Tags: christmas gifts for anglers, fishing christmas gifts, fishing gifts, fly
of the month club, gift for fly fishermen, gifts for anglers
0

Pat Dorsey’s FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB™ — For a moment, imagine receiving twelve of
the most “proven” trout flies each month for a year. Pat Dorsey’s original FLY
OF THE MONTH CLUB™ is dedicated to bringing members a great selection of
seasonally proven trout flies.

As a member, the cost per fly will be greatly reduced on some of today’s most
popular patterns, as well as, receiving home or office delivery of the finest
products available.

Great Fly Fisherman’s Gift
FLY OF THE MONTH CLUB™ is an excellent Christmas/birthday, Father’s or Mother’s
Day gift for any avid angler (family, friends, employees and customers). It is a
gift that keeps on giving, month after month, trout after trout.

All are premium flies, tied on chemically sharpened Tiemco hooks. They are the
finest flies produced in coordination with seasonal hatches. Every month, look
forward to receiving and using the flies in connection with happenings on the
stream. Also included is a short history of the fly, fishing instructions and
the fly tying recipe.

Any member will also receive reduced pricing on any additional flies purchased
through the BQA. Standard trout flies are $1.85 per fly. As a member, the cost
is $1.35 per fly. That is a savings of fifty cents per fly and, for some,
incentive enough to join the club.

2011 Flies Include:

January – GT Emerger – Olive #20
February – Parrott’s Black Fly Larva #20
March – Flashtail Mini Egg – Oregon Cheese #18
April – Stalcup’s Beatis Nymph – Olive – #20
May – Dorsey’s Tungsten Mercury Caddis #16
June – Mercer’s Trigger Nymph – PMD – #18
July – Garcia’s Mini Hot – Hot Yellow – #16
August – Green Drake – Brown Rib – #12
September – Chocolate RSII Emerger – #22
October – Goat Leech – Red/Black – #8
November – Eric’s Midge #22
December – Parrott’s Little Black Bug – #22

How To Order:

The Fly of the Month Club is sold as a calendar year based membership and can be
purchased any month of the year. For example, purchasing of the membership in
March means that the member will receive flies for March and the two previous
months of January and February bringing that membership up-to-date.

There are two options – full membership that includes twelve of the same flies
each month or half membership with six of the same flies each month. Included in
each delivery: the flies, history of the pattern, hints for fishing it and the
tying recipe. And remember, members receive the reduced price of $1.35 for
standard dries and nymphs and 25% off an other flies we carry.

When the membership is purchased as a gift, please provide BQA with the
recipient’s full name, address, phone number and email address in the gift
message box and we will sign that person up and send a gift letter out if
request. Please be certain to specify “gift” with the order in all caps at the
top of the gift message box.

The membership cost including shipping and handling is:

Full membership (12 flies per month) Click to Order Online
$199.95 plus $22.00 for shipping/handling, which totals to $221.95

Half membership (6 flies per month) Click to Order Online
119.95 plus $22.00 for shipping/handling, which totals to $141.95

**If you live in Colorado sales tax will be added.**

*The customer is responsible for notifying the Blue Quill Angler in the event of
an address change.

Place your order now by giving us a call at (800)435-5353  or click one of the
links above to place the order online.






CZECH NYMPHING AND RELATED EUROPEAN METHODS DVD – NEW

Posted: November 25, 2010 by bluequillangler in fly fishing - general
Tags: czech nymphing, czech nymphing dvd, czech nymphing instruction, french
nymphing, how to czech nymph, polish nymphing, spanish nymphing
0

Finally, after 4 month of filming and then filming some more, the DVD is in it’s
final stages right now.  This DVD is based on instruction of the 4 main European
Nymping Methods – Czech, French, Polish and Spanish nymphing with emphasis on
how-to and not just catching fish.  There is step-by-step instructions that will
have you fishing the European Methods like a pro.

If you have ever wanted to learn to Czech Nymph, this is the DVD for you. 
Step-by-step instruction on each method with detailed section on rigging you rod
and leader for all 4. The DVD was filmed right here in Colorado with Steve
Parrott of the Blue Quill Angler who has a true passion for the European
Nymphing methods.  Retail $29.95


PAT DORSEY’S YARN STRIKE INDICATOR

Posted: November 25, 2010 by bluequillangler in Fly Fishing Gear Reviews
Tags: how to use strike indicators, Pat dorsey yarn indicator, strike
indicators, what is the best indicator
0

Pat Dorsey, Colorado Fly Fishing Guide for the Blue Quill Angler has developed
an innovative strike indicator that works well in just about every situation and
will “stay put” on the leader and cut the frustration out of having to
constantly move the indicator back up after a few cast.  The indicator kit cost
$11.95 and will last a long time.  Give it a try!!


NYMPHING POCKET WATER – PAT DORSEY

Posted: November 11, 2010 by bluequillangler in Fishing Colorado
Tags: fishing pocket water, nymphing pocket water, nymphing stratagies, Pat
Dorsey, pocket water nymphing
0

Some of my biggest revelations have come from thinking outside the box. Many fly
fishers are creatures of habit, returning to the same spot, trip after trip,
based on previous success. Trapped in a rut, these anglers tend to rely on the
same techniques and strategies to catch their trout, regardless of the
conditions or the season. While this rationale may provide comfort, over time it
can limit your productivity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your tactics and
the water you fish.

While most anglers tend to target the honey holes—textbook riffles and runs that
get hammered by hordes of anglers—I prefer to work the little nooks and crannies
that rarely get fished. I’ve caught countless trout (some in excess of 5 pounds)
in the swift-flowing, highly oxygenated boulder gardens most fly fishers
overlook.

Reading the Water
Pocketwater is best defined as a section of stream where boulders of all sizes
(both protruding and submerged) are randomly sprinkled throughout a long riffle
or run. The boulders divide the river into a series of cascades, producing
deflections in the current commonly referred to as pockets. Think of each pocket
as a miniature pool.

Some fly fishers avoid pocketwater because the difficult wading and repetitious
casting required by the fast water is hard work. At the end of the day, the
extra effort is worth it In most cases, the more difficult the terrain, the
better the fishing.

Reading the water is one of the greatest challenges to successful pocketwater
fishing. Don’t let the faster currents and whitewater intimidate you. Simply
break the river into small sections and cast to all the likely spots that
provide a current break or offer seams between fast and slower moving water.

Typical holding areas are in front of, to the side of, and a couple of feet
behind each boulder. Other candidates include the inside edges of either
fast/slow or rock-created seams. Trout prefer these lies because seams channel a
steady food supply.

I avoid fishing the swirling reverse current directly behind the boulders
because it is too unpredictable for trout to hold in, and it’s difficult to get
a good drift. To fish the water behind a boulder properly, cast 2 to 3 feet
downstream to avoid getting trapped in the reverse current.

Trout often hold toward the end of the boulder pocket. These feeding lanes
require less energy due to additional rocks slowing the pace of the current.
These pockets also occur close to the bank, creating holding areas that are
excellent for terrestrials and dry-dropper rigs.

Where several boulders gather to form a boulder garden, you’ll find a cosmic
array of complex currents. Each seam becomes a tiny buffet line for trout, and
these slots are excellent areas to find big fish with nymphs or large dry flies
such as Stimulators, Parachute Adams, and Humpys.

Cover the water methodically by hopscotching upstream from pocket to pocket.
Fish one pocket, then wade into it and fish the next pocket, repeating the
process as you move upriver. With this strategy, you’re in the fast water only
when moving between pockets, and often standing in the softer pocket you just
finished fishing.

Seasonal Strategies
Between November and March, most anglers target traditional wintering holes,
where transitional zones funnel into deep runs and pools. But there are still
ample opportunities in pocketwater, especially if you tweak your tactics to
match the winter conditions.

With diminished hatches and trout sustaining their lowest metabolism of the
year, focus on deeper pockets, slower slots, tailouts, and plunge pools. Large
trout still hold in pocketwater during the winter months due to the lack of
fishing pressure there.

Tailwaters are your best pocketwater options through the winter months, as they
rarely freeze in the first few miles below the dam. In Colorado, tailwaters such
as the Frying Pan, Taylor, Blue, and South Platte rivers are reliable winter
fisheries. The Green (Utah), North Platte (Wyoming), Bighorn (Montana), and
others also remain free-flowing through the winter and have productive
pocketwater sections.

Winter tailwater flies should include tiny midge patterns #20-24 Mercury Black
Beauties, Pure Midge Larvae, Mercury Midges, Mercury Blood Midges, Jujubee
Midges, and Rojo Midges.

I have had surprisingly good success in pocketwater during the initial phases of
spring runoff. Don’t let the high, roiling water intimidate you—there is still
good fishing out there.

High spring flows push the fish toward the edges of the stream, where they seek
shelter from the swift current near the center. The off-color water is often
advantageous because the trout are less wary, and less critical of your fly
pattern.

Under these conditions, fish large flies tight along shoreline pockets with 3X
tippet. Chamois Leeches, chartreuse egg patterns, and pink San Juan Worms are
good flies. Dark flies such as string leeches and Woolly Buggers present strong
silhouettes in dirty water and are also top producers.

The most productive pocketwater fishing occurs during late spring and midsummer
(after runoff), through autumn. Starting in mid-July, water temperatures begin
escalating and when oxygen levels plummet in the slower runs and pools, trout
concentrate in pocketwater areas where they find increased oxygen and better
feeding opportunities.



Strong hatches of Blue-winged Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes, caddis,
stoneflies (Pteronarcys, Golden Stoneflies, and Yellow Sallies), Red Quills, and
terrestrials provide steady food sources for opportunistic trout. Effective
nymphs include #18-20 Beadhead Pheasant Tails, #16-20 Barr’s Emergers, #14-18
Beadhead Breadcrusts, and #10-14 Barr’s Tungstones.

During high summer spates, scouring flows dislodge larger food organisms such as
aquatic worms, scuds, and crane flies. Use #14 San Juan Worms (tan and red),
#12-16 UV Scuds (orange and olive), and #10 Barr’s Crane Fly Larvae.

Pocketwater trout also rise eagerly to drys during spring and summer
hatches—sometimes even when nothing is hatching. Choice patterns include #18
Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #16 Elk-hair Caddis, #14-16 Puterbaugh Caddis, #14-16
yellow Stimulators, #16 Red Quills, #10 Amy’s Ants, #10 BC Hoppers, #14 ants and
beetles, and attractors such as Royal Wulffs, Renegades, and #12-16 Humpys.



WILDCAT CANYON ON THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER

Posted: November 11, 2010 by bluequillangler in Fishing Colorado
Tags: backcountry fly fishing, fly fishing colorado, south platte above chesman
reservoir, South Platte river, wildcat canyon
0
Wildcat Canyon

Wild Cat Canyon is the rugged section of river upstream from
Cheesman Reservoir. Located in the center of the Hayman fire area, this section
of river was closed to access for several years after the fire. There is now
a trail, actually an old 4 wheel drive road down Corral Creek that is open for
hikers to access the middle of the canyon. On October 31, Mike, Alex, and I
decided to hike down the trail into the Canyon and check out the fishing that
has basically been untouched since the Hayman fire. Alex had been in a couple of
times this past summer and knew how to get to the trailhead that takes you
down into the Canyon. Much of the 3 mile trail passes right through the Hayman
burn area and is a spectacle of burned trees that has a stark beauty of  it’s
own. The hike down takes about an hour or so to get to the stream where you can
go up or down depending o

Haman Burn Area from Corral Creek Trail

n how you are feeling.  Going upstream is recommended as the lower section of
the river is a nasty canyon where if you fell and hurt yourself, you will more
than likely be there a while. Hiking back out of the canyon after a long day
of fishing is a different story.  Brutal from the start and  uphill almost the
entire 3 miles out.

The river is very similar to Cheesman Canyon. It has a variety of canyons, huge
boulders, rifles, pocket water and pools. There are also log  jams and
areas where severe erosion has, and is still taking place. Shifting red granite
gravel has washed in since the fire  and covers much of the bottom.  

Log jams and severe erosion are effects of the Haman Fire

 

We found the fishing to be average. It appeared that the Browns had already
spawned and retreated to the deeper holes and pocket water areas.  A few
redds were visible at the tailouts of longer runs. Most of the fish we caught
were Browns and several 8-10″ Rainbows. Several larger fish were spotted among
log jams and deeper boulder areas.

Impressive rock and the raw power of nature are evident at every turn

 

Although the fishing was a little dissapointing, I am sure there are times when
it is exceptional. The area is stunningly rugged, remote and filled with an
anticipation to see what is around the next bend. I haven’t fished many places
in Colorado where there was not even a footprint but this is definitely one of
them. I hope to return, but will plan to camp over night. Hiking in and out the
same day is a little much, with more hiking than fishing!


BLACK FLY LARVA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE TO TROUT FISHERMEN

Posted: November 1, 2010 by bluequillangler in Fishing Colorado
Tags: black fly larva, colorado fly fishing, improtance of black flies to
anglers, trout flies for colorado, what are these trout eating, why can i not
catch any fish
1

Most anglers ask what are you using today as you are laying waste to some really
nice fish.  One of the more obscure answers is a Black Fly Larva.  The next
response is usually “what the hell is a Black Fly Larva?”   This question has
been asked more than once here in Colorado on the famous Chesman Canyon Section
of the South Platte.

Blackflies teeter on the margins of angler awareness–outcasts in spite of their
standing with fish. They don’t fit into the aesthetic of the mainstream angling
world, where priority is given to prettier bugs that drift sacrificially on
meandering currents.

Among the many insects that fly anglers ignore, perhaps none is more important
to trout than the black fly. Let those anglers with aesthetic hang-ups keep
doing their thing. The rest of us will let the trout dictate what flies to
fish!!

In a recent study, black flies were consistently consumed by trout at a much
higher rate than their proportion in the drift. While Blackflies composed about
10% of the drift, they made up nearly 70% of the trout diets in June and July!

If that isn’t enough for you, consider that on the same stream, Baetis–the
orthodox angler’s security blanket–made up 70% of the drift and contributed a
mere 20% of the total trout diet while other common drifters Ephemerella
(PMD) mayflies, were nearly unscathed.

Are Black flies important on “real” trout streams? In the Chesman Canyon Section
of the South Platte River, black fly larvae were the most consumed aquatic food
among rainbow trout that were two or more years old during the summer months.

With this staggering wealth of scientific observation plainly accessible to
angling researchers, how could black flies have been overlooked by experts and
recreational fly fishers for so long?

Several factors contribute to this neglect. First, most anglers probably mistake
black fly larvae for caddis larvae, which look quite similar to the untrained
eye.

Also, black flies are in the order Diptera. Thus many well-intentioned writers
and researchers who take the time to consult professional papers and science
books, often see “Diptera” in stomach samples and connect it with “midge.” In
the process, they forget that the order Diptera casts a wide shadow and includes
midges, mosquitoes, phantom midges, net-winged midges, craneflies, as well as
our new friend the black fly.

Another reason is that “kicking riffles”–the preferred sampling technique of
most anglers–often doesn’t knock many of these larvae off the rocks because they
are tough clingers in the fastest currents.

Probably more important than these factors is the fact that there is little dry
fly fishing (or even fish rises) during a black fly emergence. This cannot be
underestimated; so much angling literature has only valued insects that provided
dry fly action.

Finally, black fly activity isn’t really a concentrated hatch like most aquatic
insects. They will go through 4-14 generations a year, with larval growth,
emergence, and egg-laying overlapping between generations. This means that black
flies maintain a constant role in the year-round diets of most river-dwelling
trout. All these factors go a long way to explain why anglers have overlooked
black flies, while trout happily indulge in this abundant prey.


LIFE CYCLE OF THE BLACK FLY:


LARVA TO PUPA

Black fly larvae are medium-sized insects, from 4-15mm in length. They are a
distinctly shaped grub with feathery fan gills, prolegs at the head, and a fat
butt (the rear 1/3 of Simuliidae larvae can be almost twice the thickness of the
front). Colors range from smoky olive, dirty yellow, creamish, and black. Most
mistake the small black larvae for microcaddis larvae, which also have a
distinguishing fat butt.

The larvae are the most important stage for most trout, especially for trout
living in streams with many fast riffles. Larvae attach themselves to rocks with
the hooks of their posterior disc, then trail their heads and fans downstream to
filter the current for food. To move short distances, black fly larvae excrete a
strand of silk and “rappel” downstream, in much the same manner as some caddis
larvae.

Besides bouldered riffle water, black flies can be extremely abundant on bedrock
slabs where their silken pad and anal hooks give them excellent holding power
against strong currents. Larvae are also unusually visible at night when they
are heavily fed upon by both fry and adult trout. This feeding may be because
the light-colored, semi translucent larvae are easy to detect.

After 3-10 weeks of larval development, black flies undergo pupation which lasts
anywhere between 2 and 8 days. Unlike many other aquatic insects the Black Fly
larvae don’t migrate to pupate. They just build their cocoon wherever they
happen to be at pupation time.


EMERGENCE

Black flies have a unique and fascinating method of emergence that is vitally
important for fly anglers to understand. Fully formed adults burst from their
pupal casing and are shot to the surface enclosed in a bubble of air. This is a
similar process to caddis emergence, with two major differences. First, the
shimmering “air bubble” effect is much more pronounced for black flies.
Secondly, a caddis rides to the surface as a pupa, while the black fly rides to
the surface as a fully developed adult. If you do a stomach sample that reveals
adult black flies, it is virtually impossible to tell if the trout captured the
black fly when it was rising or floating. Emergence occurs in the morning from
6:00 a.m. to noon and rarely occurs at night or in the evening. Emergence
accounts for heavy feeding action throughout the water column even when no
surface action is visible.



There is usually no visual hint of emergence with trout rising as the air bubble
keeps their bodies and wings dry, so the adults arrive at the surface and
instantly fly off. The lack of surface activity is undoubtedly a reason this
insect has been overlooked by so many for so long.


FINAL THOUGHT FOR YOU THE ANGLER TO CONSIDER

Are Blackflies the most critical food sources for trout? Probably not  but they
are more important as a family than many of the species of insects that we fly
anglers fuss over.

Simuliids are significantly more important, in terms of annual consumption, than
salmonflies, hoppers, and even the much-lauded midge. It would be safe to say
that simuliids on average throughout the United States contribute more to a
stream trout’s diet than any single species of mayfly except Baetis. When you
consider that there are large numbers of Blackflies available to trout for the
entire year while most mayflies and caddis are too small to feed a descent sized
trout for half the year, putting your faith in a blackfly larva makes alot more
sense.


HOOKS FOR TYING CZECH STYLE NYMPHS – SKALKA CZECH MADE HOOKS

Posted: November 1, 2010 by bluequillangler in Fly Fishing Gear Reviews
Tags: czech made hooks, czech nymphing hooks, hooks for czech nymphing, knapek
hooks, skalka hooks
0

Czech Nymphing is really taking off here in the United States and the use of
specialty hooks to tie Czech specific flies has skyrocketed as well.  Knapek
hooks are probably the most recognized Czech hook on the market here in the
States but supplies can be limited and the demand is pretty great. 

In Europe, Knapek hooks are popular but second in choise to another brand called
Skalka.  Skalka Original Barbless Hooks are hand made in the Czech Republic by
Mr. Miroslav Skalka since 1985 and these hooks are tested by the best Czech fly
fishers. These top quality hooks are difficult to find as they are the preffered
hook of the Czech fly fishing team.  The distribution here in the States is
pretty limited but when you find them, they are well worth the money!!  Skalka
hooks feature fine wire, perfect bend and sticky sharp long needle point
and each hook is carefully tested by the manufacturer.

The Skalka Czech/Grub hook is one of the finest hooks we have used with a long,
sticky needle point, this hook will hold on to fish like crazy.  The wide gap
will accomodate beads well and the hook point stays sharp!! 

The Skalka 2X long Wet/Nymph hook is another hook that sets itself apart from
the other Czech specific hooks on the market as the longer hook shank allows the
use of tungsten beads without cramping the fly on the hook shank, making it look
short and stubby.  This is a great hook for micro nymph patterns for French
Nymphing that is super sharp and will hold on to fish. 

Once you use these hooks, you will see and feel the difference that a true
hand-made Czech hook makes!!


UNDERSTANDING HOW TROUT FEED

Posted: September 27, 2010 by bluequillangler in Fishing Colorado
Tags: how trout feed, reading the rise, trout rising, understanding rise forms,
what are trout eating, where do I cast my fly
0

Probably one of the most fascinating things is to see a trout rise and take an
insect off of the surface.  The most frustrating thing is casting to where the
ring was, matching the hatch perfect and coming up empty.  Hopefully the
following explanations of trout rise forms will help on you next fishing
outings. 

There are several different ways that trout feed.  One way is considered to be a
Simple Rise which generally occurs during a good hatch and the trout are pretty
sure of the type of food floating downstream.  These rises are usually quick and
sometimes violent with very little hesitation by the trout.  He will leave his
holding area, rise to the surface and either take or refuse the fly, and will
always return to his holding area.

Another type of rise is the Compound Rise.  This is similar to the Simple Rise,
but it involves a much longer drift from the holding area and longer inspection
of the food.  This is caused when the trout has some doubt about the edibility
of the food floating by.  The trout will almost always stay with the food,
drifting just under the surface at the same rate continuously inspecting the
food while deciding whether to take or refuse.  This is why it is important to
have a drag-free drift.  Any unusual movement that does not look natural or goes
against the current will result in a refusal 90% of the time.  If you notice the
trout turn sideways in the current, this is the beginning of a more thorough
inspection because there is still to much doubt.  A puddle cast can be very
effective in getting the long drag-free drift required in this situation.  At
some point or another the trout will make the final decision to take the fly or
refuse and move back to his holding area. 

The third type of rise is the Complex Rise which occurs when there is extreme
doubt in the trout mind about the food type drifting overhead.  As with the
compound rise the trout will begin drifting downstream or across stream with the
fly giving it a thorough inspection.  If there is excessive drag on the fly or
the trout believes it is an inedible object, the trout will immediately refuse
and return to the holding area.  If the drift is good, and the trout is still
interested but very doubtful, he will allow the fly to begin floating away from
him.  It is now time for a decision.  If he refuses, he will return to his
holding area.  However, if he does decide to take, the trout will turn facing
downstream in a very fast motion and begin his pursuit.  Once you see a trout
displaying this pursuit, he will never refuse it.

Hopefully this will help you understand that when a trout rises, he is generally
not sitting under the ring he left waiting for his next morsel of food.  When
you make a cast, make sure you land the fly far enough above that last rise form
or your cast may fall short of where the fish is holding or you may land
directly on top of the fish and spook him.  

One of the most important things is the drag free float when you are fishing
over finicky fish.  If you cannot achieve the drift you need from where you are
fishing, try moving upstream and fish back down to where the trout is holding.


UNDERSTANDING THE BAETIS MAYFLY

Posted: September 27, 2010 by bluequillangler in Fishing Colorado
Tags: baetis, Blue Wing Olives, bwo, fall mayflies, how to fish BWO patterns
2

THE BLUE-WINGED OLIVE (BWO) is not a single species, but a group of them in the
genus Baetis. There are many mayflies out there with olive bodies and gray or
dun-colored wings, the key during a BWO hatch is to get the size right.  These
tiny mayflies rule the rivers half the year, the half most people don’t fish.
Hatches can begin as early as late September and continue until April, with the
best activity in February and early March. I’ve never been out fishing in the
winter when we didn’t have a few blue-winged olives every afternoon.

The Baetis nymphs are active swimmers and live in almost all types of running
water, but slow to moderate runs hold the largest populations. Beatis nymphs
have a habit of purposefully drifting short distances (behavioral drift) in the
current when they feel overcrowded to find a new home; sunrise and sunset are
the prime times for this activity. Thus nymph imitations can be productive even
when there is no hatch in progress.  Morning and evening are great times to rig
up double Baetis patterns on a nymph rig and make sure to let it swing at the
end of the drift.  This will trigger a lot of strikes that sometime can be
pretty violent.     

During a Beatis hatch, it’s important to collect an insect and look at its
underside before you choose a fly pattern to match it. The belly will always be
a different color–usually lighter and more olive–than the back. It’s the belly,
not the back, that trout see when they take a floating insect. Again, it is
important during this hatch to get the size of your imitation right. If you just
glance at a small insect like this, and choose a pattern based on that glance,
your pattern will almost always be a size, or even two sizes, too large. Set
your collected natural right next to the imitation you’ve chosen for it, and be
sure that they are the same size.

There is really not a single pattern that will cover a Baetis hatch.  I now
realize it’s important to carry an emerger pattern, two or three dun patterns,
and a spinner pattern–all tied in a narrow range of sizes. Trout might take one
for a while, and suddenly turn off until you try another.

Older Entries

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