No matter how often I preach that it is more important to concentrate on presentation, depth and speed of retrieve, rather than the pattern - the fly always gets the blame for failure. I’m as guilty as the next man on that score and spend hours at the fly tying vice trying to devise that elusive, all-conquering wonder pattern. Not everyone has the time or inclination to tie their own flies, so I do stock a comprehensive selection of patterns that have proved effective on a wide variety of waters under most conditions. To help the beginner, we are introducing some dedicated pattern collections for various fly fishing situations. These are intended to equip the newcomer with comprehensive selections for his or her first few outings -removing the worry of what flies to buy. As experience grows, you will develop your own tastes and preferences.

Trout feeding habits

Trout are carnivorous, feeding on just about any creature small enough to swallow. Trout will forage in weed or on the bottom if they have to, but prefer food that comes to them either in mid-water or at the surface. The bulk of their diet consists of aquatic invertebrates and small fish. Insects, of course, are of prime interest to us. Their occurrence (and availability to the fish as food) is often seasonal. Part of the knowledge we acquire as fly fishers is to do with the changing ‘menu’ over the course of the season. Artificial flies are usually grouped as dry or wet, depending on whether they are fished floating on the surface (i.e., kept dry), or allowed to sink. Ideally, your choice of fly should be based on what you see at the water. Alternatively, you can choose a pattern that has proved effective at that time of year or under similar circumstances. Good local advice can be very useful, but don’t be a slave to it.

Nothing rising?

Most of the insects trout feed on spend the greater part of their lives underwater. Eventually, nymphs and pupae of aquatic insects have to swim (or crawl) to the surface in order to become winged adults and procreate. At this stage, they are most vulnerable and trout are instinctively on the look out for them. If I cannot see fish rising or I am unsure of what they might be feeding on, my first choice is to fish a nymph quite deep and retrieve in slow intermittent pulls. I don’t believe specific pattern matters much, just as long as it looks and moves something like a natural nymphal insect. If your nymphs don’t score, try a freshwater shrimp fished on or near the bottom and twitched back very slowly. Trout love shrimps and this technique can often tempt fish that are lying deep. If these attempts fail, put on a fry/fish imitation and fish it quite quickly. Fish may take this kind of lure either for a small fish or, maybe they strike at it out of aggression. This method can be very effective, particularly on larger still waters.