Fish cruising lazily about just bulging at the surface

Fish bulging just under the surface are usually taking ‘buzzers’ (chironomid midge pupae). When fishing buzzer imitations, grease the leader except for the last few inches (not the fly) so that it sits close to or in the surface film. Fish them almost static with the occasional twitch.

Fishing rising with a positive splosh!

A single, isolated rise indicates that the fish may be tempted by a suitably presented dry fly. If positive rises increase in frequency, the dinner bell has rung and a serious hatch is on. Look carefully and try and identify what insects the fish are feeding on. Dry flies are the obvious choice here, though nymphs can often be even more effective, fished near the surface.

Some of the insects of interest to the fly fisher

Upwinged flies (Ephemeroptera)
The ‘mayflies’, or ‘upwinged flies’ are a large order of insects, ranging from the tiny broadwings (Caenis) to the large mayfly itself (Ephemera danica; E. vulgata). Adults are easily recognisable, having two or three long tails (setae) and large triangular wings that are held erect and together when the insect is at rest. Anglers’ names for the various upwinged species usually refer to their colour (e.g., olive, blue-winged olive, iron blue, etc.). Throughout their life cycle, the mayflies are of great interest to both fish and fly fisher. The various species are seasonal in their emergence and hatches are most prolific in spring and summer.

Chironomids
The non-biting midges form a huge group that -collectively- are probably the single most important food form in fresh stillwaters. British fly fishers call them ‘buzzers’. They are of most interest to the trout in their larval and pupal stages and when the pupae migrate to the surface to emerge as winged adults. All stages can be imitated successfully by the fly dresser.

Sedges (Trichoptera)
Also known as caddis flies. Many (not all) species build little tubular cases from gravel, shells or vegetable matter. Adults are moth-like in appearance but -when at rest- hold their wings in a distinctly roof-shaped attitude. They often have long antennae. Sedges tend to hatch in the afternoons and evening. Trout go mad for some species.

Damsel flies
Those skinny relatives of dragonflies, often with startling electric blue bodies. Damsel nymphs are quite swift swimmers, but represent a decent mouthful for the fish. Artificial damsel nymphs can be fished with faster pulls than you’d use with smaller nymphs. I find I catch more trout on damsel nymph patterns during a hatch of damsels than I do using imitations of the winged adult.

Terrestrial insects
Not all of the insects that fish feed on are aquatic in origin. Terrestrial insects that are blown onto the water or drop from waterside vegetation can be a significant part of the fish’s diet. Usually of seasonal and often of only local importance, they include, amongst many others: hawthorn, black gnat and heather flies; various beetles; grasshoppers; ants and craneflies (daddy longlegs).