Simple, Effective Fly Patterns

A few recently tied simple patterns that have proved very popular with the trout and grayling:

This dry sedge pattern (tied in large sizes) was shown to me last year by a friend who swore by it, stating that when there is very little rising it has the ability to pull fish off the bottom...he wasn't wrong. Works equally well for trout and grayling and is responsible for many of my recent fish.

 Hook: #13 Tiemco 103bl

Thread: UTC 70 Tan

Tail/Shuck: EP Trigger Point International Fibers

Body: Squirrel

Underwing: Tiemco Aero Dry Wing

Wing: Elk/Deer Hair

Thorax: Squirrel 

Variation of above for when the sedge hatching are darker 

A couple of simple midge/smut patterns which can be effective when fish seem to be rising at nothing visible.

Hook: #20 Tiemco 2487

Thread: UTC 70 Black

Post: Tiemco Aero Dry Wing

Body: Flyrite #2 Black

Parachute: Grizzle Hackle

Thorax: Orvis Hare'e Ice Dubbing

 Hook: #20 Tiemco 2487
Thread: UTC 70 Black

Body: One Strand Of Peacock Herl (wrapped around thread to strengthen)

Wing: Two Natural CDC Feathers

Thorax: Orvis Hare'e Ice Dubbing

Holiday Highlights

The last four days have consisted of trips to the River Usk, River Wye and  two Wye tributaries, all days were quite testing fishing under the conditions but with some memorable highlights...photos below:


Spectacular waterfall on the Upper River Usk at Cefn Rhosan Fawr.

Me wondering how many fish must be lurking down there but failing to catch them!



More of the beautiful River Usk.



Eagle eyed Nick...waiting for a trout to give itself up!



My first Yellow May Dun (Heptagenia sulphurea) spotted on the 1st of May.

Large Brook Dun (Ecdyonurus torrentis).

Fish of the weekend...taking a #18 Pheasant Tail Nymph.

One of a shoal of Minnow (Phoxinus Phoxinus) in full breeding colour.



Gale force winds making a normally placid Wye look like the Atlantic shoreline!