Help with flies

[Deleted]

Out with the T today on a Cotswold river. Many flies coming off, Pale Wateries I think, but I am no expert. Numerous flies were coming off for about 3 Hrs. I saw a number of fish taking but only about 1 in 20 of the passing directly over them. I saw grayling taking the adult flies but only a very small number of the many, the rest were totally ignored as were all my attempts at a representation. I went through my fly boxes but not an offer. Is this normal this time of year or normal for pale wateries. There was no obvious other fly on the surface and they were definitely taking the adult fly on the surface. In frustration switched to nymphs and not an offer all day. That's fishing!!

Any advise appreciated.

[Simon]

Try a bright orange KH, Sonia hammered the Grayling this past weekend with no fish rising. She has promised to do a report or get banned from the forum!

Simon

[orangeotter]

Hi sanderm,

What patterns/sizes did you try.

I'll try to offer some help.

Cheers.

[Deleted]

Lots !!

Started off with a Parachute Adams one of my favourites for olives followed by Orange Quill another favourite. Realising they weren't on olives went to a Tups on the basis they could be Pale Wateries then a small fly with light coloured dub body and CDC wing. Tried all sizes 20's up to 14's

Despite the size of the hatch - as many as twenty of flies were passing over one fish ( trout) and the fish only took one very deliberately could see mouth open to sip in the adult fly. Grayling were doing the same.

Despite this, thought it might be something else they were on so tried some emergers and in desperation a little brightly coloured ( orange) KH.

Still no luck so went onto small nymphs. At first I tried them just subsurface using size 18 PTN's , grey goose nymphs ( good representation of Pale Watery nymph) and GRHE.

Then I thought maybe they are on midges tried a Griffith Gnat which I have been successful with in past but still no. My final try with dries was small black KH.

In desperation I was tempted to try a Cats Whisker!!!!! but rules don't allow this in size eight or bigger for Grayling!!!

I met a few other anglers and they all reported the same. This has occurred for the past couple of weeks.

The river is the Coln - full of fish!

Regards
Sanderm100

[orangeotter]

I see your problem - you certainly tried the things that I would.

From what I remember, the Colne is small and smooth - are you sure you were'nt getting a presentation problem, maybe 'invisible drag'.

Were you laying some leader on the water, and what breaking strain/diameter.

As you infer, there may have been more than one species hatching.

Although you saw duns taken it may be that they were really preferring a nymph in the film. In this situation a classic spider fished in the film often works, Waterhen Bloa rarely fails in s16.

Any chance you can get back to try again ?

Tricky sometimes,

Louis

[Deleted]

I think that orange otter has summed it up with his comments. It might have been an ideal to tried a few Sakasa Kabari.

Alternatively 'F' flies are very good. And watch for drag.

[Deleted]

Have been out today, Thursday, same thing happened again large hatch but only one offer - nothing!! Other anglers had same problem.

I sat a long time observing one fish. He took one of the adult flies and then what appeared to be the same flies passed directly over him over and over again without any interest. Then all of a sudden he took one about 3 inch above water line!- appeared to be same adult fly.

Cast to him with size 20 Tups he went for it but was on and off in a second. No other offers. Tried orange KH for about half an hour, no interest.

Yes drag might be an issue - this goes back to my early post regarding level line. The problem is keeping even the light 2 or 3 lines all off the water - a small part of the fluo sinks and causes a disturbance when lifted off and possibly causes some disturbance when drifting. I don't believe this is the real problem however although lifting off flou that is sunk does cause a disturbance- I have caught many fish on Tenkara using dry fly this season. I believe the problem is with the fish!!! Why are they feeding so selectively.

Thanks for all your input -much appreciated - a number of anglers on the Coln would love an answer!!

Sanderm100

[orangeotter]

If you go again, suggest you try the Waterhen Bloa in the film -just a touch of floatant.

Over and out.

[Deleted]

Yes i will - Waterhen bloa was my first choice when I lived in Harrogate and fished the Wharfe very regularly. Will neeed to tie it little less sparse for Coln than i did for Wharfe I think.

Regards and thanks again

Sanderm100

[orangeotter]

another possibility is that Iron Blues are also hatching - if so, fish will take them to the exclusion of anything else also hatching.

Again, the Bloa will work but try a small dry Iron Blue, maybe s20 - you may be pleasantly surprised.

A small F fly with mole body and dark cdc could work, use claret thread and leave a few turns at the tail.

[Deleted]

Thanks for that. Next time I'm out Will try that

Regards
Sanderm100