Returning to fish………..
Now we are returning to fly fishing once more this summer I have looking back through recent Endsleigh Fishing Club catch reports and a handful of fly patterns consistently stand out. While presentation and Tamar knowledge are always key, these flies have repeatedly attracted salmon and sea trout.
The Stoat’s Tail has been the club’s most reliable all-round pattern recently, taking fish throughout the season in a range of water conditions. Close behind is the ever-popular classic fly, first created by Ally Gowans, the Cascade. This season’s first salmon, a magnificent 12lb fish from Underhill, fell to a claret and blue Cascade, a later salmon was caught on a No 8 single cascade adding more successes to this fly’s impressive record at our club.
When the river rises after rain, many members reach for a Posh Tosh or Willie Gunn, both of which have proved particularly effective in coloured water. Large patterns are vital in a rising Tamar to ensure the fly sinks properly to be seen by the fish chosen mainly in black and yellow or a mixture of red, black and orange. Brass/copper tubes are best but waddingtons are a more user friendly alternative. As the season deepens into autumn other recent patterns which have proved successful in the water are coneheads particularly black/silver, gold and blue and their catch rate now seems to be outstripping the more reliable Waddington. Further dependable patterns include the Monroe Killer, Red Francis, Blue Charm and, a particular fishers favourite the Mercer’s Fancy, all of which have enjoyed their moments over recent seasons.
Our Club reports suggest one clear lesson: successful anglers tend to fish a small selection of trusted flies well, adjusting the size to suit river conditions rather than constantly changing patterns. If you’re wondering what to include in your fly box, you won’t go far wrong with a Stoat’s Tail, Cascade, Posh Tosh and Willie Gunn, tied on a single hook or as a brass/copper tube.