LATE FALL ATTRACTOR PATTERNS

In California as in many international wild trout sanctuaries rare opportunities exist for those who think outside the usual fly box assortment. My personal fly tying has become geared toward soft hackle vivid coloration and experimentation in regard to standard patterns such as the classic caddis that thrive through out North America. In respect to softer more fluid flowing hackle especially in late fall when many resident trout have seen it all over and over. If one were to watch carefully how feathery live hackle flies move in slower fall currents and witness otherwise bored blase fish quickly key in on the alien insect in their feeding lane. It will become obvious the value of learning to tie several loud colored or extremely live hackled patterns to compliment the more generic mundane offerings you have been throwing all season. Two of the patterns featured are tied in traditional wing emerging from around the eye of the pattern, two others form a wing like tail that allows a fuller more live motion underwater, much like matuka or streamer patterns. Long ago I adopted the habit of watching all my flies underwater being mindful of natural flowing movement associated with real eels and live baitfish or emerging insects. I attempt to create patterns that are buggy and hairy instead of slick and perfectly proportioned. I do not tie patterns to impress other tiers, my only goal is to fool fish.

This season I have focused on the caddis because of it’s frequent appearance in my favorite rivers from now on as currents slow down and stealth stalking armed with new exciting out of the ordinary offerings truly get the attention of over educated trout...

MELLOW YELLOW ATTRACTOR