What fish are eating is fundamental to our sport as it dictates what fly we use to tempt our quarry. It is no good trying a pattern that is so far removed from what the trout is actively feeding on or expecting to find at that time, especially when targeting larger more wily fish who have experienced catch and release before. If they suspect that the pattern isn’t quite right they will reject it, generally by not even paying it any attention but also, more frustratingly, by nudging it, splashing it or swimming right over it. Below are a series of links to posts on this site and others where you can find information on the food sources that trout target and the flies that we can use to tempt them when they are feeding on these and when/how to use them. I have tried to focus on key aspects of the biology that will help fly choice, not only to aid success but also thinking of people starting out in our sport, this is also key to reduce the number of flies you need to buy and carry with you:
- Size – while it might be tempting to tie on a much bigger fly than the hatching insects thinking that this will tempt the fish as it represents a bigger morsel this is not always a successful tactic as the more wiley trout will generally know that this isn’t quite right and ignore the fly.
- Morphology – choosing flies tied with materials that mimic the food source is also important as fish may reject a fly sooner if it doesn’t seem right i.e. it is too hard when it was expecting a softer snack.
- Colour – while having trigger points or hotspots can be very successful in fly patterns, there is generally a basic range of colours that one would select and use.
- Pattern – while flies do not have to be exact replicas of the food source to be successful, most successful patterns contain all or key visual cues to suggest that food source to trigger the fish to take the fly.
- Timing – Offering the right fly at the right time is a major part of the decision making process and integral to success. Having an idea as to what may be available at the time we go fishing is important as it means we have the right fly options in our fly boxes when we need them.
- Location – the geographical distribution of a food source across the country may dictate whether it is present and a likely food source.
- Habitat – the habitat where different food sources may be encountered may dictate whether it is present and a likely food source.
If we understand the biology of the food source it helps us make better decisions when buying and choosing the flies to use. When starting out it can be quite daunting as the fishing press show us photos of fly boxes containing thousands of flies belonging to professional guides or professional fisherman who fish in their national team. The cost of this apparent requirement for success is most definitely a barrier to people joining our sport and hopefully these pages will guide your through this process. A few well chosen flies in the right size and colour can be as successful as having and throwing the whole kitchen sink at the situation.
This library is currently under development …. those images below with links will take you to dedicated blog posts on the subject. Those without links have articles that are scheduled for release so please check back again later.
Aquatic Insects
These include food sources that have part of their life cycle in the aquatic environment:
May Flies 
Gnats 
Freshwater snails 
Caddis Flies
Terrestrial Insects
These include food sources that arise from the terrestrial environment around the lake or river. They are blown, land or fall onto the water and are then preyed upon by fish as they struggle in the surface film of the water.
Other
There are a wide array of non-insect patterns that mimic fish food sources.
Frogs
