As most you know I just can’t let this hatch mystery go without doing a
little research that hopefully will help all of us out on our next hatch
adventure. The following image and explanation below are some of the best examples
of hatch feeding I found. Keep in mind the bugs mentioned here are mayflies,
caddis flies, emergers and a midge, but the surface action trout image below
could be the same regardless of the insects.
1 - The Sip
What you see: A very subtle dimple in the water, and only the nose of the trout appear.
What that means: The fish are either sipping midges or eating spent mayfly spinners.
What to fish: A Rusty Spinner—but no bigger than a size 18.
2 - The Slurp
What you see: More pronounced “beaks,” eating on the surface.
What that means: The fish are dialed in on a hatch—likely mayfly duns.
What to fish: A size 18 Parachute Adams. When the fish are really chopping, try a cripple variation.
3 - The Splash
What you see: A sudden, explosive pop with some splash.
What that means: Trout are on moving targets, like skittering caddisflies.
What to fish: Tie on a caddis pattern, such as a size 16 Lawson’s Caddis, and don’t be afraid to give it a twitch.
4 - The Boil
What you see: Disturbed water but no faces—only a dorsal fin and maybe a tail.
What that means: They’re eating emergers before they reach the surface.
What to fish: A size 20 Flashback Barr Emerger just beneath the film.
I’m curious what fly size and pattern would you select to get a hit using images 1, 2, 3 or 4?
Hope all you guys have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving with family and
friends!!!