It is now mid December and the wet fronts are still coming in across the Tasman and the North Westerly winds have at times made casting quite difficult, however slowly the weather is improving and we are getting more and more fine periods.
It is during this time that the clients and I have so far enjoyed some nice mid morning “hatches” of mayfliies and caddis flies, it has been interesting to note that the trout are more interested in the emerging nymphs than the actual caddis fly itself , this is seen as a bulge just under the water surface, a sure fire sign that the trout is taking the nymph on its way to the surface.
A small sparsely weighted hare and copper or deleatidium nymph suspended below either an indicator or dry fly indicator will normally result in a solid hook-up or alternatively a “down and across “ swing of the nymphs pattern will again induce a Take.
This week the 2nd week of December we have started to notice the trout are patrolling the edges and under the overhanging willow trees , it’s as if they know we are approaching the Willow Grub Hatching season and already we have observed a couple of Trout sipping the surface under the trees leading us to believe the fish were feeding on grubs , proven when my client tied on a willow grub pattern and a nice 2.5lb Brown took it without hesitation.
Although late December and throughout January is normally the Willow Grub season I’d recommend anyone to start using them now , sizes #16-18 should do the trick.
