Well an interesting day once again on a Southland Stream. The day started off with a walk downstream after gaining permission from the farmer and his neighbor, something I always do and recommend.

After arriving at my turn around point I slowly made my way back upstream watching the foam lines and willow tree edges as they drooped over the stream as at this time of year the willow grubs are about and the trout are feeding on them.

One thing I noticed was the stream was even lower and after crossing it felt a lot warmer. Rain at times can be a nuisance but it is essential and to be honest the rivers and streams need it like we do to survive.

About 150m upstream I came across two trout actively feeding in a riffle just below a grove of willow and watching them they both seemed to be feeding both sub surface and in the surface film. So I put on a willow grub and cast it forward….the lower fish came and looked twice but refused the offering, so I changed to a wee fly and cast it back out in front. Up came the trout without hesitation and took the fly, hmmm so using the stomach pump I checked what he had been feeding on, low and behold, snails, caddis nymphs and a Cicada!

Releasing the trout I moved forward armed this time with a #16 Caddis Nymph. I cast it forward of the next trout, expecting it to be accepted. Again this trout came forward and inspected my offering and turned away to continue feeding. Hmmm, on with a willow grub, refused, on with a dry fly, refused, back on with a Caddis Nymph this time in #14, taken straight away, a couple of photos and away he went. Lesson learnt.