Flies for the River Wharfe (Part 1)
We are often asked for recommendations for flies for the river. There is no simple answer to this question. It very much depends on the time of year and, of course, what flies are on the water. This article is intended to help anglers new to the River Wharfe at Addingham and covers the period from March to August. Recommendations are purely personal based on the experience of a couple of Committee members.
Early season
As a starting point, look at the information on our North Country Fly Fishing section. North Country spider patterns are particularly effective early and late in the trout season and at times when the river is in spate. Early season, Waterhen Bloa is the best fly when Large Dark Olives are hatching. March Brown Spider is the best when March Browns hatch. We get both species at Addingham. Other good all round patterns are Snipe and Purple and Partridge and Orange. It has to be emphasised, these flies are unequalled at this time of the year, they were developed locally and have stood the test of time.
The best dry fly patterns imitate the same insects. A size 14 Deer Hair Emerger is best, Kites Imperial is also good.
Hatches are around mid day to early afternoon and can be very brief.
Conclusion, recommended early season flies are;
Waterhen Bloa, March Brown Spider, Snipe and Purple, Partridge and Orange Deer Hair Emerger, Kites Imperial.
Mid April to mid June
The best time of year for dry fly fishing. The Grannom hatch can be wonderful. Olives, Mayflies, sedges are all possible. You do have to see what is hatching.
Recommended flies; Grannom patterns, Griffiths Gnat (16 and 14,) Deer Hair Emerger (16,14,12,) Yellow Klinkhamer, Mayfly patterns.
Summer Fishing
Fly hatches can be sparse during the day. Evenings are usually best for dry fly fishing. In the day nymph fishing is often most productive. We post a monthly report of the results of the kick sampling which gives an indication of what nymphs are prevalent that month.
When nymph fishing have a look under a couple of rocks to see what’s underneath. Does it correspond with the kick sample results posted in our News section?
A couple of good all round nymph patterns are Pheasant Tail Nymph and Iron Lotus and perhaps something with an olive or golden olive colour. Experimenting with the hook size is a good idea, in low water especially you might need a small (18 or smaller) pattern.
If there isn’t much obvious surface activity a Klinkhamer fished in the faster runs often brings a fish up. If fish are taking just in the surface film, not actually on the top, try a Griffiths Gnat size 16 or smaller. This is fairly common in the late afternoon. If you see small olives, then any of the olive patterns, perhaps Grey Duster is a good all rounder as is a Deer Hair Emerger. Sedges, use a large (14 or 12) Deer Hair Emerger or Sparkle Caddis Emerger. Fish taking sedges often make a bit of a splash and is more often in the evening.
Conclusion, recommended flies:
Pheasant Tail Nymph, Kinkhamer Special, Griffiths Gnat, Grey Duster, Deer Hair Emerger, Sparkle Caddis.
Learn to recognise the rise form, often this is more use to you than the actual species being taken.
Part 2 “September and the early grayling season” to follow.
