BUZZERS
The buzzer or midge (chironomid) is an important part of the loch trout’s diet and if the fly fisherman is to have a degree of consistent success it is wise to have at least an elementary knowledge of this widespread creature and tactics for dealing with buzzer feeders. An understanding of the life cycle of the chironomids is important because a significant percentage of the trout population will be feeding on them at certain times of the year and day and in certain conditions.
In Shetland there are at least 30 recorded species of chiromidae, with possibly more species to be discovered. The freshwater ecology of Shetland is one of the least studied areas of natural history and there is great scope for further research and study in this area, especially the differences between the tropic status of the lochs according to underlying geology, altitude, proximity to sea and effects of any interference from man.
The angler gains little from an in depth knowledge of the names of each species, but does need to be aware of the size and colour of the species that hatch at various times of the year, day and in various lochs. Examining the stomach contents of fish caught is the best way to gain such knowledge as well as close observation as to what is actually hatching on the loch at any given time. In Shetland there are buzzers that would not look out of place on size 8 hooks down to species smaller than a size 22 hook. They range in colours from black, grey, a multitude of olive greens, bright lime green, and various shades of brown.
There are literally hundreds of buzzer patterns available for the angler to choose from, but when tying or buying buzzer patterns for Shetland lochs it helps if you have seen the original you are trying to imitate so as not to overdress the fly and get correct colours and proportions. Sinking rate is also an important consideration and depending on the stage of life cycle /hatch is of paramount importance because fly may have to be presented anywhere from hard on the bottom to on or in the surface film and any depth in between sometimes nr static.
Being on the loch when a buzzer hatch is taking place can be extremely exciting and extremely frustrating because at times the trout can be very difficult to tempt unless the angler has to the presentation absolutely bang on, and at times the trout can be easy to catch provided the angler gives the fish what they want and most importantly how they want it.
Chiromidae live in numbers approaching billions. They favour mud and silt bottoms though some live in sand and other amongst rocks and stones though I have no experience of the latter species in Shetland. So if the angler wants to find the concentrations of buzzers then knowledge of the type of bottom in various parts of loch will be very beneficial. Inlet burns build up areas of silt and mud on the floor of the loch where they enter are good areas that chironomid like. The species are very wide spread and can emerge from large areas of the loch bed. Rocky bottoms least likely areas.
The buzzer or midge (chironomid) is an important part of the loch trout’s diet and if the fly fisherman is to have a degree of consistent success it is wise to have at least an elementary knowledge of this widespread creature and tactics for dealing with buzzer feeders. An understanding of the life cycle of the chironomids is important because a significant percentage of the trout population will be feeding on them at certain times of the year and day and in certain conditions.
In Shetland there are at least 30 recorded species of chiromidae, with possibly more species to be discovered. The freshwater ecology of Shetland is one of the least studied areas of natural history and there is great scope for further research and study in this area, especially the differences between the tropic status of the lochs according to underlying geology, altitude, proximity to sea and effects of any interference from man.
The angler gains little from an in depth knowledge of the names of each species, but does need to be aware of the size and colour of the species that hatch at various times of the year, day and in various lochs. Examining the stomach contents of fish caught is the best way to gain such knowledge as well as close observation as to what is actually hatching on the loch at any given time. In Shetland there are buzzers that would not look out of place on size 8 hooks down to species smaller than a size 22 hook. They range in colours from black, grey, a multitude of olive greens, bright lime green, and various shades of brown.
There are literally hundreds of buzzer patterns available for the angler to choose from, but when tying or buying buzzer patterns for Shetland lochs it helps if you have seen the original you are trying to imitate so as not to overdress the fly and get correct colours and proportions. Sinking rate is also an important consideration and depending on the stage of life cycle /hatch is of paramount importance because fly may have to be presented anywhere from hard on the bottom to on or in the surface film and any depth in between sometimes nr static.
Being on the loch when a buzzer hatch is taking place can be extremely exciting and extremely frustrating because at times the trout can be very difficult to tempt unless the angler has to the presentation absolutely bang on, and at times the trout can be easy to catch provided the angler gives the fish what they want and most importantly how they want it.
Chiromidae live in numbers approaching billions. They favour mud and silt bottoms though some live in sand and other amongst rocks and stones though I have no experience of the latter species in Shetland. So if the angler wants to find the concentrations of buzzers then knowledge of the type of bottom in various parts of loch will be very beneficial. Inlet burns build up areas of silt and mud on the floor of the loch where they enter are good areas that chironomid like. The species are very wide spread and can emerge from large areas of the loch bed. Rocky bottoms least likely areas.
