Cast of the Month March/April
It is the enthusiastic angler who is willing to brave the low temperatures and rough weather common at this time of year. But it is in the early months that some of the biggest fish of the season are caught. Hungry fish frequent the warmer shallower water searching for any availible food. Often there is no need for the angler to wade. Also worth a try is the windward shore where warmer surface water is being blown. This will test the anglers casting after a winters lay off. A two fly cast may be a better option in these circumstances.
I generally fish a floating line and often use a slow retreive to allow the flies to get close to the bottom. A favourite cast has a Black Betty on the point. It is a straight forward fly to tie and the heavy hook ensures it gets to where the fish are. This fly proved its worth last year taking a number of larger fish. The middle dropper position is taken up with something with a bit of flash. I discovered The Frenzy on Davy McPhail's Youtube channel and altered it to suit my needs. I have chosen a muddler for the top dropper position. It does not have a name yet but a number of fish have already succumbed to its charms.
Greame Callander
It is the enthusiastic angler who is willing to brave the low temperatures and rough weather common at this time of year. But it is in the early months that some of the biggest fish of the season are caught. Hungry fish frequent the warmer shallower water searching for any availible food. Often there is no need for the angler to wade. Also worth a try is the windward shore where warmer surface water is being blown. This will test the anglers casting after a winters lay off. A two fly cast may be a better option in these circumstances.
I generally fish a floating line and often use a slow retreive to allow the flies to get close to the bottom. A favourite cast has a Black Betty on the point. It is a straight forward fly to tie and the heavy hook ensures it gets to where the fish are. This fly proved its worth last year taking a number of larger fish. The middle dropper position is taken up with something with a bit of flash. I discovered The Frenzy on Davy McPhail's Youtube channel and altered it to suit my needs. I have chosen a muddler for the top dropper position. It does not have a name yet but a number of fish have already succumbed to its charms.
Greame Callander
Callanders Muddler
Hook: Kamasan B160 #10 or 12.
Tail: Golen pheasant topping dyed red.
Butt: Red Globrite.
Body: Red seal fur ribbed with fine red holographic tinsel and red wire.
Body hackle: Black hen.
Shoulder hackle: Black hen.
Head: Black deer hair.
Body: Red
Hook: Kamasan B160 #10 or 12.
Tail: Golen pheasant topping dyed red.
Butt: Red Globrite.
Body: Red seal fur ribbed with fine red holographic tinsel and red wire.
Body hackle: Black hen.
Shoulder hackle: Black hen.
Head: Black deer hair.
Body: Red
The Frenzy
Hook: Kamasan B175 #12.
Tail: Golden pheasant topping.
Body: Gold braid ribbed with gold wire.
Hackle: Orange hen.
Wing: Peacock sword.
Hook: Kamasan B175 #12.
Tail: Golden pheasant topping.
Body: Gold braid ribbed with gold wire.
Hackle: Orange hen.
Wing: Peacock sword.
Black Betty
Hook: Kamasan B175 #10 or 12.
Body: Black tying thread with red seal fur dubbed at the shoulder.
Wing: Sparse bunch of deer hair.
Cheecks: Jungle cock.
Hook: Kamasan B175 #10 or 12.
Body: Black tying thread with red seal fur dubbed at the shoulder.
Wing: Sparse bunch of deer hair.
Cheecks: Jungle cock.
Typical early Season varied diet of a trout
An nice early season fish to the Black Betty
