Spring Time Nymphing: Top Nymphs for catching Trout during the Spring
As we begin to see the return of the anglers back on the water after a long winter of waiting and dreaming of them warm summer days on the river. We are very eager to wet the winter tying’s and see if the new patterns will tempt fish from the runs of our favourite rivers and streams. The enthusiasm of the angler however can be quickly dampened as the cold waters prove it quite difficult to entice some trout to take. At this time of the year brown trout’s metabolism is low and they are still lying in their winter protective lies. So, fishing the typical runs and spring/ summer lies will often lead to disappointment and poor catch rates.
However, searching through the waters you can discover the more protective places that there could be a chance of a fish or two. These are usually along the margins, in deeper pockets, or places where the fish would remain safe from the winter high waters and cold weather. It is often the case also, that you will come across pods of trout in these places, moving from pod to pod will result in a productive day during early spring for the fly angler.
So once you find the fish the next question is what you are going to throw at them to get them to open their mouths. The fish are on the border line from being in their winter-feeding mode and their spring hunger encouraging them to snap at anything going by. Selecting the right pattern and weight could be the key to catching rather than blanking.
Here are a few Hare nymphs that I have found to be attractive enough to hook up some early season trout.
1.Hare’s Ear Grub
Hook: Dohiku 611size 12 – 10
Bead: Copper 3mm-4mm
Under Body: Flat lead
Thread: Piscarifly Kevlar tying thread
Rib: Flat Copper Tinsel
Body: Natural Hares Ear dubbing
Thorax: Mixed UV Fox Squirrel dubbing
2. CDC Hare Ear Nymph
Hook: Dohiku Jig 14 – 12
Bead: Slotted Gold 3mm-4mm
Thread: Piscarifly Kevlar tying thread
Tail: Piscari fly pearl micro glint doubled up
Rib: Sybai fly copper wire
Body: Natural Hares Ear Dubbing
Hackle: Natural CDC tied in by tip and wound around the hook.
Thorax: Natural hare ear dubbing brushed out into the hackle
3. Orange Hares Ear Jig
Hook: Dohiku Jig size 14
Bead: Slotted Orange gold or metallic orange 3.5 – 4mm
Thread: Piscarifly Kevlar tying thread
Tail: Bronze Mallard
Rib: Glo brite No. 7
Body: Natural Hares Ear
Thorax: Natural Hares Ear mixed with Sybai Spectra Pearl dubbing brushed out well.
At this time of year, I like to have some movement or bushiness to my nymphs. I tend to stick to more natural colours and materials and use larger beads with smaller bodies to get the nymphs down right where I want them. But a key to successful fishing trips in the early parts of the season is your work rate. You must search the rivers for the fish and don’t be afraid to look in the unlikely spots, you may be surprised.
You must be very conscious of your bead size and weight of your fly to ensure its right down into the pockets where the fish can be lying deep.
I hope you enjoyed reading our blog and trying out some of these fly’s and enjoy catching fish with it even more. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a shout on our contact details. Check out our website for a huge range of fly tying and fly-fishing products
Thanks for reading.