These big fish can be provoked to attack large big bass bugs that intrude on their territory. Try retrieving a bass bug past some water-lilies where these predators lurk. If you have a look at the bass bugs we stock you will notice that some are a Muddler variation called a 'diver'. The deer hair above the head of the diving bass bugs have been cut at an angle to make the fly dart and dive during the retrieve. It makes these bugs fascinating animated prey for the larger predatory fish.
Large flies can also draw a strike from migrating salmon for the salmon reason.
These salmon have changed to a bright color on the migration back to their spawning areas. They do not feed much but defend the territory they have staked out for themselves. The small dark flies that you used with such success in the summer will not work. You need a big colorful fly to provoke an aggressive strike reflex. This Bass Fishing Webring site owned by The English Fly Fishing Shop .