But rest assured, wet flies are often highly productive this time of year also. As for nymphs, you can strip them, but when that doesn't get the job done, don't hesitate to dead drift them with a dry line and 9-foot leader. In a mixed-hatch situation, don't assume that the fish would prefer the larger, more abundant flies. Look into the water. On calm water, they leave a little bubble floating on the surface.
Trout generally take large mayflies and caddis with an audible gulp.
Look beneath the surface. Slow down, and observe carefully through sight and sound-then assess the pattern. This issue features everything from destinations to seasonal patterns to how to catch even the wariest fish to the reflections and insight of SA field editor John Gierach. Look for it on newsstands today. By 1650, English hookmaker Charles Kirby had developed both a hook design and the basic method of manufacturing still in use today.