When it comes to fly fishing, one of the most important factors for success is choosing the right fly. But with so many options out there, how do you know which to pick?

Let’s break it down simply and clearly:

Match the Hatch – Start Here

A key rule in fly fishing is: “Match the Hatch”. This means choosing a fly that looks like the real insects trout are currently feeding on.

Look at what’s flying around or landing on the water. Are there small midges? Big mayflies? Daddy long-legs walking on the surface? Matching the local insect life is often the quickest way to get a take.

Dry Flies vs Wet Flies

There are two main categories of flies:

Dry Flies
These sit on the surface of the water. Use them when trout are rising, jumping, or feeding at the top. Best during insect hatches or when there’s surface activity — often early morning or near dusk.

Wet Flies
These sink below the surface. Use them when fish are deeper or when you don’t see much action on the surface. They work well in cooler temperatures or mid-day, when trout are less active near the top.

Buzzers and Nymphs

Buzzers
These are usually wet flies that imitate the early stages of an insect’s life cycle (pupae). Fish them slowly and steadily.

Nymphs
A step further in the life cycle. They’re also fished below the surface and can be highly effective when trout are feeding just under the top layer of water.

Fun fact: Most aquatic insects live only a matter of days (some even hours), and trout feed throughout every stage of their very short life.

Lures

Lures are artificial flies designed to provoke a reaction — usually by their size, colour, or movement.
They can be dry or wet, and are especially helpful when trout are less responsive to more “natural” looking flies.

Best Flies

Some of the most successful patterns here include:

  • Damsels
  • Daddy Long Legs
  • Montanas
  • Mayflies (especially when in season)

We recommend barbless hooks, size 12 or 14 for best results.

Final Tips from Frensham

    • Move around the lakes — staying in one spot too long can limit your chances.
    • Change your fly if nothing’s happening. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
    • Ask for advice — I’m always happy to help, and many of our regulars are too.

Tight lines.

Matt Carroll, Fishery Manager