The Roundhay Fly Fishers were on the move again. As the curtain was drawn back to reveal our latest target, there was an audible gasp – we’d been tasked with striking 2 of the Midlands reservoirs, Ravensthorpe and Eyebrook. I’d barely been back a week from Scotland and already it was time to dig the fishing tackle back [...]
For those of you that have never tied your own flies, it may seem like a daunting and complicated extension to an already challenging pastime, and that the main reason we do it is to save money. So I guess this is where I’m supposed to tell you fly-tying is actually dead simple and can [...]
Before I continue with this little article, let me make it perfectly clear I’m no expert on Czech Nymphing. In fact, I’m not really an expert on anything but then regular visitors to Yorkshireflyfishing will already know this. I am however keen to try new experiences and pass on my findings to others in the [...]
This is a quick and dirty lure to tie up, ready for next time you fish for rainbow trout. I originally designed it to use at Swinsty/Fewston reservoirs on a floating line, but it will work on intermediate/sinking just as well. It’s not a delicate little gossamer winged creation, it’s a simple and brutish lure [...]
Bob’s Olive A simple but very effective (well, I would say that…I invented it!) fly that isn’t just restricted to use when olives are about. Originally developed for use at Coniston Hall where olive patterns can excel, I quickly found that this pattern was a ‘must have’ in my fly box. For stillwaters fish it [...]
Olive Buzzer Originally developed for fishing Coniston Hall (see review here) . During much of the season olive flies can do well at Coniston Hall, both buzzer and olive upwing type patterns. I have also had a couple of storming sessions there with sedge pupae representations on curved hooks so I just decided the throw [...]
This is my own variation of the popular stillwater pattern. Designed to imitate a buzzer in the final stages of hatching the shipmans buzzer is an excellent choice when chironomids are coming off the water. Fish it ginked up and static on a long degreased leader but make sure you keep in touch with your [...]
This fly, and its many variants, has to be one of my favourite river patterns and also works well on stillwaters. Fish it on its own or as part of a team where it should be on the point. Materials used: Hook: Size 14 Drennan Carbon Nymph Head: Size 1/8” Gold plated bead Thread: Brown [...]
In my own, albeit limited experience, this dry fly has few equals. Either leave the fly to its own devices or give it the occasional twitch and then wait for something to nail it. Even if no fish are showing I fish this fly with real confidence as it will usually rise a fish or [...]
