​Dry Flies for the Non Hatch

If you’re like me, you love a dry fly bite, there’s nothing like seeing the take on the surface. It’s pure adrenaline. However, early and late in the year, insect hatches aren’t exactly prolific.

So what’s a dry fly guy to do? 

Temperatures Above 55

Well, if the water temperature is above 55 degrees, you break out the dries! First try something that has been known to be hatching. If they were rising to BWOs the day before, they’ll come up again. They know what they’ve been feeding on.

Fish that are not actively feeding on the surface aren’t going to come up for a tiny tidbit. 

Forget the size 20’s. You want to be 16 and higher. 

In these situation, I love a stimulator followed by the previously mentioned pattern that has been hatching. A Wulff, Brindle or Parachute Hare’s ear also work well as the lead fly. Many times they’ll come up for the stimmy, and turn to your hatch offering.

Mid-Summer Through September

Of course, if it’s mid-summer through September, that’s terrestrial season. That ant, hopper or beetle can fall into the river at any time, so no hatch needed!

I’ve always had great luck with a clodhopper followed by our purple haze crystal or adams female.

Don’t sweat it if there isn’t a hatch. The fish will feed. There’s nothing wrong with going with a wet fly or a nymph. Especially if it’s mid-summer and bright out. But for this two fly guy, I love the dries and will use them whenever I can! 

Tight Lines and Screaming Drags