Took A While But Found a Pattern [12-23-2014]

Originally posted 12-23-2014

Overall, the action had been hit or miss at our local pond.  Trout were actively rising on the surface throughout the day, but fishermen were having trouble consistently hooking up.

There were a few fisherman who did get a limit, and as the afternoon progressed, one area of the pond seemed to have a flurry of activity that resulted in a limit being taken in less than 30" by one fisherman. 

Key notes from today were:

• Super Dupers worked early in the day but the bite turned off
• Bubble Fly Rigs with a Prince Nymph were getting strikes but hook ups were spotty
• Black Midge Dry Fly were also getting strikes but missed hook sets seemed to be the norm
• Bubble Fly Rigs with a PowerWorm seemed to be the go to rig/lure today
• COAF Griffith's Gnat (variant of the Griffith's Gnat) worked well for rising trout

For more on the COAF Griffith's Gnat, do see the article, "Griffith's Gnat on a Caddis Hook".

Video clip showing snippets of risers at Bethany Lakes...

Griffith's Gnat courtesy of Scheels!

When midges are on the water think Griffith’s Gnat.

While at first glance this fly doesn’t really appear to be a great imitation of one of the smallest insects on the water, when midges hatch heavily, they tend to cluster together in the current to create a more significant meal for hungry trout. 

When fished in combination with a more realistic midge or mayfly nymph as a dropper some amazing fishing can be had. It is the ultimate technical micro dry-dropper rig.