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Dry Flies from Sawyer Nymphs Ltd
Dry Flies for Every Occasion
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River Olive Dun Dry Flies

Like the mayflies, river olives have two adult stages.  The river olives are a hugely important species for the fly fisherman as they are taken widely by trout all year round.  The blue winged olive and Baetis species of flies belong in this group.  The River Olives are found on most trout rivers in the UK.  The duns hatch all year round so river olive dun patterns are a must for all fishing trips.

The three patterns below are probably the best but there are many others which will also be effective.

Adams
Sizes 12-18
The Adams dry fly represents a range of river olive duns.  The river olive duns includes the Baetis group of flies and also the Blue Winged Olive (Ephemerella ignita).  The Adams dry fly can be fished throughout the year on all types of river and natural lakes, but is best used in the Spring and early Summer.

Rivers

Yes

Lakes

Yes

Time of Year

All

Weather

All

Purchase from Sawyer Nymphs Ltd.  Click here for information on nymphing for trout.
Olive F Fly
Sizes 12-20

The Olive F Fly is a representation of a river olive dun.  It is a generic pattern designed to imitate many different species.  It can be fished throughout the season provided the size used is matched to the duns present on the river.  The pattern seems to work best in overcast conditions and wet weather.

Rivers

Yes

Lakes

No

Time of Year

All

Weather

Damp

Purchase from Sawyer Nymphs Ltd.  Click here for information on nymphing for trout.
Olive Sparkle Dun
Sizes 14-18
The Olive Sparkle Dun is a river olive dun pattern most often used to represent the blue winged olive dun, although it can be used to represent other river olive duns.  It should be used whenever blue winged olives are hatching.  The sparkle tails are very effective in sunny conditions. (Photo doesn't show them well!)

Rivers

Yes

Lakes

No

Time of Year

All

Weather

Dry

Purchase from Sawyer Nymphs Ltd.  Click here for information on nymphing for trout.
Dry Fly Tips
Short delicate casts are always preferable.  They frighten less fish and allow you to catch the nearest trout first.
Use a degreaser or sinkant on the 2-3 inches of tippet attached to the fly.  This will prevent the tippet from standing in the surface film.
Match the hatch with size and profile before worrying about colour.
A river trout is unlikely to move more than 12 inches for food - cast accordingly!
Most fish are frightened by a lack of stealth in the approach - think shape, shadow, shine, silhouette and movement.