Previous articles discussed selective and opportunistic feeding. As these articles established, we use imitative patterns when fish are feeding selectively, attractor patterns when they’re feeding opportunistically.
Some flies are dynamite patterns because they work for selective and opportunistic feeders. Al’s Rat. imitates a midge pupa. We use it when the trout are feeding selectively. It also works as an attractor pattern since it’s a recognizable food organism.
I use a Pheasant tails imitate a baetis nymph. It’s also a wonderful attractor pattern.
Ants are one of a trouts’ favorite foods. Fish love them when feeding opportunistically or selectively.
Griffiths Gnat imitates a cluster of adult midges. Trout find it appetizing even when midges aren’t on the water. It’s a recognizable food organism.
Other such patterns include Craneflies, Honeybug Inchworms, various beadhead patterns. The list goes on and on.
Not all imitative patterns work as attractors. Standard hatch flies like Sulphurs and tricos, may work for a week or so after the hatch, but after that they aren’t a recognizable food organism to our forgetful, finned friends.
As you fish spring creek, analyze the imitative pattern your using. Does it meet the above criteria? If it does try it during a hatch less period. You might make a meaningful discovery.
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