6 Essential dry flies for the entire River Season
Published: 23rd February 2018 | Author: Fred BainbridgeWith the start of the new season fastly approaching now is a good time to dig out and dust off the dry fly box, here, Fred Bainbridge – England National Rivers Champion – reveals his 6 essential dry flies for the whole river season.
Plenty of anglers spend the winter evenings retying their favourite dries but for many, myself included, we find ourselves busy doing other things and often deferring it until it’s too late…
For me it’s not a problem though as I have every confidence using Fulling Mill’s superb Tactical range, they are as good as they get and have served me very well for many years and I’ve no doubt they will continue to do so for many years to come.
If I had to choose 6 essential dry flies from Fulling Mill to cover the entire season on the river then I’d be very happy with the following: Jingler, Retirer, CDC & Elk, CDC March Brown, Black CDC & last but not least, my favourite, JL’s Upwing CDC in varying sizes.
1. The Jingler
I find the Jinger to be a highly ‘mobile’ pattern which is unrivaled at drawing out big wild browns – a real specimen hunter of a dry.
2. CDC & Elk
A great multi-purpose pattern that excels well with techniques such as the duo & trio. It’s also great for searching fast pocket water for smaller trout.
3. Retirer
The aptly named Retirer is simply a phenomenal allrounder and will pull virtually any fish to the surface including both Browns & Grayling.
4. CDC March Brown
Similar to the Jingler, it has a great ability to draw up big browns but is very effective with selective fish in slow glides.
5. Black CDC
I find this pattern fishes best in its smallest sizes, brilliant over fish that choose to ignore most other patterns and really comes into its own during the warm summer months.
6. And finally… JL’s Upwing CDC
This has to be my favourite as it’s bailed me out of so many difficult fishing sessions, fish it on very light tippet to spooky fish. It’s my go-to dry fly during the very tricky latter competition sessions. A must-have that’s for sure!
Tightest of lines
Fred
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