Well, it’s here…the dog days of summer. You may recall I recently wrote a post called The River Wins. I’ve had some up and down days since writing that. But that’s to be expected this time of year. I haven’t given up. So I thought I’d provide a list of August flies I’ll be fishing.
The lakes are fishing well in my area. Callibaetis mayflies are still coming off. Here’s the flies that have worked for me lately.
Freds Callibaetis Nymph – Variant
RiverKeeper Callibaetis Emerger
If Callibaetis mayflies are not to be seen, then I’ll try a few chironomids.
And then there’s always the 1-inch long and green flies. Fish will take them for damsel nymphs or small leeches. I don’t really know what they think…as long as they eat the fly, that’s all I care about!
Speaking of damsel flies, I’ll have a few adult damsel flies ready. A couple of weeks ago, I saw trout jumping out of the water and catching them in mid-air! Quite a site to behold. I haven’t figured how to tie a fly imitating a hovering adult damsel just off the surface! Here is a nymph pattern as well as an adult.
Braided Butt Damsel Fly – Variant
The rivers are a little more tricky. On the river I fish, I’ll find a few Golden Stones in the upper river for awhile longer. There should be good hatches of PMDs and BWOs. So fish the emergers, duns, and spinners.
McPhails Golden Stone Nymph – Variant
RiverKeeper Soft Hackle Cripple
Oh, and they may a few bull trout heading up the river.
They find cool creeks to spawn in, but while waiting, there’s always a kokanee or two to munch on! Find a streamer fly that works for you. I’ve used string leeches with success. Not sure it makes much difference what you put on the leader. Just swing it close to them and bull trout are prone to grab the fly.
Lastly, I fish more terrestrials this month. I enjoy sight fishing to rising fish, but if the fish aren’t cooperating, I’ll tie on a Beetle Bailey or Harrops CDC Ant.
You might notice I’ve listed lots of flies to have in your fly box. Well, the list could go on and on…
Check out the Fly Patterns tab for more flies.
What are some of the fly patterns you’ll use in August?
But most importantly…go fish!
Dennis
That’s too funny! I’d love to be there and watch the fish jump out of the water and grab a fly in mid-air. That would be amazing.
John
John,
Don’t know if this is legal or not but it’s worked for me on a Washington lake when the trout are snatching damsels from the air: You need two people in float tubes or pontoon boats. Hook two adult damsels together and paddle backwards, hanging and bouncing the damsels over the surface. Just make sure one of you is the designated “striker” and the other has a bunch of slack line ready to release when the fish takes. Then have fun untangling the mess when you release the fish!
Dennis