The 'Little Devils'

As I am currently finding out, Autumn can be a very odd season for fishing stillwaters, and often us amateur anglers opt for one of two differing approaches:

1. Give them something to chase - i.e. a lure/streamer/snake; or
2. Plumb the depths with a heavy nymph or preferably a Derwent Worm pattern - which, incidentally, is working really well at the moment!

However, there is another tactic which is often overlooked - and that is going for the slightly more imitative approach.

One of the best patterns when using this imitative approach is the Diawl Bach.

We've also included some news on the heavier river flies we've recently launched and a really nice piece on how to effectively fish Diawl Bachs, just read towards the end of this email.

As the weather gets cooler, the size and frequency of the insect hatches reduce. Therefore, it's best, where you can, to use as small a natural imitation as possible:

We've had numerous emails and phone calls from customers over the year asking if we can do a set of Diawl Bachs specifically for Autumn & Winter fishing - in smaller sizes than the regular ones.

We listened and now have them available, all ready for your colder forays to the bank. Our Diawl Bach Selection of flies are tied on regular size 14 and micro size 18 barbless hooks with ultra slender and realistic bodies - allowing them to sink quicker.

These are favourites on the stillwaters, fished as part of a team of flies drawn slowly on a floating line with a long leader.

A very effective method to fish these is to let the wind push your fly line around and look for a twitch in the line as an indication that a fish has taken the fly. They can also be very effective during a midday midge (chironomid) hatch, and the holo versions are worth using to imitate pin fry.

We've also included a really nice piece on how to effectively fish Diawl Bachs, just read towards the end of this email.

Here we present to you a selection of 16 Diawl Bachs, four different patterns, 2 of each in two different sizes (regular size 14 & micro size 18). We are making these available to you today for only £22 for the full set, which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK in our eco-friendly packaging.

These are a favourite on the stillwaters in the cooler months, fished as one of a team of three flies drawn slowly on a floating line with a long leader.

Go on, you know you want to!

We've Listened - And Delivered!

Since we released our stunning Derwent Worm Selection last week, I've had numerous calls (and emails) asking if we can sell them individually - even though we did mention it in the original email (towards the end), it's always making it clear - each of the four different patterns are available individually for only £2.15 each:

Individual Derwent Worms

Our Derwent Worms are all tied on AHREX FW541 barbless size 12 hooks and available in four different colour-ways:

• Chartreuse / White
• Earth
• Olive; and
• Red

Each of the above patterns are available individually, or in packs of 6.

Go on, fill your boots!

Diawl Bach (Welsh for 'little devil') imitate a host of underwater nymphs/pupa but are most commonly used as buzzer imitations - especially in the colder months of the year.

Where To Fish Them?

This style of slim, imitative fly is most successful in the Autumn when fished in the top third of the water column (usually only a couple of feet below the surface).

These flies can be fished on a variety of methods:

1. Part of a team of nymphs - straight line nymphing is a great technique to use on stillwaters
2. The Washing Line technique - close to the surface
3. Behind a lure on a deep sinking line - the fish are attracted by the lure on the top dropper, but offering them a more natural imitation close by usually takes the fish

How To Fish Them?
(Just like you would a regular buzzer)

When it's Still - Use a floating line, a long leader and a team of three. Cast out, and before the flies start to sink, pull the line to straighten out the leader. Then pause (keeping in touch with the flies) and wait for the flies to drop, the takes usually come with the flies on the drop. You should spot a take before you feel it, keep an eye on the fly line and leader for any abnormal movement. If the flies hit the bottom, just a few pulls on the fly line should bring them back to the surface, and you can start again by letting them sink.

When it's Windy - Still use a floating line, but this time use a shorter leader. Check the direction of the wind and cast out across the wind (i.e. the wind is side-on to you) - always make sure the wind is to your left shoulder if you are right-handed (and the right shoulder if you are left-handed). Again, using a team of three, cast out and allow the flies to drift with the wind. You should not need to retrieve your line; just keep in touch with it, as the wind will make sure your leader straightens up. Again, you will usually see the take before you feel it - just remember to strike in the opposite direction to the direction your flies are moving. Once the flies have drifted as far as you think possible, lift the flies slowly from the water; it's surprising how many fish take your nymphs as you're about to re-cast!.

 

Tight lines & have fun