in-fal-uh-buhl - The Fishing Fly That Never Fails

I'm really looking forward to later this week ... I'm testing some brand new fly patterns.

Last Friday we received the first batch of our "Sumer Fly" orders from 'the guys who tie' for us, included in the order were a dozen each of some new patterns which I will be testing out - if successful the final quantities will be with us in early July - it's a tough job, but someone has to do it!

With my local river - the Yorkshire Derwent (above) - looking to be in pristine condition, having been refreshed with the little bit of rain we had over the weekend.

It is now back to the 'IPA colour' it normally has and is looking like it's going to be perfect for later this week.

I've fished it quite a lot already this season and on my last trip out there were a fair few Mayfly hatching - and the fish were actually taking them, which is unheard of for this time of year.

With nymphs and weighted spiders being the order of play for the beginning of the season, it's time to park the truck, grab my Mayfly & Early-Summer boxes - yes, I do have boxes for each part of the season - and head out in search of some rising fish - to see if I can tempt them with some new patterns.

"What flies are in your 'Early-Summer' fly box?" - I hear you ask.

Well - the first flies which really start getting fish breaking the surface, apart from Mayflies, on our local is the Blue-Winged Olive & the Iron Blue.

The Iron Blue is a member of the Baetis family - there are three Iron Blues native to the UK, these are Alainites muticus, Baetis niger and Baetis digitatus.

Iron Blue is a term used by anglers to represent all three of these different insects - which are very similar. Iron Blues are only found in running water, it does not seem to matter the strength of the flow.

Image supplied courtesy of Dave Southall - thank Dave, you're a star.

Iron Blue's are easily identified in late-Spring and early-Summer as they will be one of the only up-winged species to be seen, with a dark blue/purple body and light wings with dark grey veins. Iron Blues are only fairly small, measuring roughly 1cm long (a size 14 to 16 hook).

If you do manage to get out and about this weekend, keep an eye out for Iron Blues (they should be hatching any time now for the next month).

I've found that during an Iron Blue (or Blue-Winged Olive) hatch, the very best fly to use is our NEW & Updated for 2025 Infallible Klinkhamer:

It was at this time last year that I took out our very first 'prototype' Infallible Klinkhamers, they worked wonders - even when there were lots of other insects hatching!

As it's name would suggest ... The Infallible Klinkhammer is a 'sure thing' - well, about as near as you can get for this time of year!

We've slightly updated the pattern for 2025 (we've used a little more material in the post to make them float just that little bit higher on the water) and ss luck would have it, we now have them in sizes ranging from 12's right down to 18's, and all needing a new home in your very own 'seasonal' fly box:

The Infallible Klinkhammer Selection - one of our Summer Selection of fly patterns - if we ever get one!

A version of the popular Klinkhamer. Tied with a light salmon-pink post, Hare's Ear body and a short red tail section around the bend of the hook. This fly looks very 'buggy'!

It's easily seen in all conditions - and especially good when Iron Blues and Blue-Winged Olives are on the water. 

Our new selection of Infallible Klinkhammers contains 12 Iron Blue imitations - 3 each of sizes 12, 14, 16 & 18 - all you need for a great day on the water as soon as the Iron Blue's appear.

*** We've only got around 40 of these selections available, so you will need to be quick if you would like a set for this weekend (see below) ***

Our Infallible Klinkhammer Selection is available from our website for only £19.00, which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK in our eco-friendly packaging.

Please Note: If you would like a set of these Infallible Klinks to use this weekend, please select the 1st Class postage option at the checkout and so long as you order before 1pm today (Tuesday 27th May), we will ship it to you so you are guaranteed to receive them in time for the weekend.

Go on, you know you want to!

The Klinkhamer is one of the most effective and versatile emerger patterns in modern fly fishing, developed by Dutch angler Hans van Klinken in the 1980s. This innovative fly is designed to imitate an emerging up-winged fly caught in the surface film, with its curved hook creating a natural "kink" that positions the fly perfectly in the water.

The Klinkhamer pattern features a distinctive construction with the thorax and wing post sitting above the water surface while the abdomen hangs below, creating an irresistible silhouette that can trigger very aggressive takes.

Its unique design allows it to fish effectively in the surface film where many insects become vulnerable. What sets the Klinkhamer apart from traditional dry flies is its ability to suggest movement and vulnerability without requiring any action from the angler. The fly's curved profile and the way it sits partially submerged creates micro-movements in the water that fish can find irresistible.

Klinkhamer Fishing Tips ...

TIP 1 - When fishing the Klinkhamer, focus on presenting it in areas where insects naturally emerge, such as slower water along current seams, eddies, and the transition zones between fast and slow water.

TIP 2 - Cast upstream and allow the fly to drift naturally with minimal drag, as the semi-submerged design creates its own subtle action. The fly works exceptionally well during Caddis / Sedge, Mayfly and Olive hatches, but can be productive even when no obvious hatch is occurring.

TIP 3 - Fish it with a dead drift initially, but don't hesitate to add occasional gentle twitches to suggest a struggling emerger. Pay close attention to the wing post, as takes can be subtle – often just a slight hesitation or dip of the visible portion.

TIP 4 - The Klinkhamer is particularly effective in broken water where its unique profile stands out, and during the evening hours when activity peaks. When fishing pocket water or riffles, the fly's ability to maintain its position in the surface film makes it superior to traditional dry flies that might get pushed around by the current.

A Typical Leader Setup ...

A common leader configuration for fishing a klinkhamer uses a 12 to 15 foot leader, made up as follows:

• A heavy 24-inch butt section of 0.23mm (roughly 8-10lb)
• Tapering down through 0.20mm, 0.18mm, and 0.16mm sections of approximately 18 to 24 inches each. 
• The final tippet section to the Klinkhamer is usually 0.14mm or 0.12mm (3 to 4lb), extending 24-36 inches depending on water clarity and fish wariness.

Or, you could use a regular 9-foot Camo 5X tapered leader adding 3' of clear 6X 'dry fly' tippet.

You can find out much more about different styles of leaders in our email on Thursday!

 

Until Thursday, tight lines and be infallible this summer!