🏆🏆🏆 Unmatched Customer Satisfaction with over 10,000 5⭐ Reviews - Avg 4.9

🏆 Unmatched Customer Satisfaction with over 9,750 5⭐ Reviews

🚚 ✈️ Fast FREE Delivery On ALL UK Orders ✈️ 🚚

🚚 Fast FREE Delivery On ALL UK Orders

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Custom Fly Selections by ELI

Morning, After my recent foray into Wales - I managed to catch up with fly box maker extraordinaire Jeff Jones - it seems we virtually passed by his workshop on our travels - and I've been suitably reprimanded for not stopping by for a coffee! Anyway, he's sent us some more of his fabulous Oak Fly Boxes: So, the question is, "What do we do with them?" Well ... We're always thinking (and learning) here at Barbless Flies and I have spent the past 7 years collecting those thoughts and learnings (as well as books etc) on all fly fishing styles, locations, seasons and their successful patterns. I've finally put all of this info into a database (yes, it's taken me years to complete!), but we now have all the info available to us, at our fingertips - it's a bit like a fly fishing AI (but it's not artificial) - I refer to it as ELI (Experience Led Intelligence). So ... We're going to use ELI to help us do something we're constantly being asked for - Custom Fly Selections. We're now in a position where we can put custom selections of flies together for any discipline within Fly Fishing.   We did something very similar for Frank a couple of weeks ago, and he left us this fantastic review: Thanks Frank, We love reviews like that  Our Custom Fly Service makes a perfect, unique, Summer gift to your yourself (after all, you deserve it) - alternatively, please feel free to forward this email to a loved one if you would like them to order one as a gift for you! Each one of Jeff's oak boxes will contain the number selected of our best quality flies - also along with the box of flies you will receive a document explaining which patterns are included along with some information on how to get the best from your box of flies. We've kept the pricing really transparent - it's made up of 2 parts: Part 1 - The Flies - each Custom selection of flies will be made to your required number of flies from our premium fly patterns, these normally retail from £1.85+, but for our Custom Fly Service we are charging a flat rate of only £1.50 each; and Part 2 - An Oak Fly Box - we've given a generous discount on the box when bought as a part of our Custom Fly Service, it's only £35 (usually £45 when bought on their own) - but you do not have to include one! As we now have over 1,000 patterns in the warehouse (in various quantities), the flies themselves aren't the issue - it was the availability of information that was causing the bottle-neck!   Here's how the process works: You place your order for our Custom Fly Selection through our website - you can click on any image or button contained within this email to view the details. Once you receive your order confirmation email, reply to it giving me the following details: Your name Your order number; and The location where you would like the flies for (please be as specific as possible); also Please also include any extra information which you think is necessary, i.e. if there are any specific restrictions on your water. I will use ELI and do the research into the flies for your particular area / water. I will then personally put the full custom fly selection together and ship them to you.   As you can probably imagine, this customised service does come at a little bit of a cost, it starts at only £30.00 for just 20 flies (or £65 for the Oak boxed selection of 20 flies), in each boxed selection you will receive: 20 of our best quality flies, all presented in one of Jeff Jones's oak fly boxes - Jeff's boxes are valued at £45 by themselves - they easily fit in wader or vest pockets; and A document outlining the fly box's content and detailed information on each pattern included - all tailored to you and your water. We have options available on the product page for 20, 30, 40 & 50 flies, each can have the boxes added separately - should you require a box with more flies, please reply to this email and I will make sure we can accommodate your request. If you have any questions etc on our Custom Fly Service please get in touch with me and I will help where I can. *** We've only 15 of Jeff's fly boxes remaining, if you would like one, please order yours before 1pm today *** Did You Miss Out On Our 'River Whisperer' Fly Selection A Few Weeks Ago? We've just had a delivery to restock our specialist Summer fly selection - The 'River Whisperer'. We sold out of these much quicker than we anticipated, so had to be pretty quick in getting a re-order in - much to our surprise, they arrived with us yesterday: "When the river speaks in whispers, you must whisper back." During the warmer summer weather with low flows and even lower rivers, most of the fish during the day will head for cover. This will usually be in deep pockets, undercut banks and under their favourite overhanging trees/bushes. When they are hanging out under trees and bushes they are in the perfect spot for opportunistic meals of terrestrials which fall from the vegetation. During the summer months, there's lots of aphid activity on the leaves and these regularly get blown onto the water. This is when you should break out the small dry flies and longer leaders. Our River Whisperer Selection contains 14 barbless "Smaller Fly" imitations. The River Whisperer family of flies is one which should be in all river (and Stillwater) anglers' fly boxes this summer. This selection comprises 7 different patterns (2 of each in a size 18): Pink Para Aphid Orange Para Aphid Green Para Aphid Crystal Greenfly Needle Fly Cul Aphid Victoria's Secret The price (£21.50) includes 14 barbless "small flies", aphids & midges supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. *** Go on, you know you want to! *** We're so pleased that we've now found a way to provide this custom service - I'm sure you're going to make really good use of it for the rest of the fishing year! Tight lines & have a great week.

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Custom Fly Selections by ELI

Watercraft: The Art of Reading Water in Summer

Morning, Today's email focuses on Summer Watercraft - for both Rivers and Stillwaters, there's something for everyone. It's a bit of an in-depth read, so you may want to take notes! Let's begin ... Watercraft, the ability to read water and understand the underwater world, separates competent anglers from truly exceptional ones. During the summer months, when UK waters are at their most complex and challenging, mastering watercraft becomes absolutely critical for consistent success with both wild and stocked trout. Summer presents unique challenges: lower water levels, increased angling pressure, elevated water temperatures, and sophisticated fish behaviour. Yet for those who understand how to read the signs, summer also offers some of the most rewarding fishing of the year. The key lies in developing an understanding of how trout behave in different water types, how they respond to changing conditions, and how to use environmental indicators to predict both fish location and feeding patterns. Understanding Summer Trout Behaviour Summer watercraft begins with understanding temperature stratification and oxygen distribution. In rivers, trout become increasingly selective about their positioning as water temperatures rise. Wild browns, in particular, will abandon their traditional lies if temperatures exceed 18°C, seeking cooler water in springs, deeper pools, or shaded areas. On stillwaters, thermal stratification creates distinct layers. The thermocline - the boundary between warm surface water and cooler depths - becomes crucial. Trout often suspend just below this layer, typically between 8-15 feet deep on larger waters. Understanding how wind affects these layers is essential; a steady breeze can break down stratification, bringing oxygen-rich water to the surface and activating feeding. Stocked trout often retain hatchery behaviours longer into summer, making them more predictable in some ways but also more vulnerable to thermal stress. They may continue feeding in water temperatures that would send wild fish into hiding, but they'll often do so in very specific zones where cooler water enters the system. River Watercraft: Reading The Flow Summer river fishing requires a sophisticated understanding of current dynamics. As water levels drop, the relationship between fast and slow water becomes more pronounced. Trout positioning shifts from the obvious lies to more subtle features that provide both feeding opportunities and thermal refuge. Look for areas where different current speeds converge. These "seam lines" become highways for food delivery, and trout position themselves to intercept drifting insects with minimal energy expenditure. The key is identifying which seams are active at different times of day. Morning seams may be along shaded banks, while evening feeding might concentrate along weed bed edges where terrestrial insects are dropping. Current tongues, fingers of faster water extending into slower pools, often hold the best fish during summer. These areas provide oxygenated water while still offering energy-efficient feeding positions. Wild trout, in particular, favour these locations during warmer weather. Stillwater Watercraft: Understanding the Invisible Stillwater watercraft in summer revolves around understanding wind and its effects on food distribution. Consistent wind creates drift lines where surface food accumulates, but the relationship is more complex than simply fishing where the wind pushes floating insects. The most productive areas are often where wind-driven surface currents encounter obstacles - points, islands, or underwater features that cause the current to slow or change direction. These areas concentrate food and create the feeding zones where trout patrol most actively. Thermal winds, caused by differential heating of land and water, create predictable patterns. During summer, these often develop mid-morning as the land heats up, creating onshore breezes that can concentrate insects along windward shores. Understanding these patterns allows you to anticipate where fish will be feeding before the activity becomes obvious. Fly Selection Through Watercraft Summer fly selection requires understanding the relationship between water conditions and insect activity. Clear, low water demands smaller, more realistic patterns, while coloured or deeper water allows for larger, more impressionistic flies. However, the watercraft element lies in understanding why certain patterns work in specific conditions. During bright, sunny conditions, trout often focus on sub-surface food sources. This is when understanding the underwater environment becomes crucial. Are there weed beds producing freshwater shrimp (Mercury Buzzers)? Are there gravel areas where olive nymphs might be active? The choice between a pheasant tail nymph and a freshwater shrimp imitation often depends on reading these underwater signs. Terrestrial insects become increasingly important as summer progresses. The key is understanding when and where these insects are most likely to enter the water. Windy conditions blow beetles and ants from overhanging vegetation, while calm evenings see crane flies and moths drawn to the water surface. The watercraft skill lies in recognising these conditions and positioning yourself accordingly.   Nygren's Micro Hot-Spot Metallic Orange Perdigon Jig £2.25   Artisan Mercury 'Hot Head' Buzzers £1.75   Surface Activity Indicators Reading surface activity requires understanding the difference between feeding fish and other surface disturbances. True feeding rises have distinct characteristics - the timing, the sound, the ring pattern on the surface. Learning to distinguish between a feeding trout and a jumping fish (often a sign of stress rather than feeding) is crucial for effective fly selection. The timing of rises provides clues about what insects are active. Sporadic rises during mid-day often indicate terrestrial feeding, while regular, rhythmic rises suggest aquatic insect activity. The size and nature of the rise form also indicates the type of insect - small, gentle sips suggest midges or small upwings, while splashy rises might indicate larger flies like daddy longlegs or mayflies. Observing the behaviour of caught insects on the water surface also provides valuable information. Insects struggling to escape the surface film create different opportunities than those that have already died. Fresh hatches often see struggling insects that create more surface disturbance, while older insects may lie flat in the film, requiring different presentation techniques. Crystal Greenfly £1.75 Needle Fly £1.75                            Subsurface Clues Much of summer fly selection depends on understanding what's happening below the surface. Observing the behaviour of other aquatic life provides crucial clues. Swallows and Martins feeding low over the water indicate emerging insects, while higher feeding patterns suggest terrestrial activity. Fish behaviour also provides selection clues. Trout tailing in shallow water are often feeding on bottom-dwelling invertebrates - caddis larvae, chironomid larvae, or freshwater shrimp. Fish cruising just under the surface may be intercepting emerging insects or taking terrestrials in the surface film. The colour and clarity of the water affects fly selection in subtle ways. Slightly coloured water often indicates stirred-up sediment, which can trigger chironomid activity. Clear water over light-coloured bottoms creates different light conditions than clear water over dark weed beds, affecting how trout perceive different fly patterns. Nygren's Micro Hot-Spot Gold Perdigon Jig £2.25 Nygren's Micro Hot-Spot Pearl Perdigon Jig £2.25   *** Go on, you know you want to *** There’s something deeply satisfying about fooling a summer trout in tough conditions. And with the right flies—and a few riverbank tricks—you’ll not only catch more fish, but enjoy the puzzle all the more. Fish early or late: Lower light, cooler water, and more confident fish. Set your alarm—or stay out for the evening rise. Go long and light: Use a 12–15ft leader and finer tippet (5X–7X) for a soft, drag-free presentation. Stay low and stealthy: Crouch, kneel, or even fish from your knees—your silhouette spooks more fish than you think. Watch your shadow: Bright skies mean long shadows—don’t cast one across a pool unless you want it empty. Match the hatch (or don’t): When unsure, a generalist like the Parachute Adams or Griffith’s Gnat covers your bases. Use the Double Dry technique: Fish a visible fly (like an Indicator Adams) as a dry fly strike indicator, with a smaller dry (e.g. Griffith’s Gnat) trailing behind. A deadly combo. Rest and rotate: If you get a refusal, step away and give the fish five minutes. Then change your angle—or your fly. Keep it dry: Use fly dust, shake, or even a spare pattern. A soggy dry isn’t fooling anyone. FLY Series Book: Small Streams & Small Flies This is the book I wrote a year or so ago, it's dedicated to small flies and is especially useful at this time of year - when smaller flies are the most successful. We've just had it re-printed again (as this is the main sales season for it) and they're all ready and waiting for a home on your bookshelf (or car glovebox - which is where I keep mine).   Tight lines & have fun out there - and remember your sunscreen.

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Watercraft: The Art of Reading Water in Summer

Everything But The Fly - Stealthy Tippets, Leaders & Lines

Morning, Every so often, I like to drop in a communication about leaders (and fly lines - wink, wink) which we've just received back into stock - that you may not have thought about - or even know that we stock. We only stock tippet, leaders & lines which I have actually used myself - the ones that we do stock are the very best (in my opinion) there are. We had 2 big boxes (and 1 small one) arrive with us on Monday: One of the boxes was full of brand new Furled Leaders - from The Furled Leader Company in Wiltshire; and the other One was from Snowbee and included their wonderful Camo Tapered Leaders and some specialist tippet - which I now use all of the time for my dry fly fishing; I'm keeping the contents of the small box a secret for now - all good things come in small packages! We've just added everything to the website, you can find out more about each of them below: Let's start with the tippet and work backwards: The feature which first drew my attention with this tippet is that the thinnest - 8X which will thread through even the smallest of hook eyes - is still really strong, with a breaking strain of a whopping 2.1lb, which is more than enough for the wild trout in these parts! What I've found amazing about this tippet - notwithstanding its super high knot strength, even on my dodgy knots - is its limited stretch factor (apparently it's 22-24% of elongation - who knew!), this may not sound that big of a deal, but I've found that it has reduced the amount of fish lost on a dry fly, but it still has sufficient stretch to avoid losing fish in the fight when using barbless hooks. This tippet is supplied on super-narrow 50m spools that join together - and are colour-coded so you get the correct diameter every time - at just 65mm diameter, they easily slip into any fly vest pocket. Available in the following sizes | breaking strains | diameters | length: 3X | 8.5lb | 0.21 mm | 50 meters 5X | 6.5lb | 0.17 mm | 50 meters 6X | 5.0lb | 0.15 mm | 50 meters 7X | 3.7lb | 0.12 mm | 50 meters 8X | 2.1lb | 0.09 mm | 50 meters I know that tippet can be a very personal choice - in the end it usually comes down to knot strength and suppleness - why not give this a go if you've never tried it before. It really is good stuff (and great value)!  The next link in the chain (or cast) is the leader ... The leaders job is to transfer the energy from the fly line to your fly in the most effective way possible. Here you have two distinct choices (usually based on where you will be fishing), either: A Tapered Leader - these are your general purpose (fish anywhere) leaders, ideal for larger rivers and all stillwaters - where you have plenty of room for a back-cast; or A Furled Leader - the perfect leader to use if you need to get your fly turned over in as little space as possible - i.e. when you are fishing un-manicured water and have no room to perform a regular back-cast. Let's start with the Tapered Leader - as it's the one the majority of anglers will use: 9' Camo Tapered Leaders We chose these specific tapered leaders as they have a unique construction - they start with the high stretch Camo coloured section, tapering to a clear tip and are designed purposely for dry fly and light nymph fishing, providing maximum stretch to absorb the harshest of takes on the finest of stealthy light tippets. We chose these specific tapered leaders as they have a unique construction - they start with the high stretch Camo coloured section, tapering to a clear tip and are designed purposely for dry fly and light nymph fishing, providing maximum stretch to absorb the harshest of takes on the finest of stealthy light tippets. Please Note: Each leader is only available in packs of 3, in sizes 4X, 5X & 6X or a Mixed Pack of 3 which includes 1 of each. Specification of the Camo Tapered Leaders and their profiles can be seen in the table below: Furled Leaders These 6' 6" Dry Fly Furled Leaders are designed specifically for targeting Summer Trout. Crafted to deliver a perfect blend of flexibility and strength, these furled leaders provide a smooth turnover for the most delicate of presentations - even if you have no (or very little) room for a back-cast! Crafted with the discerning angler in mind, these leaders offer unparalleled casting precision and exceptional durability. Whether you're navigating delicate casts or challenging fishing scenarios, these furled leaders are engineered to enhance your fly fishing experience. Trust in their dedication to quality and experience the difference that expertise brings to every cast. We now have these specialist furled leaders in the following colours and tapers: Hampshire Chalk White - 6'6" Regular (for 4X to 6X tippets) Hampshire Chalk White - 6'6" Ultralight (for 6X to 8X tippets) Reed Green - 6'6" Regular (for 4X to 6X tippets) Reed Green - 6'6" Regular (for 4X to 6X tippets) Each leader comes equipped with a tippet ring through-and-loop installed, adding convenience and extending the life of your leader by allowing easy tippet replacement. Just add a few feet of level tippet to your furled leader and you're ready to go. *** Make presenting a fly in a tight space a breeze - grab your Furled Leader today *** The final link in the chain (or cast) is the fly line ...   Present Your Flies Like 'Thistledown' ... A lighter weight version designed for rods of #1 to #4 weight. This weight-forward fly line is rated at 1wt to 4wt and has a shorter, lighter profile, providing super-delicate presentation with the lightest of rods. Colour: Olive / Buckskin Density: Floating Total Length: 90' The ultra-thin diameter - half that of a conventional fly line - creates minimal drag when casting. That means the line speed can be maintained throughout the casting action and delivers the fly (or flies) precisely where required, with minimal effort. As its drag coefficient is so low, even in a strong cross-wind, this line will cut through and deliver. This is the perfect line for fishing those smaller rivers and streams - it makes it really easy to get the best presentation,especially when using smaller flies on lighter gear! *** Go on, treat yourself - these lines are what summer dry fly fishing is all about! *** If PVC Lines Are Not Your Thing ... We've been really lucky and received a few more silk lines from Ian, the majority are specifically for presenting small flies on any river, with a double-taper 8wt which would be ideal for the "classic stillwater" enthusiast. We've only 1 each of the following available: Double Taper 2 Weight (Red Cross hatch) Artificial Silk - only £89.99 Double Taper 5 Weight (Straw) - only £99.99 Double Taper 6/7 (Dark Crosshatch) - only £99.99 Double Taper 8 (Light Straw) - only £99.99 So, why should you use a silk line: They have mo memory - completely limp There's no stretch - improved hookups They are denser than plastic fly lines and therefore much thinner; and Thinner lines mean much less wind resistance They float better than plastic fly lines - they float on the water surface, not in it making roll casts and mending line much easier You get 3 lines in one; When fully greased it's a floating Line, grease everything except the tip and you have a midge-tip line, don't grease it and you have an intermediate/sinking line. They can last a lifetime - so long as they are cared for and stored correctly a silk line can last a lifetime - and indeed will get better with age *** Each of our Silk lines are shipped with a handy box (to keep them in when not on the reel), a microfibre cloth (to clean/help dry them), and full line care instructions ***  These lines are made in the UK (in Sheffield, Yorkshire to be precise), by a bloke called Ian: If you would like to know more about the use and care of silk lines we have a dedicated page here.   Tight lines & have fun in the sun.  

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Everything But The Fly - Stealthy Tippets, Leaders & Lines

Using Customer Intelligence To All Our Advantage

Morning, Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you who bought flies from us whilst I was away last week - I know you kept the fly fairies busy! It was a great trip around the coast of Wales (which did give me an idea which I'm currently mulling over - it's quite big, so I don't even know if it's possible - I will keep you updated). If you do live in Wales, you have some stunning water available to you - I only saw a fraction of it but was blown away by it. If you're anything like me, you cannot pass over a bridge without pausing to look over it - after the first 2 days of doing this my wife was sick of it (even though she is used to it over the last 20 years)! I know that nobody like to sit through pages of "holiday snaps", so I will leave you with my favourite pic - yes, the pool was stuffed full of fish: A pool on Afon Mynach Being away from the office for a full week give you lots of time to decompress ... and mull things over. One thought from the week stayed with me ... I am in a very fortunate position, we have a reach of over 20,000 customers, where the majority are very engaged, i.e. they/you tell me immediately if we're doing things well, or not, as the case may be! But, the main piece of feedback I receive is info on which flies customers have used that are working well - along with the obligatory 'grip and grin' photos. In the past I've never really used this information ... but today, that changes ... Since I returned on Saturday, I've been trawling through thousands of emails, to see if there's a common 'fly pattern' theme in the Post-Mayfly Season, i.e. July & August over the past few years. And, there is ... After sifting through all the emails, the one thing that struck me was virtually all of the most successful patterns used were black (with one 'caenis' exception) and either size 16 or 18. So, the maxim of "go small or go home" turns out to be very true. We've curated a special selection of dry flies specifically for warmer weather and lower levels, we've called it the "Summer Success" Selection, these are flies which have proven themselves over the past few years in July & August. "They may not be the most popular - but they are the most successful" Please Note: Take a look at the end of this email for some fantastic tips on how to fish with these and other smaller flies in your box. In todays email I am going to take a look at dry flies which we regard as our bankers, or should that be "not blankers". Please Note: Take a look at the end of this email for some fantastic tips on how to fish with the smaller flies in your box. But in the meantime - here's a quick 'casting' tip: When dry fly fishing and you need the fly in a really tight spot (i.e. under a tree branch which is 20 feet away) and there's no room for any sort of back cast, use the Bow and Arrow cast, this is essential on smaller streams and to catch those hard to target fish during the day. How to perform the Bow and Arrow Cast: For short casts, reel in until you have a rod length of tippet/leader out of the tip ring, then hold the fly by the bend in the hook. For longer casts, hold the fly line just above the cork grip of the rod. Create tension in the rod by pulling the fly/fly line back to form a bend in the tip of the rod. You can alter the plane of the fly line by either creating tension either above or to the side of the rod. Point the rod tip about a foot above where you want the fly to land and let go of the fly/fly line. With practice you can vary the cast by playing with the amount of tension you induce and the position of the rod tip. Practice is the key with this cast, you can even practice at home and you will be amazed how far you can accurately cast, some people can cast a Bow and Arrow further than a Roll cast! Tim Rajeff has produced a great video "How To" which you can see here. Our Summer Success Selection is available in two different packages: The "Summer Success" Full Bundle - £26 - Includes all of the flies contained below, with the addition of a stunning 16ft French Leader, which is perfect for presenting smaller flies. The bundle includes everything you need for your summer river fishing; or The "Summer Success" Flies Only - £20 - The "Summer Success" fly selection (includes Last Hope's, Jinglers, Double Badgers etc) - full fly pattern and size details are listed below.   Our Summer Success Selection consists of 16 flies: The Double Badger - One of the best flies, and many anglers only fly, used in the summer months. Great in warm still conditions on rivers with a low flow, spooky fish and low levels. This selection contains 2 each of size 18. Last Hope (Light) - With a white thread body and small white hackle, this fly is a great small caenis imitation. This selection contains 2 each of sizes 16 and 18. Last Hope (Dark) - With a peacock herl body and small white hackle, this fly is a great small gnat & caenis imitation. This selection contains 2 each of sizes 16 and 18. The Jingler - An imitation of the Large Dark Olive, this fly is fished dry and sits just in the miniscus. This selection contains 2 each of size 16. John Storey - This fly, named after a river keeper on the Ryedale Anglers Club, is a favourite on the Yorkshire rivers. Tied with a peacock herl body, cock hackle and mallard wing sloping over the front of the fly. This selection contains 2 each of size 18. IOBO Humpy - It Oughta Be Outlawed (IOBO). Originally designed and tied by Jack Tucker of Pennsylvania, USA. Very simple to tie, floats like a cork and is deadly. This selection contains 2 each of size 14. Please Note: We only have a limited number of these selections available - 25 to be exact - they will sell pretty quickly, so if you would like a selection you will need to be quick! We have curated our "Summer Success" Selection from extensive research from our customer comments on which flies worked for them in July & August, they are all tied on barbless hooks in various sizes (see above for details). Just click on any image or button in this email to view more detailed photos and descriptions of the flies included, and buy your selection. If you would like one, you will need to be quick off the mark! Go on, you know you want to! It's ok having small flies, but do you know how (and more importantly where) to use them? Small flies require thin tippet, thin tippet also requires a rod which will protect it, so a rod with a soft tip is ideal. Low summer rivers generally mean low flows, and in these it's important when using small flies and thin tippet to de-grease at least the last 1ft of tippet.  How to use them: Practice the Davy Knot to tie small flies onto tippet. This knot leaves less bulk at the head of the fly, especially important when using small flies. Here's a link showing you how to tie the Davy Knot. Don't worry if you cannot see the fly once yo have cast it, so long as you have a rough idea where it is just lift the rod tip if you think the rise was close to your fly. Alternatively, you can always go for the "Double Dry" and fish a more visible fly with your small fly tied as a dropper, or use a small bite indicator along the line. TOP TIP #1: If you struggle to thread small flies, try cutting your tippet at 45-degrees, this creates a small point on the tippet and usually makes it much easier the thread through the eyes on smaller hooks. TOP TIP #2: If you still struggle to thread small flies whilst on the water, try making up some pre-tied at home - just tie each fly to an 18" length of tippet, then you can just use a water knot to tie it to your leader and you're ready to go again. Where to use them: Look for cover. During the heat of the summer day fish will always head for cover, that means you will need to fish tight to the far bank and under trees, bushes etc. Practise your Bow and Arrow casting (see below) before you get to the river, this cast will come in really handy at this time of year. Trout will generally sip small flies from the surface fairly regularly, so watch the water and time the rises. It's thought that trout will take quite a few small flies and then retreat to the river bed.  Try to cast the fly to as close a point as possible to the rising trout, the more accurate the better. The more your fly has chance to drift, the more chance of drag. Go Small or go home. If there is hardly any flow on the river and it's really low. I would always start with something "small and black", a size 18 Griffith's Gnat is as good a fly as any to start with. Start with a 9ft tapered leader and add 2ft or 3ft of tippet then your fly. Tight lines & have fun out there.

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Using Customer Intelligence To All Our Advantage

Foam Klinks & Parachutes - Get Set Now The Warm Weather Is With Us!

Morning, As I'm sure you are well aware, it's been a warm one -and forecast to be pretty warm over the next week or so. For this reason, it's best to time your visits to the water appropriately. When you do venture out, it will increase your success massively if you time it right - either fish very early in the morning (using caddis imitations), or late in the evening - one hour either side of dusk (to catch any evening rise). The smaller, more imitative, flies are much more successful throughout late July and August, of course, you also need the right approach and a little bit of watercraft to make the most of your time on the water - take a look at the end of this email for some great summer river and stillwater watercraft tips. Small flies are king throughout late July and August, but you also need the best flies for the conditions - small & imitative - but crucially, ones you can also see. In this email we are showcasing our Foam Post Klinkhamers & Full Adams Selection: We've all been there - you're fishing on an evening in low light and you need something which you can see, but more importantly, will still catch! One of the great difficulties in fishing smaller dry flies is the ability to quickly spot where your fly actually is, with both our Foam Post Klinkhamer Selection and Full Adams Selection of flies you will have no problem seeing them (the white posts show up extremely well against virtually any background). You will not miss a take with either The Foam Post Klinkhamer Selection or The Adams Selection - they save your eyesight! All of these flies have been chosen for both their blank saving and high visibility. You will not miss a take with either of these selections Foam Post Klinkhamer Selection - A selection of 16 flies to save your eyesight! All of these flies have been chosen for both their blank saving and high visibility in all conditions. We've all been there; you're fishing on an evening in low light and you need something which will still catch, but importantly - you need to be able to see it! This selection of 16 barbless Foam Post Klinkhamers is now available for only £20, including free delivery to anywhere within the UK.  Adams Selection - A selection of 24 barbless Adams Flies, comprising 2 different patterns (in 4 sizes). The Adams fly is one which should be in all river angler fly boxes. This style of fly was originally tied by Leonard Halladay and named after his good friend Charles Adams. This selection of 24 barbless Parachute Adams flies is now available for only £30, including free delivery to anywhere within the UK.  One of the great difficulties in fishing smaller flies is the ability to quickly spot where your fly actually is, with these selections you will have no problem seeing them (even though they are only small). (for more detailed images please visit our website by clicking on any images or buttons above) Go on ... you know you want to! As always, all of our fly selections are delivered free of charge, anywhere within the UK. Fishing in the summertime heat can be very challenging. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your warm weather fly fishing trips Arrive Early - Arriving at the water as early as possible is a great way to avoid high water temperatures. The ideal water temperatures that trout thrive in are anywhere from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 65 degrees result in stressed fish. Getting on the water early also increases your chances of having the water to yourself. Look for cover. - During the day fish will always head for cover, this means you will need to fish tight to the banks and under any overhanging vegetation. This is where the "Bow and Arrow" and "Under The Tip" casts come to the fore. Always Have a Plan B - Think about streamers or lures. Should you arrive at the water and it looks devoid of fish, try running a small streamer through any of the deeper pools or drop-offs. Listen For Fast Water - When we become warm we turn on a fan to cool down. When fish sense warmer water temperatures they head for fast-moving currents, the faster more oxygenated water running through their gills effectively cools them down. I always head for water that I can hear running - try it, you will not be disappointed. In Stillwaters, Go Deep - Fish look for cooler waters in the deep when the top waters start to warm up. Use deep-diving nymphs and worm patterns to scour ledges or drop-offs in the lake. Water temperatures can change by as much as 10 degrees for every 10 feet of depth. Finally, Take Care Of Yourself - When you're fishing in hot weather, you need to make sure you stay hydrated. If possible, avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks - these can dehydrate you very quickly. Stick to water or a drink with added electrolytes to stay in good shape. If you do fish in the warmest part of the day remember to protect your head and neck from the sun with suncream and use proper fishing clothing that blocks UV rays.   Tight lines & stay cool.

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Foam Klinks & Parachutes - Get Set Now The Warm Weather Is With Us!

Welsh Wonders & Small Fly Summer Success

A Fly For Sabrina ... Morning, In today's missive I've ventured away from my home county of North Yorkshire and as you read this will be winding my way through rural Wales in a small convoy of campervans. "Who's this Sabrina then?" I can hear you ask ... well ... It was while I was working out exactly where our campervan excursion would take us, that I stumbled across her. I've always had a fascination for the Welsh rivers (having often fished on the Wye & Usk Passport Scheme), it turns out that part of our trip will run directly alongside the River Severn - the longest river in the UK. It was while doing a little research, mainly to see if I could hide a fly rod in the van and try and get a few hours on the water, that I came across Sabrina ... Apparently, the River Severn gets its name from the Latin word 'Sabrina' (of Roman origin), this was eventually Anglicised to become 'Severn' - the Welsh name for Sabrina is Hafren and when translated it means boundary - which makes sense as at least part of the river is seen to form the boundary between Wales & England With this in mind, I called a good friend, who I know fishes that part of the world regularly, for a little advice. One nugget of wisdom he came up with was: "when the river speaks in whispers, you must whisper back" By that, he meant to use smaller flies (and longer leaders) wherever I could. A couple of years ago we produced a set of smallish patterns - size 18's - which sold out virtually immediately, Over the Winter I re-ordered them again and they arrived with us last week. Safe to say, I have a couple of sets of them hidden away in the campervan for use this week. As the next few months are the perfect time of year to use them, we're launching them today - I've imaginatively called them The River Whisperer Selection: Our River Whisperer Selection contains 7 patterns (all size 18) and are available from today. The patterns included are: Crystal Greenfly Cul Aphid Green Para Aphid Needle Fly Orange Para Aphid Pink Para Aphid Victoria's Secret You can view full detailed images of each fly pattern included further down in this email. Our River Whisperer Selection contains 7 patterns (all size 18) and are available from today, priced at only £21.50 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK - click on any image or button in this email to view close-up images and details of the flies included. Please Note: We only have 40 of these selections available this year - there will be no more tied, as our tiers are now all booked up until November. *** Grab your Selection today to avoid a 'blank' this summer *** Keep on reading for some stunning images of the flies included within our River Whisperer Selection: The Small Fly Manifesto I had numerous emails last week asking how to get a hold of our "Small Fly Manifesto", so for those of you who missed our free download earlier - which gives you the low down on leaders and tactics to use when fishing small flies - you can grab yours by clicking either the image or button below. I'm hoping that Sabrina whispers to me in Wales - I'll let you know what she says next week!  

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Welsh Wonders & Small Fly Summer Success

Something very Olivey - Direct from Bosnia

Very Creative Bosnian 'Secret' Olives One's You Can Actually See! At this time of year, one of the most popular dry fly imitations to use, especially when fishing between 11am and 5pm is the humble Olive pattern. There are many different variations of this style of fly, but today we have one of the very best available - a stunning selection of CdC Indicator Olives, just as they use on those 'picky' wild fish in Bosnia. Please Note: These selections are very limited - we've only 30 available for sale and we will not have any more until this time next year! I asked 'our man in Bosnia' to tie us something he would use himself on his home waters  (the Ribnik & Sana) during the warmer months. This was the result: When I first received the first samples I was stunned and took them straight out onto the water for a test - 4 casts, and 2 fish - what more can I say - it's all the more impressive that this was in early June, and the middle of a Mayfly hatch! Check out these Bosnian bad boys ... These flies have very specific tying materials: Hook: Dohiku HDD 301, size 16 Body Tying Thread: Troutline Champion 8/0 – Colour A7 (Moss Green) or A11 (Sand) Head Tying Thread: Veevus GSP 30D – Black Tail: Coq de Leon Body: Smoothly Wrapped Thread (A7 or A11) to form a slim, tapered profile Wing: 4 Class-1 CdC Feathers (Natural) - tied upright for excellent flotation Thorax (Legs/Front): Natural Squirrel Dubbing Hot-Spot (Indicator): Red Indicator: Fluorescent Red Silk – tied as a hot-spot between the CdC wings Fluoro Green: Fluorescent Yellow-Green Silk – tied as a hot-spot between the CdC wings As we've only got 30 of these Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selections available (I'm keeping some for myself, to try out in Wales next week) I'll get straight down to the offer: Our selection of Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selection includes 4 different variations, 3 each of the following: Scarlet 'Secret' CdC Olive (A7 body) Fluoro Green 'Secret' CdC Olive (A11 body) Scarlet 'Secret' CdC Olive (A7 body) Fluoro Green 'Secret' CdC Olive (A11 body) These specialist trout dry flies are all tied on Size 16 Dohiku HDD 301 Barbless hooks - a great wide-gape hook with maximum strength. Our Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selection is only available as a selection of 12, 3 each of 4 different patterns (all size 14) & priced at only £25 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK. We are also making our Bosnian 'Secret' Summer Olive Selection available in one of Jeff Jones's beautiful Oak fly boxes, for only an additional £35 (bringing the price for the Bosnian fly selection and the box to £60) - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK. Please Remember: We've only 30 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - Our Bosnian flies always sell out within a few hours of being released! Keep reading for more info and detailed images of the flies - you'll be glad you did ... Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at £25 for the selection, these will not hang around for long!   Want to know a little more  about the Blue-Winged Olive? What is it? The Blue-Winged Olive (Serratella ignita) is a member of the Ephemerellidae family. Found in rivers across the whole of the UK, these flies are generally small with three long tails - it seems that the further north in the UK, the smaller the fly. The wings of the dun usually have a blue tinge to them - hence their name. We will learn more about the Ephemerellidae family through the season, as they make up lots of flies the angler is predominantly interested in. Timing & Location(s) Blue-Winged Olives (BWO) are commonly found in all rivers throughout the UK and Ireland. They can also be found in some of the smaller stillwaters, especially those which are fed by faster flowing streams. Blue-Winged Olives prefer to live in fast-flowing streams and rivers, especially where abundant aquatic vegetation is present. The Blue Winged Olive hatch usually starts in the first two weeks of June and will continue through until the end of August. It's also possible that you will see these flies on the water in May and September, but their main hatch is from June through August. Look out for these once the Mayfly hatch has finished. During June to August hatches usually occur around midday and can last for up to three hours, with major bursts of activity only lasting around 15 to 30 minutes (have your flies ready before you enter the water!). Once we get into September the hatches tend to peter out quite quickly. When do trout take them? Usually during mid-day - Once the nymph decides the time is right to hatch into a Dun (this can be anytime between 11am and 4pm) the nymph swims through the water column to the surface. The nymph then transforms into the dun in open water and takes a few moments for its wings to unfold and dry out (it is at this point where it is able to fly). From the time the nymph arrives at the surface to when its wings dry out is the point that trout usually take them (either just below the surface or as they emerge), so don't be too quick to retrieve your dry fly if it should start to sink! On maturing into a spinner the BWO's wings turn transparent and its body colour transforms into a light-brown colour. The female BWO's hover over pools late in the day when they are about to lay their eggs. The BWO will then land on the water and dip its abdomen through the surface of the water to lay its eggs. Fish will usually sit at the head of pools and riffles to intercept the dying spinners (known as 'spent' flies). When fishing in the evening it's always worth having some Sherry Spinners in your fly box!   Olive Dry Fly - Top Tips Olive patterns are best used from 11am until around 4pm, as this is when the flies are at their most active. These 'Secret' Olive patterns flies are deadly in this size (16) just after lunch! When fishing with a Olive pattern, it's always worth giving it a little twitch every now and then if you are not getting attention from the fish. When you watch the naturals, their movement can be very haphazard on the water. Keep this in mind when covering rising fish. Take advantage of the Low Water If you are a keen Grayling angler, then now is the time to survey the river you fish. If you regularly fish the same stretch for Grayling, now is your best chance, whilst the river bed is exposed, to take a look and note where the contours, deep holes and drop-offs are, and spot the likely fish holding places. This information will come in really useful when the water levels rise again and when the Grayling season starts in anger.   Tight lines & have a great weekend.

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Something very Olivey - Direct from Bosnia

Navigating Tough Warm Weather Fly Fishing: Your Guide

Small(ish) Flies = Summer Success Now that the Mayfly season is starting to peter out throughout the UK. I wanted to try and get us ready for the more challenging part of the season - lower water and warmer weather = summer fly fishing. This part of the season usually sees the fish quite languid (especially any stocked fish - full of Mayfly and very lethargic (at least for a few weeks). In this missive, I'm going to give you what is, hopefully, a pretty good grounding on how to approach these conditions, and that is by using - small(ish) flies, longer leaders and light(ish) fly lines. Also, I wanted to make you aware of some brand new Bosnian Beauties we will be releasing on Thursday: Bosnian Beauty Teaser We've had notification from 'our man in Bosnia' that these size 16 Bosnian Beauties will be with us tomorrow: We will be releasing these into the wild at 07:30 on Thursday - we've only a few selections available, 30 to be precise, so if you would like one you may need to be up a little earlier than usual! I've no doubt that we've all seen swarms of midges above the surface of the water - especially when there are sunlit pools: Low water levels (like we are currently experiencing) and spooky fish means using small flies. Some waters are not as full of nutrients as others, it’s these which tend to fish better using smaller flies, due in part to the fact the water cannot sustain the natural production of the larger specimens. In these waters trout can still flourish, they just alter the way they feed. Instead of selectively taking insects as and when they please (as insects are in abundance on the more nutrient rich waters), the trout in less rich waters are more opportunistic feeders. This is where the small fly is king. In essence: "small(ish) flies = longer leaders = lighter fly line" The remainder of this email will take the above and hopefully shed a little light on each. Small(ish) Flies When you encounter low water it's time to turn to the smaller flies in your box - when I say small, I am referring to flies which are size 16 and smaller. It is the one piece of tackle that the fish sees and makes their decision on to eat or not. The most important part of a fly is without doubt the hook, even more so when we are using very small hooks. It is important when choosing small flies to look at the gape of the hook (i.e. the distance between the hook point and the body of the hook), make sure that the tied fly still has plenty of room between the body and the hook point, if there is hardly any room between the body of the fly and the point it will make it very difficult to hook a fish. Generally, the hooks which are sized at 16 and smaller all are ‘wide gape’ - like these in our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection: Often, the reason small flies are dismissed by anglers is that they have trouble seeing them, there are a few remedies for this: For most dry fly angling it is not a necessity to actually see the fly, generally you will have a rough idea of where the fly is, if you see a rise, just lift into it – 9 times out of 10 it will be to your fly! If you do want to know where your fly is, either use a small fly with a hi-vis sighter post, or use the ‘Double Dry’ technique, where you use a visible dry fly and then tie a smaller dry fly from the eye of the hook on a long dropper – just like the klink n dink method, but using 2 dry flies. Having a selection of small flies (both nymphs and dries) is essential when fishing through July and into early September. We've got you covered with all the smaller flies you will need for the whole summer in our limited run Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection:   During the summer months it is essential that you start to fish with smaller and more representative flies.     Our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection is a set of 12 flies (both nymphs and dry flies) which represent all the smaller insects you will find on, and in, the water during the summer - including FREE access to our lifecycle info webpage showing you how to get the best from your selection of flies (see button below), all this for only £20.00 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK.   *** We only have a limited supply of our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selections - 20 to be precise - with no more arriving this year! If you would like a set, you will need to be pretty quick off the mark *** Light(ish) Fly Lines A light fly line is like a whisper rather than a shout. When the fish are a little edgy and the river’s running thin, that whisper can make all the difference. When rivers run low, clear, and calm in summer, trout become incredibly wary. They're extra sensitive to unnatural movements and splashy landings. That’s where specialist light fly lines (like this Thistledown 2 1wt to 4wt) come into their own. Here’s why: Softer Presentations - A 1wt or 2wt line lands far more gently than a standard 4wt or 5wt. It makes barely a ripple when it touches down, which is critical when casting to spooky fish sipping tiny flies in glassy water. Less Line = Less Disturbance - Lighter lines have a smaller diameter and displace less air and water. That means less splash, less noise, and fewer fish darting for cover when your line lands. Better Control with Longer & Lighter Leaders - When you’re fishing 6X or 7X tippet (as you often are in summer), a light line matches the setup more naturally. Heavy lines can overpower fine leaders and ruin your presentation. With a light line, the whole system turns over gently and accurately. More Natural Drift with Small Flies - Summer dry fly fishing often involves size 16's & 18's, or even smaller. These flies have almost no weight, and a lighter line helps keep your cast soft and your drift clean — so the fly behaves more like the real insects the trout are feeding on. Better Feel in Tight Spots - On small streams or in close quarters, a 1wt or 2wt line allows for delicate roll casts and bow-and-arrow casts — all with minimal disturbance. In short - If you're using any of our smaller fly selections this summer, pairing them with a lighter line could be the secret sauce to getting more takes and fewer refusals.   Long(ish) Leaders If you've not already downloaded your copy of the Small Fly Manifesto (which we made available last year), then you will have already seen the leader recipes for various long & light setups to tie yourself. Here's the best one for fishing small flies: To the 6X at the end of the above, just add in a couple of feet of the 7X tippet and you're good to go. However you decide to create your leader, the one thing above anything else which will increase your catch rate is the length! When fishing small flies, on low rivers you need to make your leader as long as you can possibly get away with. It is not uncommon for hardly any fly line to be outside of the rod tip and just the leader is cast. If you would prefer to buy a specialist "ready-made" tapered leader for fishing smaller flies, then we have these 16ft Camo Tapered leaders which are perfect - there's no need to add any tippet, just tie on your fly and you're all set (they're the ones I use myself): Snowbee French Style Knotted Tapered Leaders - Pack of 2 £10.00   Small Streams & Small Flies - Our Special Offer Continues ... This is a book we published last year - it takes an in-depth look at fishing smaller rivers, with smaller flies. In this book, you will discover the techniques, flies, watercraft and how to approach fishing in smaller streams and rivers. Our book also discusses the type of conditions you can expect to face on small streams and the various tips, tricks and techniques used the fish them. We've also included leader configurations specifically designed for use on small streams with smaller flies. Continuing from last week - Add a copy of our "Small Streams & Small Flies" book to an order containing our Gnat & Midge Lifecycle Selection and receive your book for half price - only £5 (usually £9.99). ***Go on, you know you want to***   What are you waiting for - get out there and have some fun with small flies. P.S. We were really happy to receive the below review (thanks Gary) of one of our Summer Concierge Fly Selections - it's great to know they are also being used as gifts:

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Navigating Tough Warm Weather Fly Fishing: Your Guide

As Smooth As Silk - New In & Back By Popular Demand

Morning, Every so often, I like to drop in a communication about flies (and fly lines - wink, wink) which we've just received back into stock - that you may not have thought about recently. These are generally the most popular fly patterns and items that we usually run out of pretty quickly! In total we had 3 big boxes arrive: One of the boxes was full of brand new Silk fly lines - Ian has been a busy boy One was full of Klinkhamers; and One had our mosts popular Thistledown fly lines in it We've just added them all to the website, you can find out more about them below: We've been really lucky and persuaded Ian to make some silk lines in trout weights (from DT2 to DT6/7), specifically for presenting small flies on any river. We now have Silk Fly Lines in-stock from a DT2 to a DT6/7, and virtually every weight in between - we've especially stocked up on the DT5's as they are always the first to fly off the shelves. I'd like to draw your attention to these in particular: Double Taper 2 Weight (Red Cross hatch) Artificial Silk - only £89.99 - 2 available Double Taper 5 Weight (Straw) - only £99.99 - 3 available Double Taper 5/6 (Straw) - only £99.99 - 3 available Double Taper 5/6 (Dark Crosshatch) - only £99.99 - 1 available Double Taper 6 (Straw) - only £99.99 - 1 available Double Taper 6 (Green) - only £99.99 - 1 available Double Taper 6/7 (Dark Crosshatch) - only £99.99 - 2 available So, why should you use a silk line: They have mo memory - completely limp There's no stretch - improved hookups They are denser than plastic fly lines and therefore much thinner; and Thinner lines mean much less wind resistance They float better than plastic fly lines - they float on the water surface, not in it making roll casts and mending line much easier You get 3 lines in one; When fully greased it's a floating Line, grease everything except the tip and you have a midge-tip line, don't grease it and you have an intermediate/sinking line. They can last a lifetime - so long as they are cared for and stored correctly a silk line can last a lifetime - and indeed will get better with age *** Each of our Silk lines are shipped with a handy box (to keep them in when not on the reel), a microfibre cloth (to clean/help dry them), and full line care instructions *** These lines are made in the UK (in Sheffield, Yorkshire to be precise), by Ian Moxon: If you would like to know more about the use and care of silk lines we have a dedicated page here. If Silk Is Not Your Thing ... We've added a couple of new Daddies to our Autumn lineup of flies: A lighter weight version designed for rods of #1 to #4 weight. This #1/4 fly line has a shorter, lighter profile, providing super-delicate presentation with the lightest of rods. Colour: Olive / Buckskin Density: Floating Total Length: 90' The ultra-thin diameter - half that of a conventional fly line - creates minimal drag when casting. That means the line speed can be maintained throughout the casting action and delivers the fly (or flies) precisely where required, with minimal effort. As its drag coefficient is so low, even in a strong cross-wind, this line will cut through and deliver. This is the perfect line for fishing those smaller rivers and streams - it makes it really easy to get the best presentation,especially when using smaller flies on lighter gear! *** Go on, treat yourself this summer - these lines are what fly fishing is all about!***   Your Home For Klink's We've just received a restock of our most popular klinkhamer style patterns. We especially like the new Infallible Klink, it the one pattern that I have in my box throughout the year (from April until the end of September): Our version of this popular Klinkhamer. Tied with a tightly woven hare's ear body and a short red tail section. It is easily seen in all conditions - and especially good when Iron Blues are on the water in those 'post-mayfly' sessions. Our selection contains 3 each of sizes 12, 14, 16 & 18 - a total of 12 flies - for only £19.   Even More Klink's ... Our Foam Klinkhamers - Also Back In Stock The NEW Design Barbless Foam Klinkhamer selection - or just Foam Klink - is a selection of 4 styles of commonly used flies, we are supplying 4 different styles of foam klinkhamer flies.  Our selection includes 2 each of the the following patterns in sizes 14 & 18: Adams Foam Klinkhamer Black Foam Klinkhamer Hares Ear Foam Klinkhamer Olive Foam Klinkhamer   In total, there are 16 flies supplied in our eco-friendly packaging for only £22 - order today (1st Class) and fish with them this weekend. Go on, what are you waiting for, both the Infallible & Foam klinks are perfect patterns for the coming few weeks.   Tight lines & have fun.

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As Smooth As Silk - New In & Back By Popular Demand

In search of those elusive Warm Weather Trout ...

Morning, Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you who put your trust in us and became a member of our Pisces Collective over the weekend - it really is appreciated and reinforces in my mind that I really am onto something. We've only around 18 spaces remaining, so if you do want to join our merry band, you still can. You can find out more info on The Pisces Collective by clicking here.   Those ElusiveWarm Weather Trout ... As the post-mayfly season is now in full swing here in Yorkshire, I know from experience that trying to tempt the wild fish as the weather (and the water) starts to warm can be very tricky - especially so if they are still full of Mayfly! On one of my local rivers, they stock a few of the lower sections, leaving the upper few miles for mother nature to look after. The head of wild fish has really started to grow and during the warmer weather is when they really come into their own (especially when fishing in an early morning). The fish are all fairly small - a half-pound fish is a good one, but they are beautiful.   TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your successful summer fly patterns. This email is all about a situation I encountered this past weekend - and how I overcame it with the use of the "Double Dry" technique and some specialist flies. Each of which I have added to a selection to make it really easy for you to use the right patterns when you're next on the water. Plus - for today only - if you add in our "Small Streams & Small Flies" book to any order you make of the above specially curated selections you will receive it at half price - only £5.00. I don't fish the upper reaches of the river as much as I should, but when I do, it's always a pleasure - especially as it's all on private land where there's no chance of bumping into walkers of any persuasion.  Take last Sunday for example, it was one of those perfect-looking mornings that we all dream about. Warm morning sunshine, just a whisper of wind, and a fined-down river sliding through the landscape. A few lazy rises from tight in beside the far bank — classic summer trout behaviour. I’d packed very light, just one of Jeff Jones's wooden fly boxes adorned with some 'banker' (or 'not blanker') patterns, and had visions of sippers gently nosing up to my Parachute Adams & Double Badgers all morning. It was the sort of day you imagine telling exaggerated stories about later! Read on McDuff ... First stop: at a smooth glide with the occasional head-and-tail rise on the far bank. I went in confidently with a Parachute Adams, a size 16, a pattern that covers quite a few of the regular morning hatches. It landed like a feather ... and ...  Nothing. A few more casts, a few more no-shows. It seemed like the fish was looking, but didn’t fancy it. So, I swapped to a Double Badger an fished through some faster water further  upstream, thinking something that stands a little higher on the water (and scruffier) may be a bit more suggestive, and might entice a fish. And it did - sort of. A flash, a swirl… then nothing. Close, but no cigar. By now, the sun was on the water and the fish had clearly gone into hiding - every cast and following drift had to be perfect, and even then, they weren’t playing. I moved back down to the flat water, tied on an Indicator Adams, and used it as a visual anchor to run a second, smaller, dry fly behind it - 18 inches of 6X with a size 18 Griffith’s Gnat trailing like a sneaky midge snack. This is what's known as the "Double Dry" technique: Pair a larger (more visible) dry fly (the size 14 or 16 Indicator Adams is perfect) with a trailing smaller dry fly - like a size 18 Griffith’s Gnat or size 20 Parachute Adams - on 18"-24" of fine tippet tied to the bend of the hook. This combo lets you fish two flies on the same drift: The larger fly acts as a strike indicator and sighter for where your small dry fly is (just follow the tippet to find you small fly). The smaller dry fly does the delicate convincing. When the sighter fly twitches, pauses or vanishes … lift into the fish. This technique is especially deadly when trout are sipping tiny flies in glassy water and you just can’t see the take.   First drift: nothing ... Second drift: a pause, barely perceptible. Then came that slow, deliberate rise - a soft sip in the film, like the fish didn’t want to cause a scene. I lifted gently, and finally … a tight line. From there, everything changed. I had the rig, the rhythm, and - crucially - the right flies. One fish became two, then three. Each fly had earned its place. The Parachute Adams opened the show, the Double Badger stirred up interest when things slowed and the Indicator Adams helped me see what I usually couldn’t!  And the Griffith’s Gnat? That little clump of midgy magic turned a tough day into a memorable one. As these are by far our most popular flies during July & August, I've set each up as a selection in their own right, here's the details: The Indicator Adams Selection - 12 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16, 18 & 20 - for only £16. The Parachute Adams Selection - 12 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16, 18 & 20 - for only £16. The Griffith's Gnat Selection - 9 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16 & 18 - for only £12. The Double Badger Selection - 9 flies, 3 each of sizes 14, 16 & 18 - for only £12. And here's where you can get a closer look at them (and pop them in your shopping basket):    The Indicator Adams Selection £16.00 £18.00 The Parachute Adams Selection £16.00 £18.00 The Griffith's Gnat Selection £12.00 £13.50 The Double Badger Selection £12.00 £13.50 *** Go on, you know you want to *** There’s something deeply satisfying about fooling a summer trout in tough conditions. And with the right flies—and a few riverbank tricks—you’ll not only catch more fish, but enjoy the puzzle all the more. Fish early or late: Lower light, cooler water, and more confident fish. Set your alarm—or stay out for the evening rise. Go long and light: Use a 12–15ft leader and finer tippet (5X–7X) for a soft, drag-free presentation. Stay low and stealthy: Crouch, kneel, or even fish from your knees—your silhouette spooks more fish than you think. Watch your shadow: Bright skies mean long shadows—don’t cast one across a pool unless you want it empty. Match the hatch (or don’t): When unsure, a generalist like the Parachute Adams or Griffith’s Gnat covers your bases. Use the Double Dry technique: Fish a visible fly (like an Indicator Adams) as a dry fly strike indicator, with a smaller dry (e.g. Griffith’s Gnat) trailing behind. A deadly combo. Rest and rotate: If you get a refusal, step away and give the fish five minutes. Then change your angle—or your fly. Keep it dry: Use fly dust, shake, or even a spare pattern. A soggy dry isn’t fooling anyone. FLY Series Book: Small Streams & Small Flies This is the book I wrote a year or so ago, it's dedicated to small flies and is especially useful at this time of year - when smaller flies are the most successful. We've just had it re-printed again (as this is the main sales season for it) and they're all ready and waiting for a home on your bookshelf (or car glovebox - which is where I keep mine). As a Special Offer for today only, you can grab an automatic 50% discount on the book, just add it to your basket along with any one of the fly selections included in this email and the discount will be applied automatically.   Tight lines & have fun out there.  

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In search of those elusive Warm Weather Trout ...

Hiding In Plain Sight - The Perfect Lightweight 'Fly Delivery System'

  Morning, I'm sure that if your anything like me, you will be enjoying the warmer weather which we've experienced over the last week or so.  The only issue with it is that it can make your excursions to the riverbank a little bit more unpredictable ... hopefully this email will help you solve that little conundrum ... As you will hopefully already be aware, I always keep my eyes open and look for those little gems of fly patterns or equipment which are hidden away, sometimes in plain sight. This email focuses on one specific gem, which was originally headed for the USA market - before we intercepted them and managed to put our name on a few to offer you, before they jet off stateside. No, it's not a new cool fly pattern ...   It's actually the means to deliver a fly like the above perfectly in low-water and low-flows - it's an Ultralight 1-Weight Graphene rod ... TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our fly selections or gear are sometimes sold out (I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me). I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies & gear now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your flies (or gear). This email is all about how to get the best from your fishing in the Summer months. It's all about a new rod which I found hiding in plain sight - a 7'6" Graphene 1wt rod - originally destined for the USA market, where they love their ultralight fly rods, it's from Snowbee and in their G-XS Prestige range. We've only got access to very few of them - 5 to be precise - before the jet off stateside. This email also contains a special Summer Bundle we have put together which pairs perfectly with any lightweight rod - we've called it our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle and it includes flies, French leaders, a book and our 'Special' drying towel. Snowbee G-XS Prestige 1wt - only £495, which is great value for a Graphene fly rod and also includes our Summer Bundle (for free), see below "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle - only £38 "Don't Get Skunked" Flies Only - only £26 Plus - for today only - if you buy one of the 1wt Graphene rods we will include our Full "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle FREE of Charge. Just add both to your basket and the discount will be applied automatically - see below for full details. Please Note: If you're not interested in adding a new rod to your collection, you can skip to the bottom of this email to read all about our special "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle we are making available to our email community today ...   Always thinking of you - our loyal email community - here's something pretty nice. I spotted it in the Snowbee catalogue a few months back, see below:  Every now and then a piece of equipment comes along that really catches my imagination.  This is one of them ... Having already made friends with the guys at Snowbee, I called Matt to ask a few details about the rod - only to be told that they are built and designed for the USA market and the ones they had were destined for the the States. I asked if I could buy one to try out on our local streams here in North Yorkshire - as it seemed to be a perfect match for the long leader & small flies = wild fish equations we formulate in the warmer months. It arrived a couple of weeks ago and I took it for a spin:  This really is a specialist 'small stream' rod - just perfect for the Becks & Brooks found here in North Yorkshire. It has plenty of backbone and can fire out a small fly on a long French leader with perfect accuracy (see our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle for more info). Unfortunately, that day was the last I saw of the rod ... My good friend - local fishing guide / all-round legend in these parts - John asked if he could 'borrow' it, he's really into his lighter-line fishing and fell in love with it. He's since fished with it all over Yorkshire and won't give me it back! I'm going to have to insist on its return though as I've got something a little special planned for it in a few weeks. Ok, so why should you be interested, "I've already got loads of rods" I hear you say, well here's a quick overview: It's a 7'6" 1-weight - in 4 pieces, so packs down to only 67cm (just over 2ft) in the tube It has a Medium to Fast Action Fast recovery rate allowing you to form very tight loops Snake guides It's made from Graphene (see below for more info) Loads right down to the butt section Great for casting into the wind Soft(ish) tip allows you to fish right down to 8X tippet Very forgiving for us average casters Comes with a Lifetime Guarantee (see here for details) It's only £495 - which for a Graphene rod is very good value! My first thought on seeing the rod in the catalogue was it's a bit of a 'fad' - but having invested my own money in one and used it (all be it for only 1 day) I now realise that it has firmly secured its place in my rod line up - as my go-to light-line summer rod. I just need to prise it our of John's hands first! I know at £495 it is not the cheapest rod out there - it's also not the most expensive - it sits somewhere in the middle. If you have a 1-weight hole in your rod collection - this could be just what you are looking for! This rod is not for everyone - which is a good job, as we only have our name on 5 of them - but if you want a perfect rod for those lazy summer days, casting small flies to spooky fish, this is the rod for you. "The rod you never knew you needed - until today!" If you fish in the warmer months it is important to make as a few false casts as possible (and use the thinnest tippet you can get away with) to avoid scaring any fish, but to achieve this goal, a slow (or too fast) rod, won't help you. You need a rod that you can load quickly, even with just tippet outside of the rod tip, and deliver the leader with pin-point accuracy - this Prestige G-XS 7'6'' 1-weight is one of the best tools for the job. Graphene - A History Lesson These rods are made from Graphene the very latest in material technology: "Since its discovery in 2004, this Nobel-prize-winning material has been used in Formula One race cars and Nasa space shuttles. Due to its tightly-packed carbon atoms, graphene exists as a sheet at only one atom thick. Despite its two-dimensional properties, graphene is widely regarded as the strongest material ever tested." This makes it an ideal material to use in the construction of fishing rods, and perfect for fly fishing rods, giving it both power and lightness. Line Suggestions Even though this rod is rated at a 1-weight, I was recommended to try both a Camo French Leader and a Thistledown line.  I first tried the Thistledown line and found it to cast and feel just like my Helios 3-weight. However, it was when I paired it with a long French Leader (20ft total length including tippet) that it completely transformed the rod, i'm not sure if it was my less than average casting ability as I've never really been able to accurately cast just a leader before, but using that setup allowed me to keep virtually all of the leader off the water and target fish I would normally just spook. The leaders are included in our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle below.   Here's The Deal: I've managed to put our name on just 5 of these rods before they get packed up and shipped to our friends across the pond. The guys at Snowbee have agreed to hold them for me for today only, so if you are interested I need you to order before midnight tonight. Here's the timeline: Today, 26th June - You place your order for the 1-weight Graphene rod Tomorrow, 27th June - I tell Snowbee how many of the reserved rods we would like & the rods are shipped to us. Tuesday 1st July - We receive the rods, pack them and ship them to their new owners using a tracked next-day service. Wednesday 2nd July - You will be casting size 18 Double Badgers under overhanging trees using your new rod, French leader and flies combination  Plus, as a bit of a sweetener - for every 1-weight Graphene rod ordered today, you will also receive our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle free of charge - just add it into your basket at the same time and the discount will be automatically applied. We are selling these rods for only £495 (including free delivery). We also only have access to very limited stock (5 to be precise). *** Fill Your Boots! *** Go on treat yourself and get ready for Summer   The "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle   "Don't Get Skunked" This Summer - Give yourself the best possible chance in low water (and spooky fish) We've all been there; you're on a low river, with hardly any flow in the Summer & Early Autumn months, you've been through your box and tried everything but there's nothing doing - try tying one of these on, is (almost) guaranteed to get some interest! Our "Don't Get Skunked" is available in two different packages: Flies Only - The full "Don't Get Skunked" fly selection (includes Griffith's Gnats,  Double Badgers & Last Hopes - Light & Dark) - for only £26; or The Complete Summer Bundle - Includes the above flies, plus: long French tapered leaders, small flies book & specialist drying cloth. It's all the info and gear you need for your summer river fishing - for only £38. Just click on the button below to order one or see more info on each of the rods (you can even download a specification sheet for each rod). Our "Don't Get Skunked" Summer Bundle includes the best and highest quality products available, along with a book full of full instructions explaining how to set it all up and fish it, we've done all the hard work for you - no more searching and buying individual components to complete your Summer setup - it's all here in one bundle: 20 x "Don't Get Skunked" flies - virtually guaranteed to catch! 2 x 16ft Snowbee Knotted Camo French Leader 1 x FLY Series: Small Streams & Small Flies Book 1 x Super 'Bamboo' Drying Towel   Just click on the button below to order one or see more info on each of the rods (you can even download a specification sheet for each rod). Please Note: If you would just prefer to buy the flies, then we've set them up as a 'Fly Selection Only' for £26, which you can access here: Go on, treat yourself and get ready for Summer Tight lines.    

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Hiding In Plain Sight - The Perfect Lightweight 'Fly Delivery System'

Pablo Picasso Would Have These In His Fly Box - Micro Spanish Bullets

Morning, With the Summer actually arriving this week, I've had these stunning Artisan micro flies stashed away for the last 6 months - all ready and waiting for the sun to make an appearance - so we can release them into the wild!  They're are perfect for our UK summer when the levels drop and the fish are much more wary. But first ... This week sees a bit of a milestone in the history of Barbless Flies - on Saturday we will be launching something which has been 2 years in the making - we're calling it "The Pisces Collective" - you will find more, and how you can be involved (we hope you will) on Saturday. But before that, we've something a little bit special lined up for you on Thursday - if, like me, you're into ultralight fly fishing with long leaders and small flies, keep your eyes on your inbox at 07:30 on Thursday to find out how best to deliver small flies in Summer conditions with pinpoint accuracy - with no disturbance! So, back to the subject of this email - what flies would Picasso use? Micro Spanish Bullets The pattern in question is the mighty Perdigon Nymph, with a twist - a fly pattern more often associated with fishing deep-fast rivers - but these have been specially designed by a Swedish guy (called Chris) for fishing in the slower and shallower waters of the summer. These are pretty special Micro Nymphs - tied on a specialist micro jig hook, the Hanak H450BL Jig Superb in a size 20 - they are only 8mm long! Please Note: Take a look at the end of this email for some specific tips on Summer Nymphing and how to get the best when fishing Perdigon style flies. So what makes these patterns so special? We posed that exact question to Chris (the designer,) and his reply was -  "These are really small wide-gape nymphs (the hook length is only 8mm), they sink quickly with very little disturbance and due to their bright bodies are perfect when fishing at less than 6ft deep - as the sunlight will 'activate' the coloured bodies. Their mass also allows you great feel through the line when fishing a single nymph - you should be able to feel the river bed!" That was us sold on them, and we're launching them to you, our fantastic email community, today. These flies have been specifically tied for fishing in the low and slow summer levels and are ideal for both rivers and stillwaters: Our Nygren's Micro Hot-Spot Perdigon Jig Selection consists of 20 flies, 2 each of 10 separate colour variations. Each fly has a red hot-spot tied in just before the Coq de Leon tail and is tied on a size 20  Hanak H450BL Jig Superb barbless hook, their specification is: Weight - 0.07g Hook Length - 8.0mm Hook Gape - 3.6mm Bead - 2.5mm Slotted Tungsten Our selection includes two of each of the following body colours: Black (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Copper (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Gold (with Gold Slotted Tungsten Bead) Light Pink (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Metallic Blue (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Metallic Green (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Metallic Orange (with Orange Slotted Tungsten Bead) Peacock (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Pearl (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) Rainbow (with Silver Slotted Tungsten Bead) These flies are all tied on one of the best micro wide-gape jig hooks in the business, the Hanak H450BL Jig Superb in a size 20. OK, lets address the elephant in the room: These are not cheap flies (how much I hear you ask - they're £36 for the full selection - that's a 20% discount on buying them individually), but I think you will agree that the quality is outstanding. We only have 25 of these selections for sale - they will never be produced in large numbers due to the time taken to tie/make each fly. We are supplying 2 of each of the above patterns, that's 20 flies in total for only £36 including FREE Delivery to anywhere within the UK - I know these are some of the more expensive flies we sell, but the quality is outstanding as you will see from all of the images below. Please Note: Our Artisan Micro Hot-Spot Jig selection is very limited (we only have 25 available - I'm keeping some back for myself, I will lose loads on the rocky rivers up here!) and once they are gone, we will not have any more in these really small sizes until next summer. Just click on any image or button in this email to view details and buy your selection. Please Also Note: I've a good idea that this selection will go well, so I have already ordered the same flies in bigger sizes for fishing later in the year. Each of the flies contained within this selection can also be bought individually, for £2.25 each - click here for more details. If you would like a set, you will need to be quick off the mark! Here are a few more images to really tempt you: Go on, you know you want to! Perdigon flies were developed in the early 2000's by Spanish competion fly anglers and are usually used in fast flowing rivers. These flies have tungsten bead heads and thin bodies, made of thread and tinsel. They have a very slim profile, allowing a very fast sink rate compared with classic beaded nymphs. The lighter coloured (sparkly) perdigons are ideal for both very clear or coloured water. The main feature of a perdigon nymph is their hydrodynamics. They are designed to sink very quickly, reaching the areas the fish feed more efficiently than conventional beaded nymphs. This rapid sink-rate is facilitated by the varnished bodies, which are very slim and streamlined to offer less resistance when descending through the water column, enhancing their hydrodynamic properties. There are numerous ways to fish these, but the two most popular are either Czech or French style: Czech Style Use a long and sensitive rod in size #1 -#4 of 10' or 11' Generally to be fished in a team of 2 nymphs (one big and one small) on a thin leader (Czech type of leader, usually around 9m long with coloured indicator sections), the heavier nymph should be on the point and the smaller on a dropper Droppers should be a maximum 12-15 cm and the distance between flies should be approx 50 cm French Style Use a sensitive rod from size #1 up to #5 of 9-10' We would recommend just using one nymph Your leader should be of 3 to 4.5m, a classic tapered mono french-leader with a parallel tip of approx 60 cm to allow a fast sink rate for the nymph   Tight lines & remember your sun cream. P.S. Remember to keep an eye on your inbox on Thursday morning - we've something really special (and exclusive) coming your way - it's perfect for casting long leaders and small flies.  

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Pablo Picasso Would Have These In His Fly Box - Micro Spanish Bullets

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