The Creative Caddis (or Stylish Sedge)

On my local small stream - the Yorkshire Derwent - it's been really difficult fishing of late, with the recent very low river levels, it makes it virtually impossible during the day, which is why I've been timing my trips to early mornings, before work, and late evenings.

Precisely the time that the Caddis / Sedge are on the water!

Even with these lower water levels, I am still finding that the "go-to" tactic is to go small(ish) - size 16 - and imitative. Using a longer leader - overall length is around 14ft - allows for a more gentle presentation, especially when combined with a longer lighter rod (my go-to rod for this situation is my trusty Orvis Helios 8'9" 3wt - a present to myself last year for being so good!) employing this method I've caught in both mornings and evenings - with Caddis / Sedge patterns.

Please Note: Take a look at the end of this email for some specific tips on Early Autumn Watercraft - giving you the best chance of success in the changeable conditions the coming weeks will have to offer.

We asked 'our man in Bosnia' to tie us some patterns that he would personally use on the rivers and stillwaters of Bosnia to entice fish in unpredictable late-summer & early-autumn conditions - that was all the brief we gave him - and he's done the business again.

Here they are - some stunning Detached Body Caddis / Sedge patterns:

When I first received the first samples (at the back end of July) I was really impressed and took them straight out onto the Derwent for a test, I wasn't expecting much as it was boiling hot and there wasn't much water in the river, so I chose a deeper (and slower) section and has a few casts - 12 casts, 2 Grayling and 1 Wild Brown Trout - what more can I say!

Check out these Bosnian 'detached body' bad boys ...

Our selection includes four very effective colours – Yellow, Tan, Black, and Olive – this pattern is versatile enough to match various hatches and fishing situations. Its blend of premium materials and precise tying guarantees buoyancy, durability, and consistent performance.

These flies have very specific tying materials:

• Hook: Demon G610 & G680, size 16
• Tying Thread: Veevus GSP 30D Black
• Body: Micro 2.0mm Chenille (Yellow, Tan, Black & Olive)
• Wing: Fine Deer Hair
• Thorax: Natural Pine Squirrel Dubbing

This carefully tied caddis/sedge features a detached 2.0mm chenille body, designed to create a highly natural silhouette on the water. The thorax is made from Troutline's Pine Squirrel Natural dubbing, giving it a lifelike, soft, and buggy texture that enhances realism. The wings are crafted from fine deer hair, ensuring a natural presentation and excellent visibility.

The fly is tied on Demon G610 and Demon G680 Competition hooks, size 16, well known for their strength, sharpness, and reliability in demanding fishing conditions. For maximum durability and a clean finish, the fly is tied with Veevus GSP 30D black thread.

As we've only got 40 of these Bosnian Detached Body Caddis/Sedge Selections available (I'm keeping some for myself, to lose in the coming weeks) I'll get straight down to the offer:

Our selection of Bosnian Detached Body Caddis includes 12 flies in total (3 each of the 4 different colour variations):

• Yellow 2.0mm Chenille Body
• Black 2.0mm Chenille Body
• Olive 2.0mm Chenille Body
• Tan 2.0mm Chenille Body

These specialist trout dry flies are all tied on Size 16 Demon G610 & G680 Barbless hooks - a great wide-gape hook with maximum strength.

Our Bosnian Detached Body Caddis Selection is only available as a selection of 12, 3 each of 4 different patterns (all size 16) & priced at only £25 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK.

 

Please Remember: We've only 40 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 only £25 for the full selection, these will not hang around for long! ***

The onset of Autumn means only one thing - changeable conditions. Here are a few tips on getting the most from any conditions presented to you.

As the weather cools and the leaves change, trout become more active (and aggressive). However, successful fly fishing in early autumn requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and an understanding of how to read the water.

One of the most crucial aspects of successful fly fishing is knowing how to read the water. In autumn, this skill becomes even more important as trout change their behaviour based on factors such as water temperature, food availability, and light conditions. Here's a guide on how to read the water and improve your autumn trout fishing skills:

1. Watch the Currents: Trout tend to hold in areas where they can conserve energy while still having access to food. Look for slower currents near the bottom, behind rocks, and along the edges of faster currents. These are often referred to as "feeding lanes" where trout wait for insects and other prey to be carried towards them.
2. Identify Structure: Rocks, boulders, fallen trees, and submerged vegetation provide excellent cover for trout. These structures break the current and create pockets of calm water behind them where trout can rest without expending too much energy. Cast your fly near, in or around these structures.
3. Water Temperature: As temperatures drop in autumn, trout become more selective about where they position themselves. They often move into deeper pools and runs where the water is at a more consistent temperature. Focus your efforts on these areas, especially during the cooler parts of the day.
4. Understand Light Conditions: In autumn, the angle of the sun changes, casting longer shadows and affecting the visibility of your fly. Trout may become more wary of approaching flies under bright sunlight. Fish in shaded areas, on overcast days, or during the early morning and late afternoon when the light is softer.
5. Look for Riffles and Runs: Riffles are the shallow, broken sections of a stream where water flows quickly over rocky substrate. Runs are slightly deeper stretches downstream of riffles. Trout often position themselves in riffles to feed on insects carried by the current. Target the edges and seams of these areas.
6. Pay Attention to Depth: As Autumn progresses, water levels will change due to heavy rainfall. Trout will adjust their holding positions accordingly. If the water is higher, focus on the slower currents along the banks and near cover. When the water is lower, look for deeper pockets and runs.
7. Use Streamers: In Autumn, trout become more aggressive as they prepare for the colder months. Larger streamer flies can mimic fry and provoke strikes from territorial or hungry trout. Retrieve your streamer through likely holding spots, such as undercut banks or deep pools.
8. Stay Stealthy: As with any fly fishing, you still need to approach the water carefully to avoid spooking any fish. Wear clothing that blends with the surroundings, move slowly, and minimise noise to prevent alerting the fish to your presence.

By learning to read the water and adapting your strategies accordingly, you can increase your chances of success throughout Early Autumn.

 

Tight lines & have a great weekend.