Most rivers in Ontario with steelhead have unbelievable bug life — all meals for trout. Most steelheaders know that nymphs or larvae are prime shows. The reason being easy. Whereas there might not at all times be a hatch occurring, many mayfly, caddis, stonefly, and midge nymphs in varied levels of progress are being swept up by the present, and made accessible to hungry fish. Listed below are my prime picks (from dimension 14 to dimension 8, generally) for imitating them.
1. Pheasant tail nymph
Presumably the most well-liked nymph sample ever made, it may be used any time a hatch is on. They’re normally tied in mild brown with a tail product of — you guessed it — pointy little pheasant feathers. They’re historically used as a mayfly imitation, however can stand in for stoneflies, relying on the scenario.
2. Hare’s ear nymph
One other perennial favorite of fly anglers, the hare’s ear is distinctive not due to its ears, however its tail normally product of rabbit fur. As with the pheasant tail, the hare’s ear is mostly used as a mayfly imitation however is appropriate when stoneflies are plentiful.
3. Prince nymph
Identified primarily as an attractor, reasonably than an imitation, prince nymphs normally have two wings and a forked tail. Due to their tail, they’re usually very helpful when there may be an ample provide of stoneflies careening concerning the river backside.
4. Caddis pupa
Principally a hare’s ear nymph with out the “hare’s ear” tail, they’re usually tied in naturally colored patterns. The very best appear to be little puffs of wool in beige, chartreuse, grey or brown with hackle or ribbing suggesting the assorted segments of a caddis pupa because it rises to the floor to hatch.
5. Woolly bugger
Not a nymph, however a streamer, the woolly bugger is the prime imitation of an enormous, juicy stonefly. It might additionally stand for others not as usually accessible to steelhead, equivalent to dragonfly and damselfly nymphs. Its chenille physique is enhanced by a wavy, feathery tail that pulsates attractively, particularly in slower currents.
Colors that catch
Black, brown, olive, and different pure colors. Additionally strive beige and pale yellow.
6. Little black stonefly
They hatch within the spring as early as March. You’ll be able to usually spot the adults on the snow. Small black nymphs with a pair of antennae and a two-pronged tail ought to at all times grace your fly field. I’ve seen steelhead actually abandon every part else, when a major hatch is happening.
7. Midges
Little greater than a little bit of ribbing or paint on a hook, midge nymphs ought to at all times be amongst your decisions particularly in case your fishing brings you to slower water. They will present up in spring or fall. Fish patterns in purple, black or brown and check out dead-drifting them wherever the present is sluggish.
The final phrase
These are on no account the one bugs that steelhead eat, nor the one imitations that may work. Plastics and even lures can do the trick as properly. These are, nevertheless, the commonest, and guaranteeing you’ve gotten a few of these in your fly field or vest will at all times offer you a greater likelihood.
When and the place
Any time steelhead are within the river, wherever steelhead run. It’s extra necessary to match the hatch (get dimension and color proper) than fear about when to make use of nymphs.
Notable exceptions
Little black stoneflies: early March and late November. Small black patterns work greatest.
Blue-winged olive mayflies: late April via early Might. Use olive patterns.
Hendrickson mayflies: Might via June. Bead-headed nymphs in gold and brown might be lethal.
Caddis flies: Any time. Don’t simply fish them on backside, but additionally increased within the water column — particularly should you suppose a hatch could also be occurring.
Midges: Spring and fall. Particularly discovered within the slowest water, hardly ever if ever in quick water.
Paul is a lifelong steelhead angler who likes to catch, {photograph}, speak about, and write about steelhead. He has printed a weblog for the previous 10 years. Contact Paul at: mail@oodmag.com
Initially printed within the Fall 2021 subject of Ontario OUT of DOORS journal.
