In this week’s episode watch as Ben ties up the infamous Cheeseman Emerger! If you fish the South Platte, you know about Mr. Pat Dorsey…he’s an OG, and this fly pattern is a solid beast when it comes to putting trout in the net!
Fly fishing with emerger patterns can be an incredibly effective way to catch fish, particularly during a hatch when fish are feeding just below or in the surface film of the water. Emergers represent insects in the transitional stage between nymphs and adults, making them a prime target for trout and other species.
Tips and Tricks:
Techniques
Dead Drift: Present the fly with a dead drift, allowing it to move naturally with the current. This mimics the natural movement of emerging insects.
Swinging: At the end of a drift, let the fly swing up through the water column. This can trigger strikes from fish keying in on emerging insects.
Leaders and Tippet: Use a long, fine leader (9-12 feet) tapered down to 5X or 6X tippet. This helps present the fly delicately and naturally.
Presentation
Surface Film: Emergers often float just below or in the surface film. Grease the leader but leave the fly untreated, so it sits properly in the film.
Depth Control: Adjust the depth by using unweighted or lightly weighted patterns. Use a floating line to keep the fly near the surface.
Drift and Pause: Allow the fly to drift naturally and occasionally pause it, mimicking the behavior of an insect struggling to emerge.
Equipment
Rod and Line: A 4 to 6 weight rod with a floating line is ideal for fishing emergers.
Indicators: Strike indicators can be used to help detect subtle takes, especially when fishing just below the surface.
Locations
Rivers and Streams: Focus on riffles, runs, and the edges of faster currents where insects are likely to emerge. Also, target seams and eddies where fish are waiting to ambush emerging insects.
Lakes and Ponds: Look for areas with a lot of insect activity, such as the edges of weed beds, drop-offs, and shallow flats.
Tips for Success
Observation: Watch for rising fish and try to identify the stage of the insects they are targeting. Fish often key in on emergers during a hatch.
Matching the Hatch: Carry a variety of emerger patterns in different sizes and colors to match the natural insects in the water.
Patience: Emerger fishing can require patience and subtle presentations. Pay attention to the behavior of the fish and adjust your approach accordingly.
Dry-Dropper Rig: Consider using a dry fly with an emerger dropper. This can cover both surface and just below the surface feeding fish.
Final Thoughts
Fishing with emerger patterns can be highly rewarding, especially during a hatch when fish are focused on this stage of insect life. Understanding the behavior and lifecycle of aquatic insects, combined with the right presentation and techniques, will increase your chances of success. Observing the water and adapting your approach based on fish behavior and conditions will help you effectively target fish feeding on emergers.
Ingredients & Recipe
- Hook: Tiemco 2488
- Bead: Hareline Tungsten Bead, 2.4mm
- Thread: UNI thread, 8/0, Olive
- Tailing Material: Wapsi Flash, Midge Size
- Wing: Antron Yarn, White
- Dubbing: SLF Squirrel Dubbing, Brown Olive
Check out some of our Shop’s Favorite tools:
- Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
- Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
- Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
- Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
- Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit
What is the hook size? I don’t think that was mentioned on the video or in the recipe.