
For trout feeding on the surface, dry flies and spinners are the right starting point. The spinner patterns like Trout flies for sale. The UK's largest online shop for fishing flies & gear Spinner Fishing Flies Trout and Barbless Flies Blue-Winged Olive Spinner are best when trout are sipping spent insects in calm water, especially late in the day.
If the fish are taking small mayflies, Big Y Fly Co Harrop's CDC Biot Dun PMD - Solitude - Mayfly Dry Fly and Big Y Fly Co Harrop's CDC Biot Dun Trico - Solitude - Mayfly Dry Fly are strong technical surface choices. Barbless Flies Iron Blue Paradun is also a good surface option when trout are rising to duns sitting in the film.
Use a delicate cast and aim for a drag-free drift. Long leaders and fine tippet help on the more selective patterns like Big Y Fly Co Harrop's CDC Biot Dun PMD - Solitude - Mayfly Dry Fly and Big Y Fly Co Harrop's CDC Biot Dun Trico - Solitude - Mayfly Dry Fly.
For spinner patterns, fish them dead-drift with floatant on the hackle or wing if needed. On calm water, keep false casts low and land the fly softly to avoid spooking fish.
Switch away from dry flies if trout stop showing on top, if the water is choppy enough to hide the drift, or if fish are taking insects just under the surface. In that case, an emerger-style fly or a different hatch match will usually outfish a standard dry.
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