Posted May, 2019 (updated April, 2020)
In this article I offer guidance on fly selection when you are faced with low light conditions, stained water, and algae particulates.
Use dark colored flies in low light conditions:
Trout are visual hunters, however in low light conditions, color selection is not as important. This is because trout’s vision cannot distinguish color in low light conditions. When they are hunting for food during low light conditions (dawn, dusk, and during cloud cover), trout key on the image of the fly’s silhouette against the background as it provides the greatest amount of contrast.
In stained or off-color water, use flies containing white, orange, or yellow:
Flies containing these colors have increased visibility and can be seen at greater distances. In addition, stained water will cause fly colors to become muted. White is the last color to disappear and is therefore an excellent choice when fishing in these conditions.
Trout hooked on Vickie’s White Predator Bugger
Vickie’s White Predator Bugger
Use dark colors in algae stained water:
There is less light in water thick with algae particles. Dark flies will be more visible because of the contrast of the dark silhouette against the algae background.
Algae-stained water
I welcome and encourage you to send me any questions you may have.
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