I'm catching plenty of nice Dace on the faster clearer runs on my local river usually on a Daddy Long legs but the Chub seem reluctant to rise to the dry as they usually inhabit the deeper holes and as there is some colour to the water I suspect they're not seeing the fly.

So, I'm thinking maybe I should stimulate their predatory response and get something down to them, maybe a Wooly ****** or some such.

Any suggestions for a novice?

Chub will take anything, try a big pheasent tail or hares ear nymph.
I have heard muddler patterns can be good to though I have yet to try them.

While fishing for trout about 2 or 3 years ago, I caught a chub on a size 14 Snipe and Purple (commercially tied fly with a thick body). I haven't caught more since then.

You could try heavily weighted nymphs such as the ones Paul has mentioned.

If your stream is wooded try a weighted beetle pattern. Nothing fancy. I use a 12s wet fly hook. A bit of lead along the shank. Peacock Herl (or Ostrich)for the body and a piece of shiny black plastic for the shell (I use a bit of compost bag turned inside out). This pattern can be deadly in all sizes. It's the plop that gets 'em.

Tightlines.

Ernie

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May the fluff be with you

I fished the River Derwent at Borrowash a few years ago for Chub.

They seemed to take any bushy dry fly I threw at them. A large Grey Duster certainly worked well I seem to recall.

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How poor a thing, sometimes I find,
Will captivate a greedy mind - Isaac Walton.

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*****©(

ive been trying for chub here in the uk but so far ive only had 3 take my fly and ive lost them all

ive been using a flexi cat from http://www.fliesonline.co.uk/erol.html#7091X0
just watch out for the pike though

Daz

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YOU CAN'T CATCH FISH SITTING AT HOME <(((>(

Chub will take dry flies when they are near the surface. Rule of the thumb is big and bushy. Sometimes they will play with a fly or swim around or just touch it before taking it.

From streamers, woolly ****** is fine, specially for bigger ones. Matukas and similar will produce fish as well. Black would be my first pick.

Nymps can produce chub as well, although the best fun is to catch them with dry.

Their behavior can vary from water to water, in bigger waters they are normaly easy to catch but in some small streams, they can become very picky and scary.

BlueOne

Thanks for the tips. I'll let you know how I get on.

It is worth remembering that Big Chub are almost entirely predatory so streamers are always worth a go.
cheers
Al.

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" How differently I might behave if immortality were an option ".

Whilst you're trying a few patterns out, try a fly tied up with white cdc and not much else. It'll ride high and they'll wallop it if they see it.

I fear they think it's bread. I like to convince myself otherwise...

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Dave Wiltshire

River Fly Box