Newbie question .

I have read lots of views ideas about using dark flies on sunny days and bright flies (orange etc ) on darker cloudy days. Could anyone explain why?

I know it's theorectically linked to trout seeing it framed better but could you explain

Hi Offshorephysio

Bright Day/Dark pattern

On bright days, you want the silhouette to be visible against a bright sky. Theoretically a light coloured fly will not be as visible against a bright sky, so use a darker one.

Dark Days/ a light colored fly (not necessarily "bright" though)
Against a darker sky, the light colored fly may be more visible to the fish.

As you can already surmise, this is not etched in stone.
A "bright" fly is different than a "light" colored fly. I have seen "bright" flies that are dark or light. And I have caught fish with all types of flies, on all types of days!

Anyway, don't stress. If one pattern doesn't work, try another, and another, and another, etc, etc....

I've always found it to be exactly the opposite: A bright fly on a bright day and a dark fly on a dull day. I have done particularly well with black flies on dull, overcast days.
Bright flies are only bright in good light conditions, as they reflect the light. When it's dull a bold dark/black silhouette stands out best. No two days are ever alike in fly-fishing though and there are no set rules.

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

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*****©(

I think you'll find it's the other way around....

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Too much Saturn, not enough Moon.

Buzzers 2012


Fly Clips & Stands

The theory is dark flies on dull days, bright or light flies on bright days. But it is a theory, it's not set in stone.

If you're fishing dark flies on a dull day and not catching try something different like a light or bright fly and vice versa.

In other words experiment with your fly choice. It's part of the fun and the challenge of fishing.

Hi Offshorephysio,Today me and my mate Mitch fished a rather dull and dreary Leicestershire trout fishery,turning all of the physics stuff upside-down,we fished large,bright and colourful flies/lures and had six trout apiece!.
At the end of the day,i pick a fly that i am confident in catching on,but if it does not work after,say 10 casts i will try another.
Don't forget though,you could fish in identicle conditions the next day and the fish may want something else.Trial and error.

I also was sure it twas other way round. But my advise is dont go fishing dull days, it tends to be rather cold and damp. One needs extra layers on.

Basicallly, its a a lot of cobblers...I'd take that rule and throw it to fk! I find the classic white and lime green/chartreuse to be better on dull days. In truth I think thats just the way I find it. Its far more complexed than that, which is a good thing.

I agree with th cobblers comment.

Stan Headleys Loch fishers Bible has a chart of colours for different light conditions .
worth a read .
I tend to match my colours to what I think will be hatching ,or eye burning colours when I think dapnia will be on the menu .

__________________
Andy Wren
Winter grayling taking a year off !
Claret not just a great dubbing colour!