Black Strategy

I'll be out of action for a couple of weeks as the Casio Exilim EX-Z700 I've relied on for images was smashed a couple of weekends ago. Not sure which way to go regards a replacement... things sure move fast in the world of digital cameras and there's amazing kit available for sub £200. In the interim I've been using a very basic camera, just to get by and share what's being tied for the start of the season.

Hook: Partridge K14ST #20
Thread: Sheer 14/0
Thorax: Dark hare and Fly-rite Clear Antron blend
Hackle: Black hen neck

This is a very simple soft hackle pattern, albeit the hook is bare but for the thorax - just to make it quick and simple to tie - and to add a touch of esoterica. It's inevitable that early season will commence with local streams in full spate. I'll hit the water just as levels and colour fall. A simple black pattern, fished at close-medium range, down-and-across is all that's required under these conditions. Early sport may not be as vigorous as later in the season but this is a proven strategy for getting the season underway.

Roy Christie first turned me on to the effectiveness of black, sub-surface flies fished on a falling spate (and the less-is-more principle), and Cal Nemec has mastered the tactic over the last two seasons with his #16-#20 Black Pennell approach.

Oh, and keep an eye out for the Wet Issue of Blood Knot, due end this month... it's gonna be good.

Hidden in plain sight.

Andy