Hook sizing on the fly line use a numbering systems that is the opposite of most of the common measurement systems. In most case, the higher the number on an object, the larger the object. However, on the fly line, the higher the number for the hook, the smaller the hook.
Size 22 hooks is used for imitating the smallest of insects, whereas size 2 hooks is the largest. If the hook is to large for the insect being imitated, the trout will notice the abnormality of the fly and reject it. Matching the hatch require understanding which species of insect the trout are eating, but it also requires understanding which life stage of those insects the trout are eating.
How to Choose the Right Fly Size for Trout
For instance, mayfly nymphs live under water, while trout may only be eating those nymphs in there natural habitat rather than the adult mayflies. To match the hatch successfuly, fly anglors must understand the life stage of the insects in the water and present the correct fly. Otherwise, the trout will ignore the fly that is cast into the water.
The type of water in which the trout live change their behavior, which also changes the kinds of flies that will entice those trout. In fast moving waters, such as riffles, there is more oxygen in the water and the trout is more active. These active trout will eat larger fly.
In slow moving waters, such as deep pools, trout are more selective in what they eat. Trout in these areas will reject large or heavy flies. The tippet size of the line should also match the size of the fly.
If the tippet is too thick, the fly will not drift natural through the water. If the fly does not drift naturally, the trout will see the fly as unnatural and will reject it. Lastly, the species of trout that is being targeted require a different kind of fly than other species of trout.
Rainbow trout will eat a variety of different flies. However, species like brown trout is more cautious and will only eat flies that closely match the insect in the water. Other species, like lake trout or bull trout are predatory species and focus more on the movement of baitfish rather than the insects in the water.
To attract these species, use large streamers that mimic the movement of baitfish and provoke a strike from these predatory trout. If the trout are not eating the fly, a few changes can be made to the fishing technique. If the trout are rising to the surface but not eating the fly, try a hook that is two sizes smaller.
Many anglers makes the mistake of changing the color of the fly instead of the size of the hook. Try to look under rock in the water to see the type of insects that are in that body of water. Seeing the insects in the water will allow the angler to choose the correct type of fly to entice the trout.
Through understanding how size, the pattern of the fly, and the thickness of the tippet should all be adjust in specific situations, the angler will find the specific combination of factor that will entice the trout to eat the fly.