Fly Patterns for Stillwaters

Book excerpt: Uncover the Secrets to Fly Tying for Lakes Many fly fishermen find lakes to be vast, intimidating bodies of water. Trout are fussy, the waters are tough to read, and any number of food items could be on the menu. So what do you do? In Fly Patterns for Stillwater, Phil Rowley uncovers the riches lakes have to offer the patient angler. Phil has spent countless hours studying the food sources that make up the diet of trout; then set up home aquariums to more closely observe the movement, development, and emergence of these aquatic insects. In this book he explains the link between understanding the food base within a lake and designing effective fly patterns for these environs. He includes: Chironomids, scuds, damselflies, leeches, mayflies, caddisflies, water boatmen and backswimmers, terrestrials, beetles, forage fish, and snails. Each chapter begins with a detailed description of the particular food item outlining its life cycle, relative importance, size, coloration, and habits, then proven patterns are given, describing both materials and tying techniques. Fly Patterns for Stillwaters, will give you the confidence you need to be a successful stillwater angler.