THE GOLD RIBBED HARE'S EAR NYMPH
The Brown Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear nymph fly pattern ( GRHE ) is ideal for mimicking mayfly nymphs that lurk near the river or lake bed. Take a child's fishing net on your next trip and disturb the boulders whilst holding the net downstream. All the disturbed insects will float into your net. Examine what you find. If they are brown then choose this fly. These flies are meant to be scruffy. The fibres act as legs moving in the water as if the insect is trying to swim.  

Inexperienced fly-fishermen often frighten away trout by using an unnatural looking fly pattern. This is where observing the local insects and what the fish eat pays off in catches. If you get the size shape and colour of the fly correct a presentation that generates strange behaviour can be the cause of the problem of no takes. Many fish have a good sense of smell. Soap, aftershave, sun tan cream and beer can all contaminate a fly when you are tying it on. A weird unnatural smelling fly will spook fish. I always 'wash' my hands in the river or lake water before tying on a new pattern.

If you are fly fishing in an area which is popular, the sight of humans walking near the river or lake edge will not spook fish. if you fish in a more wild and remote location you must try to use local cover to hide your movements so as not to make the fish jittery and swim away. Small Young trout will eat often on smaller morsels. Their bodies are on a constant growing spurt so need fuel to develop. Older fish are more choosy and go for bigger targets that will satisfy their hunger more easily. If you are dealing with smaller young trout then use a smaller fly. You will have more luck landing larger trout using a bigger hook sized fly.

Trout can become selective feeders if there is an abundant food supply. This is when you need to do your research and find out the shape and size of their most favourite food. Ask local anglers and spoon a fish to see what it has been eating. A Brown Gold Ribbed Hares Ear nymph fly is also a good choice on rivers that have been stocked with trout reared in stew-ponds. They have been fed at an early age on high protein dry food pellets. The brown scruff dressing of this fly can be mistaken for a pellet and fooled a number of good sized fish.

Things to look for when bank fishing in Spring
When going to a new fishery in the early part of the season you need to study the layout to help you get the best results. Walking the lake before you choose your spot really helps. Don't try and fish over gravel beds. Trout may be trying to cut redds and egg laden females will be looking for places to lay eggs. They will be trying to mate and not interested in taking your fly. Trout are happier if they have a depth of water below them so they can escape if they are spooked. Look for where the water drops off, deep holes, shelves and springs. The trout like the comfort of having different options if threatened by holding above them. If there is a deep drop away from the bank side that levels out into a shelf this is another preferred location because the weeds find it easier to grow here and the insects like this environment. This provides a food fish source. Find weed and you will have found a rich aquatic habitat. Look for locations with bushes, long grasses or reeds that can help disguise your silhouette. It helps to wear dark natural colored clothing. Leave your red Hawaiian shirt at home. If there is a headland or point of land that juts out try fishing form there because they normally have deep water on either side. If a stream is coming into the lake it will be slightly warmer than the deep cooler water in the lake. This attracts some insects which in turn attracts the fish. Try fishing in the general area.