Terrestrial Time. Late Summer Tips for Ants, Bees, Beetles, and Crane Flies

5 Essential Tips for Success

Hoppers are NOT the only terrestrial! Sometimes we forget the other bugs like ants, bees, beetles, and crane flies. Plus there are probably a bunch of other critters out there stumbling around the riverbank. Terrestrial fly fishing offers anglers a thrilling opportunity to catch trout during the warmer months when aquatic insect hatches may be less prevalent. Hatches tend to sputter out late in the year and trout need to get creative.

Late summer is TERRESTRIAL TIME! By mimicking land-dwelling insects that accidentally find themselves on the water's surface, you can entice some of the most exciting strikes in fly fishing. Windy day? Fish an ant. Here are five key tips to elevate your terrestrial fly fishing game. They can be especially effective on the first few cold days in the fall as bees and many other terrestrials get cold and sleepy. 

1. Choose the Right Fly

Selecting the appropriate terrestrial pattern is crucial for success. Here are some top choices for different insects:

• Ants: The RIO's Hi-Vis Flying Ant is an excellent choice, especially in bright conditions when fish might be cautious. Ants get bit. Straight up truth. The hook size lends itself to smaller trout as well as the big trout. Its high visibility helps you track the fly on the water. The green post is for you old man. 

• Beetles: Try the RIO's Ground Beetle, which imitates a beetle better than any pattern we've tried. It's a pretty stout hook and better for targeting fish 14" +

• Bees: The Bumble Butt by Umpqua is highly effective, especially for cutthroat trout and fishes EXTREMELY well into early October. Floats great and easy to see. 

• Crane Flies: Consider the Aero Daddy Crane Fly by Fulling Mill, designed to skate and move effectively on the water. Crane flies hatch like crazy in the fall and for whatever reason.... trout go nuts. 

For a variety of patterns, the Terrestrial Selection by Fulling Mill offers a range of effective options. Pick and choose and see what works on your local water.

Perfect Your Presentation

The way you present your fly can make or break your success. It's 90% of the challenge. Choosing a good fly is pretty easy, but selling that bug.... ha! Trout are smart. Think like a hunter. 

• Splatting: Terrestrial insects often fall into the water with a noticeable splash. Use a tuck cast or crash cast to create this effect, drawing the attention of nearby fish.

• Dead Drift: After the initial impact, let your fly drift naturally. Minimize drag by adding slack to your line, mimicking a struggling insect.

Master the Art of Movement

Bringing your fly to life can trigger more strikes:

• Twitching: Use subtle rod tip movements to make your fly twitch on the surface. This is particularly effective with hopper and crane fly patterns.

• Skimming: Gently pull your fly across the surface to imitate an insect trying to take off. This can be especially enticing for trout.

• Subtle Strips: Small, gentle strips of your line can create lifelike movements in your fly, mimicking a struggling insect.

Time and Place Your Casts

Knowing when and where to use terrestrial patterns can significantly improve your chances:

• Season: Terrestrial patterns are most effective from mid-summer to early fall, typically peaking in August.

• Location: Focus on areas where terrestrials are likely to fall into the water, such as undercut banks, overhanging trees, and grassy banks adjacent to the water.

Troubleshoot and Adapt

If fish aren't responding, don't be afraid to change your approach:

• Switch Patterns: If one type of terrestrial isn't working, try another. Move from ants to beetles, or crickets to crane flies.

• Adjust Size: Sometimes, downsizing your fly can make a difference, especially with selective fish. Small trout (sub 12") might have a tough time sucking in a big foamy pattern. Try an ant or a sparser pattern.

• Vary Movement: Experiment with different levels of movement. Some days, a more subtle approach works best, while other times, more aggressive twitching can provoke strikes.

Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering this exciting technique. Stick with it, and have fun always. Tight lines!