How to Use Insect Lures to Catch Trout

Insect lures are typically small fishing lures made to imitate certain insects. The most common types of insect imitators are fishing flies in the form of dry flies, wet flies and streamers. These insect imitations usually are tied by hand using a variety of materials, including animal hairs, small pieces of foam, waxed thread, beads and feathers. Flies are presented to trout by means of a fly rod, fly line, leader and tippet which are tied together and spooled onto a fly reel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Catching Trout with Insect Lures

Things You’ll Need:

Fly rod Reel Line Leader Tippet Flies fashioned to imitate different insects such as beetles, bees, spiders or mosquitoes
Fly rod
Reel
Line
Leader
Tippet
Flies fashioned to imitate different insects such as beetles, bees, spiders or mosquitoes

Step 1

Locate an area where trout may be found. In a river, for example, look for large rocks or other structures in the area immediately down stream. Water flowing around structures often will form a calm pool immediately behind the object.This is an excellent place for trout to wait and feed.

Step 2

Look for natural insects in the area. Flying insects as well as those on the water surface, both dead and alive, provide excellent clues to the fisherman. Understanding the natural insect population of the area makes it possible to match a fly to the captured insect.

Step 3

Present the insect in a natural manner. The insect should be cast upstream from areas where trout are suspected. Trout generally feed facing upstream and wait for insects to wash down with the current. Imitate this process by casting well above an area and allowing the fly to drift to the target area on the water.

Step 4

Be patient with the process. It will often be necessary to present the fly to a particular area several times before a trout is enticed to strike.

Step 5

Change the fly if a trout is not attracted. Try the same fly in a different size, or try a similar fly but of a different color. It may also be necessary to change to a different type of insect fly all together. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fly patterns.

Tips & Warnings

Presenting insect imitator lures is a manner of fishing which requires patience, timing and more patience. This is not a form of fishing to be rushed.

Use care when working with flies, especially small ones. The smallest of flies still have very sharply honed hooks that can easily become lodged in the skin.

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...