Swimming Beetle

A strong-floating beetle imitation in closed-cell foam – the dependable choice for the whole terrestrial season from May to September. The black foam body keeps the fly riding safely on the surface even in turbulent current, while the bright red hot spot on top gives maximum visibility in shaded pools, broken water or the flat light of dusk. It is tied barbless.

The barred rubber legs produce that lively twitch a beetle makes as it struggles in the water, which salmonids read as an unmistakable prey signal. The grizzly hackle collar adds further trigger points, imitating the splayed leg hairs or spread wing cases of a drowning insect.

Imitates:

• Size 8: June bug (Amphimallon solstitiale), cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) and larger black ground beetles
• Size 10–12: garden chafer (Phylloperta horticola), click beetles and the many small dark beetles that get blown into the drift on wind and thermals

How to fish it: Classically dead-drifted under bankside trees, overhangs and along weed edges, ideally with a short "splat" on landing that mimics a real beetle crashing in and often draws an instant take. Works blind in shaded lanes just as well as targeted at visibly feeding fish in calm water. Especially effective in high summer from midday on, when the aquatic hatches fade and trout switch their main diet to terrestrials.

Fair Trade, Full Circle

Your flies are tied fairly, with the best materials. "Fliegenfischen mit Herz" is building a base for women in Nairobi. The women there own and run the tying workshop themselves, giving them economic independence, pride in their craft, and joy in their customers. Let's work together toward a more balanced world.

Please follow this link - thank you for your support and for spreading the word.

READ MORE ABOUT THE "FAIR FLY" PROJECT