THE BLUE CHARM SALMON FLIES

The Blue Charm is one of the old classic salmon flies that has retained its popularity because it gets results. Now tied using modern materials it is widely used as a summer fly pattern on all rivers. Theoretically, blue flies appear more attractive in the blue light of the early morning. Originally it was strongly associated with the river Dee in Scotland. It also has a good record as a sea trout fly.

SALMON FLIES

Generally migratory salmon and steelhead trout cease feeding as they return to freshwater to spawn. They can be tempted or provoked into taking a general brightly colored attractor pattern (some fishermen call them a 'piss-em-off' pattern) or on something that they were feeding upon in open ocean. Salmon are commonly caught on dry flies in North America and in other parts of the world, with flies like the Wulff series of dry flies, hoppers and daddy-long-legs, but this is rarely tried in Europe. If you live in Europe, discard tradition and give it a try.

THE COLOR OF FLIES

What fly do you choose? It is generally helpful to use a color of fly that matches the overall color of the riverbed. Some rivers are generally brown like weak coffee without the milk and these conditions call for a dark brown or black fly such as the Munro killer, Thunder and lightening or Stoats tail.

Other rivers that flow off bare rock or limestone are often crystal clear. They may have a blue or green tinge so choose flies with the same coloring like Collie dog or the Green Highlander. During early spring and late autumn when the rivers are in full flow after a recent storm try some of the brighter flies. Use garish yellow and orange flies for cold days like Ally's Shrimp, Yerman Orange, General Practitioner, Red Deer Hair Prawn and Silver Doctor. On less cold days use more inconspicuous flies.

It still makes sense to go by the old "Bright day-bright fly, dark day-dark fly" but don't get locked into it. Experiment with patterns and sizes. After missing a strike, I like to change to a smaller version of the same pattern. If that doesn't bring a hit, I go to a fly that's completely opposite of the original.