This report records the outcome of an evening fly fishing session conducted under difficult but informative conditions, during which fish activity remained limited and only two trout were landed despite extensive tactical experimentation.
Location & Conditions
The session took place at my local reservoir on 6 June 2026. Conditions were overcast with a light wind and an air temperature of approximately 15°C. Water clarity was slightly reduced, although the reservoir remained fully fishable. Recent outings on the water have been inconsistent, with productive sessions outnumbered by more difficult ones.
Flies & Tactics
The session began with a mayfly dry and olive emerger patterns, tied in sizes 10 and 12. A three fly cast was used from the outset, comprising two olive emergers and a mayfly dry on the point, all fished on a floating line. While the line remained unchanged throughout the evening, the fly selection was altered repeatedly in response to the subdued level of fish activity. Presentation appeared to have limited influence on results, and a wide range of tactical adjustments was made in an effort to provoke a response.
Olive Emerger Pattern: Tying Materials, Seasons and Tactics
Catch Details
The catch comprised two rainbow trout, both estimated within a weight range of 1 to 1½ lb. The best fish of the session was approximately 1½ lb. Despite regular fly changes and continued tactical variation, fish activity remained subdued throughout the evening, with few signs of sustained or confident feeding behaviour.
Reflections & Lessons Learned
The most effective approach proved to be fishing olive emerger patterns static, while most alternative flies and methods produced little or no response. For early June, the level of visible evening feeding activity was notably limited. The session reinforced the value of persistence and tactical flexibility in difficult conditions and suggested that emerger patterns should remain the preferred starting point in future sessions of a similar nature.
Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
| Location | Local reservoir |
| Date and time | 6 June 2026, 5pm-9pm |
| Weather | Overcast with light wind |
| Water conditions | Slightly coloured but fishable |
| Most effective fly | Olive emerger fished static |
| Fish landed | 2 rainbow trout |
| Overall assessment | Difficult but informative session |