Forget about the early summer mayflies or spring streamers; the sight of a fish aggressively attacking an ant, beetle, or hopper is an adrenaline rush like no other. Late summer holds a special place in the hearts of fly fishers who eagerly anticipate the terrestrial action on the water.
What is a Terrestrial?
Terrestrial insects are those that primarily inhabit the land, as opposed to their aquatic counterparts. Think of ants, beetles, spiders, and grasshoppers, which all fall into this category. When these insects find their way onto the water, fish often can not resist the opportunity to strike.
When to use terrestrial flies?
The prime terrestrial season typically spans from mid-August to mid-October. However, in some regions, these insects can still be found in fish stomachs as late as December. Additionally, certain areas experience high numbers of terrestrials in May and June. To ensure optimal success, like always: observe. And not just if you see terrestrials on the water, but also around the water on the bank and in vegetation around the water you're fishing.
If they're around, chances are they will end up in the water when it's windy, which makes that fish are used this food source on top of the food that they find in the water.
How to cast when fly fishing terrestrials?
It's crucial to exercise caution and finesse in your casting technique. Remember to use tippet when presenting terrestrials, as their size and weight can cause tangling. Take your time and allow the line to unfurl completely before proceeding. It's worth noting that long casts are mostly not necessary when fly fishing with terrestrial flies; focus your attention on getting the fly in the right spot.
A selection of terrestrial flies
The best flies are the ones that are in the natural habitat of the fish! So to the earlier point: observe the water, the bank and the vegetation that's around to see which terrestrials naturally occur. Having said that, here are a few terrestrials:
Ant
Mimicking an ant that's struggling on the water surface. Read more about this fly.
Bumblebee
Although not a common food source for fish, it's high contrast body make it a great attractor pattern. Read more about this fly.
Chernobyl Ant
A large, buoyant terrestrial pattern, imitating ants and other insects, great for spectacular surface action. Read more about this fly.
Foam Beetle
A dry fly that's relatively easy to tie, clearly visible to both angler and fish, imitating a beetle that fell in the water. Read more about this fly.
Grasshopper
Terrestrial pattern, imitating grasshoppers and other large insects. Read more about this fly.
Gear to use
Selecting the appropriate gear for terrestrial fishing doesn't have to be complicated. Stick with a rod and reel combination that you're comfortable with, ensuring they are well-matched in terms of weight and balance, and that they're suited for the fish you're targeting. You don't need anything specific, there are just a few considerations:
Rod
For throwing terrestrials, a 3 to 5 weight rod is ideal. These weights provide sufficient power to cover a significant amount of water while accommodating larger fish that may strike.
Line
When fishing with terrestrial flies, it's essential to use floating line. Weight-forward or sinking lines can pull the fly beneath the surface, compromising its effectiveness. Terrestrial flies, often equipped with foam bodies, can absorb water but still stay afloat when paired with floating line, ensuring a good and natural presentation.
Leader and tippet
Choose your leader strength based on the size of fish you anticipate catching. Since you'll be using tippet with terrestrials, a standard leader without tapering will suffice.
How to fly fish terrestrials?
Fly fishing with terrestrials requires adapting your techniques to the type of water you're fishing. Here are some strategies for fishing terrestrials in both lakes and moving water:
Fly fishing terrestrials in a Lake
When fishing terrestrials in a lake, focus your efforts close to the shore. Terrestrial insects typically do not stray far from the banks. Fish out of a boat or wade into the water to cast toward the shore, as fish are more likely to strike if they see the flies land nearby. You can also find places on the bank where you can cast from, though it's important to stay stealthy as to not spook the any fish.
Employ short strips to mimic the movement of these insects. Casting parallel to the bank, strip along the weed line, and anticipate exhilarating surface strikes. Fish tend to be less hesitant when presented with terrestrials in this manner.
Fly Fishing terrestrials in a stream or river
In moving water, prioritize a drift along the bank. Terrestrial insects often fall into the water and either float downstream or attempt to reach the safety of the shore. Exercise patience during your drift and allow the current to dictate the speed at which the fly moves.
Species to target with terrestrials
There are a lot of species you can target with terrestrials. As mentioned: one thing that determines whether fish will take these insects is whether they occur naturally in their habitat.
The most popular fish that are targeted with terrestrials are: brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, grayling, chub, roach, perch, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass.
