Fishing The Trico Hatch By:

Dennis T. Watson

The Trico hatch can be an incredible experience for the fly fisherman. During the past 25 years, I have had the opportunity to hit this hatch on local limestoners in the Pennsylvania region, and on the phenomenal Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana.

Recently, I have seen Trico activity on the West Branch of the Delaware, Mainstem of the Delaware and the Beaverkill River as well. My general impression is that these river's temperatures and potential flow releases play a great part in whether these hatches are successful or not.

After having the wonderful opportunity of fishing the Catskill region for 5 years now and also having many years of fishing nearby Pennsylvania Limestoners and Maryland tail waters as well, the shrewd angler should truly focus their Trico hatch matching to fisheries that provide stable water temps and flows. Specifically, water temps that stay within the 50- LOW 60's region consistently during the summer season are IMHO excellent potential systems that can provide this challenging form of fishing. Please, however, ensure that this hatch does exist before just showing up and waiting for the magical moment (Vincent Marinaro called this hatch the "invisible curse" -- and I highly recommend reading his wonderful portfolio of books including "Ring of the Rise" that goes into great lengths of discussing strategies, techniques, patterns and generally excellent stories about the wonderful limestone country near my home).

Interestingly, many anglers briefly mention that they are focusing their Trico hatch matching on Spring Creeks in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. Excellent choice and I envy their ability to hit this wonderful opportunity.

Today, I would not consider Falling Spring or any of the other limestoners in the South Central Pennsylvania region to truly provide the dense spinner activity that once was a common occurrence. This does not mean, however, that a smaller spinner fall or emergence will not trigger trout and allow the angler to focus on feeding fish. But do not consider the activity to be as consistent compared to other well know creeks or rivers.

Here are some techniques that the successful angler should consider when meeting this hatch:

·        Micro Drag must be defeated or you will not hook fish during this hatch. Consider using a much longer tippet than normal, reach and curve casts, longer rods, supple tippet material, or even using a Double Spinner Trico pattern that allows you to use a size 18 Trico Spinner pattern. A Double Trico Spinner pattern will help the angler by not just allowing the use of a bigger gapped hook, but also allow the angler to minimize the micro drag challenge as the fly will have a heavier placement in the meniscus of the water surface.

·        The pitch to the trout must coincide with the rhythm of the rise. One should truly (as always) consider watching the fish rise and get a solid understanding of the cadence of the trout when the rise occurs. Pitch the fly in the correct feeding lane WITH also the correct timing that allows the fish to time his rise to the imitation.

·        Consider using terrestrials as a way to trick the trout. This can especially deadly before the actual spinner fall occurs as the trout are conditioned to be looking up. Crickets, ants and beetles are particularly favorite patterns.

·        The setting of the hook should be done in a gradual lifting of the line. Remember we are talking about small flies and thin tippets here.

·        Consider using size 20-28 Trico patterns AND remember that a slight trimming of the wing density may be a way to trigger these fish to respond.

·        Reels with smooth drag systems can be very helpful when playing trout on small dries. Choose the model of your choice.

·        Consider fishing that Bamboo rod you have hidden somewhere within your fishing library as well. There is nothing like fishing dry flies on a Bamboo rod -- especially during the Trico hatch.

·        Recognize that the Dun activity typically takes place in the late evening and the important spinner fall may take place anywhere from 7ish a.m. until late morning depending on the weather and previous emergence density.

Here are some places of which I know provide wonderful opportunities to hit this amazing hatching activity of which I have personally experienced:

·        Missouri River -- you need to experience this fishery at least once.

·        Spruce Creek in Pa. -- Private water that may require you to pay to play, but is a great place to experience what Falling Spring was like 25 years ago (well almost - the Falling Spring native rainbows will quickly remind you of the Delaware River bows - only in a spring creek setting).

·        Spring Creek in Central Pa. -- I am not as familiar as to what particular stretches, but this is the only place, besides the Delaware West Branch, Cedar Run, Slate Run, that hold truly native/wild Browns.

·        Mossy Creek in Virginia --- Probably the best hatch on this system.

·        Silver Creek in Idaho -- words cannot describe how beautiful this place is -- another place you have to experience it to believe it.

·        Madison River system.


I wish you luck, patience and remember -- keep that reel full of backing.

Sincerely,

Dennis T. Watson (HLR)

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