Depending on the time of year, you’ll see 3-inch tube flies (copper or brass) being used until the water warms to over 6 degrees centigrade.

New ‘deadly’ fly patterns emerge each year but there are some established flies which seem to work well year-in and year-out.

The popular patterns are Silver Stoat’s Tail, Willie Gunn, Cascade, Tosh, Temple Dogs, Ally’s Shrimp, Garry Dog and Black & Yellow to name but a few. Variants such as cone heads, Czech nymph and micro tubes can be utilised to good effect depending on the conditions.

The popular Scandanavian flies the Monkey Fly and Sunray Shadow, allied with the Icelandic patterns such as the red and black Frances, are popular additions to the spring fly box.