Blue Damsel Fly pattern for CWL?

[John Harper]

Has anyone tried/used a blue damsel fly pattern at the Cottonwood Lakes? I saw lots of them flying around and one sizable trout was following a damsel from just below the surface and almost grabbed it out of the air. I see some sites offer flies in that pattern and I figured it would be worth a try.

John

[WadeK]

Not at cwl, but I have had way more success w/ olive Damsel nymphs, that barely float, than adults. Cast well ahead of a cruising fish and just let it sit, until it's within a foot or so, then just barely twitch it a few times. Use a Flouro tippet (sinks more than mono) that will barely pull it under when you twitch it.

[briansII]

I've used blue damsels a few times for trout. I have not had much success, but as Wade points out, if there are adults, the nymphs should produce. I like using a clear, intermediate line, and a unweighted fly.

Now bass is another story. I've caught dozens on a adult blue, and black damsel. When the bass key in on them, it can be silly fishing.

briansII

[meb]

I've caught a few fish at Crowley with an adult blue damsel parachute pattern. I saw a trout take a huge one off the surface, so I tied up a few and used them off and on without too much success.

MB