Cormorants
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Very effective fly as it doesn’t imitate one type of insect but could look like a few different ones e.g buzzers, fry or snail.
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What are Cormorant flies?
Cormorant flies are a popular and effective pattern in Stillwater fly fishing, known for their versatility and ability to mimic a variety of prey, from small fish to aquatic insects. These flies are particularly useful in challenging fishing conditions and are a favourite among anglers targeting trout, especially in competition scenarios. Named after the cormorant bird, which feeds on small fish, these flies are designed to imitate a range of food sources, including small fish, shrimp, and nymphs, making them suitable for many fishing situations.
A Cormorant fly typically features a slender body with a prominent tail, often made from materials like marabou or synthetic fibres, which create a lifelike movement in the water. The body is generally tied in dark, muted colours like black, olive, or brown, although brighter colours can also be effective in certain conditions. The key to a successful Cormorant fly is the balance between the body, the tail, and the use of shiny or metallic materials like flash or holographic tinsel, which help attract fish even in murky water. The fly’s slim profile, combined with its motion and reflective properties, mimics the behaviour of a small fish or insect struggling in the water, making it highly attractive to predatory fish like trout.
When it comes to fishing Cormorant flies, the key is to focus on movement and depth. They are often fished with a slow, steady retrieve to allow the fly to drift and pulse through the water, simulating the action of a small fish or invertebrate. The fly is typically fished with a floating or intermediate line, depending on the depth of the water you are targeting. In deeper waters, a sinking line can be used to get the fly down to the fish quickly, while in shallower waters, a floating or intermediate line can be used to maintain the fly’s position within the feeding zone.
Cormorant flies are best used with a slow retrieve that allows the fly to remain in the strike zone longer. Short, sharp pulls can be used to create a jerking or twitching motion, which imitates the action of an injured fish or insect, triggering a predatory response from trout. You can also vary the speed of the retrieve, depending on the fish’s activity level and the conditions of the water. During times of low light or murky water, adding a little flash to the fly can make it more visible to fish, increasing your chances of a strike.
Another effective way to fish Cormorant flies is to use them in combination with other flies. They work well as part of a team of flies, often fished alongside patterns like buzzers or nymphs, which cover different depths. The Cormorant can serve as the point fly, with other flies suspended above it on droppers. This technique allows you to present a range of different food sources and cover multiple feeding zones, increasing your chances of enticing a fish.
The best times to fish Cormorants are during periods when fish are feeding on small fish or invertebrates, such as in the early spring when trout are actively feeding after the winter months. They are also effective during overcast days or when water conditions are murky, as their reflective qualities help them stand out. Cormorants are particularly useful when trout are not responding to more traditional patterns like buzzers or nymphs, offering an alternative presentation that can trigger a strike.