April is when the UK river trout season properly begins on many waters. Opening dates vary, but by April most trout anglers are back on the river. Trout have had time to recover from spawning, insect life is building and the first proper opportunities for nymph and dry fly fishing begin to appear. It is an optimistic month, but not always an easy one. Water temperatures can still be low and hatches are often short.
Large Dark Olives remain the most dependable early-season hatch and should be considered a starting point if you are unsure what is happening. On many rivers, Grannom caddis provide one of the month's headline events. The hatch can be localised and may only last a short period, but trout can feed hard when it happens. Hawthorn may also appear towards the end of the month.
Do not focus only on adults during a Grannom hatch. Trout often intercept pupae and emergers before they fully break through the surface. This is where the Peaks Fly Fishing Grannom Emerger earns its place. Pheasant Tail Nymphs, Hare's Ear Nymphs and Sawyer's Killer Bugs also remain essential because much of the feeding still happens beneath the surface.
Recommended fly selection:
- Large Dark Olive
- Kite's Imperial
- Parachute Adams
- Peaks Fly Fishing Grannom Emerger
- Grannom Pupa
- Hawthorn
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Hare's Ear Nymph
- Sawyer's Killer Bug
On the river:
Cold wind can shut April hatches down quickly. If nothing is showing, fish nymphs deeper. When the temperature lifts and insects begin to move, be ready to switch quickly to emergers or dries. Early-season feeding windows can be short.
