August often produces some of the most technical river trout fishing of the year. Rivers may be low and clear, trout have seen months of artificial flies and warm water can make the middle of the day difficult. Early mornings, late evenings and overcast days usually offer the most consistent sport. Fish welfare matters too. In very warm conditions, avoid the hottest part of the day and return fish quickly.
Small flies remain important. Double Badgers, Griffiths Gnats and Black Gnats work well when trout are sipping tiny insects. The Peaks Fly Fishing CDC Beetle remains useful where beetles and other terrestrials are falling from bankside vegetation. Evening sedge fishing can also be excellent, especially in riffles and glides as the light begins to fade.
August should not be viewed only as a low-water month. A summer storm followed by a falling river can completely transform the fishing. Slight colour gives trout confidence and allows larger, more visible flies to work. Late summer is also a key time for Daddy Long Legs. Wind, rain and cut fields can put crane flies onto the water, and trout often respond aggressively.
Recommended fly selection:
- Double Badger
- Griffiths Gnat
- Black Gnat
- Peaks Fly Fishing CDC Beetle
- Daddy Long Legs
- Flying Ant
- Peaks Fly Fishing Cinnamon Sedge
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Partridge and Orange
- Snipe and Purple
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Hare's Ear Nymph
What to watch for:
- Rivers dropping after summer rain
- Evening sedge activity
- Beetles and terrestrials falling onto the water
- Trout holding in oxygen-rich riffles
- Daddy Long Legs appearing towards the end of the month
On the river:
Do not judge August solely by the calendar. Low, hot conditions can be difficult, but a river fining down after summer rain can be superb. In those conditions, a Daddy Long Legs can be far more effective than tiny dry flies.
