June is one of the most exciting months of the UK river trout season. On many rivers, the Mayfly hatch continues into the first week or two before gradually fading. Once it ends, trout often switch quickly back to smaller up-winged flies, sedges, nymphs and evening feeding. June is therefore a month for observation rather than assumption.
During early June, always check whether Mayfly are still present before tying on a large imitation. If the adults have gone, trout may ignore oversized flies and feed on smaller insects instead. Blue-winged Olives, Iron Blues, Medium Olives and sedges all become important. Evening fishing grows steadily more productive as sedges return to the water and trout feed confidently in the softer light.
Emergers remain very useful in June. If trout are bulging just beneath the surface rather than taking cleanly from the top, an emerger can out-fish a traditional dry. Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Hare's Ear Nymphs remain dependable below the surface throughout the month.
Recommended fly selection:
- Medium Olive
- Blue-winged Olive
- Iron Blue
- Grey Wulff
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Peaks Fly Fishing Cinnamon Sedge
- Peaks Fly Fishing Mayfly Emerger (early June where relevant)
- Spent Mayfly
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Hare's Ear Nymph
On the river:
One of the easiest mistakes in June is continuing to fish large Mayfly imitations after the hatch has finished. Once trout switch back to smaller insects, downsizing quickly can transform the day. Match what you can actually see on the water.
