February is a transition month on UK stillwaters. Small stocked fisheries continue to fish well, while many larger reservoirs begin reopening. Water temperatures remain low, but longer daylight and occasional mild spells encourage trout to feed more consistently. The month can produce both delicate buzzer fishing and confident takes to bright lures.
On small stillwaters, buzzers, bloodworm, Diawl Bachs and slim nymphs remain important. Mild afternoons may bring midge activity, making the Peaks Fly Fishing Hairdresser Midge useful in the surface film. A buzzer or bloodworm suspended beneath a Peaks Fly Fishing Ressie Dink is also very effective when trout are dimpling or cruising slowly.
On reservoirs, bright lures can be excellent during the early weeks, especially for freshly stocked trout. The Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail, FABs and Blobs fished slowly on an intermediate line can search the upper and middle layers effectively. During colder spells, a slow sinking line may keep the fly in the productive zone for longer. The retrieve should be slow. In February, patience usually beats speed.
Recommended fly selection:
- Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail
- FAB
- Blob
- Black Buzzer
- Bloodworm
- Diawl Bach
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Peaks Fly Fishing Hairdresser Midge
- Peaks Fly Fishing Ressie Dink
- Peaks Fly Fishing Eggstatic Egg
Lines and retrieves:
- Floating line for buzzers and suspender tactics
- Intermediate line for pulling lures
- Slow sinking line in colder weather
- Slow retrieves with regular pauses
On the water:
February bridges winter and spring. If reservoirs are opening, start with a Lava Tail, FAB or Blob fished slowly on an intermediate. If trout show subtly, suspend a buzzer beneath a Ressie Dink and slow everything down.
