March is one of the most exciting months of the stillwater season. Rising water temperatures, increasing daylight and fresh stockings combine to create more consistent sport. Trout become more active, natural food increases and fish may be willing to chase flies over greater distances than they did in winter.
Natural flies should always be carried. Buzzers, Bloodworm, Diawl Bachs, Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Hare's Ear Nymphs all imitate food becoming active beneath the surface. As the month progresses, buzzer hatches can produce excellent sport on floating lines, beneath indicators or through washing-line tactics.
March is also a strong month for bright lure patterns, particularly on stocked fisheries. Recently introduced trout often respond to movement, vibration and colour before settling fully onto natural food. The Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail is a confidence early spring searching fly, while the Peaks Fly Fishing Eggstatic Egg can be highly effective when fish cruise slowly or feed in the upper layers. Fish these on an intermediate line with a steady retrieve, or under an indicator if trout are holding at a fixed depth.
Recommended fly selection:
- Black Buzzer
- Bloodworm
- Diawl Bach
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Hare's Ear Nymph
- Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail
- Peaks Fly Fishing Eggstatic Egg
- Humungous
- Blob
- Mini Cat
What to watch for:
- First proper buzzer hatches
- Trout moving into sheltered bays
- Freshly stocked fish willing to chase
- Mild afternoons with a ripple
On the water:
March is not a month for one method. Carry naturals and attractors. If trout are feeding on buzzers, fish them well. If they want movement, switch confidently to a Lava Tail or Eggstatic Egg.
