The Alder Fly is one of the UK's most recognisable aquatic insects and is an important food source for trout during late spring and early summer. Although it rarely receives the same attention as the Mayfly or sedges, an Alder Fly hatch can produce excellent sport on both rivers and stillwaters. Large trout, in particular, seem to relish these bulky insects.
Alder Fly larvae spend much of their lives beneath the water amongst stones, submerged roots and aquatic vegetation before crawling out onto bankside vegetation to emerge into adults. Unlike upwing flies and sedges, they do not hatch directly from the water's surface. Once the adults have emerged they remain close to the river or lake, often resting on bankside trees, reeds and vegetation.
Adult Alder Flies are poor fliers and frequently end up falling or being blown onto the water. This makes them an easy meal for trout, particularly during warm, breezy weather when the insects are more active. Because the adults are relatively large and dark in colour, trout can spot them easily and will often rise confidently to intercept them.
The hatch generally occurs between May and July, although timing varies according to weather and location. Rivers with overhanging trees and stillwaters with well-established margins often provide the best Alder Fly fishing, as these areas naturally collect adults that have fallen onto the water.
Unlike many aquatic hatches, there is rarely a defined period of intense activity. Instead, Alder Fly fishing is usually opportunistic, with trout taking individual insects as they drift naturally downstream or become stranded on the surface. This makes Alder Fly patterns excellent searching flies throughout late spring and early summer.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we always carry a few Alder Fly patterns once the weather begins to warm. They're a superb choice when there is little obvious hatch activity, particularly beneath overhanging trees where naturals regularly fall onto the water. They can also be remarkably effective on reservoirs and lakes, where cruising trout patrol the margins looking for larger food items.
## Recommended Fly Patterns
### Larvae
* Alder Larva
* Hares Ear
### Adults
* Alder Fly
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Fish close to overhanging trees and bankside vegetation where adults naturally fall onto the water.
* Warm, breezy conditions often produce the best Alder Fly fishing.
* Don't be afraid to use an Alder Fly as a searching pattern even when there is no obvious hatch.
* Stillwaters can fish every bit as well as rivers during the Alder Fly season.
* Large trout often take Alder Flies confidently because of their substantial size and easy visibility.
