egg patterns - Does size matter

[wwelz]

I have researched the diameter of trout eggs. The deal is they are 3.5 mm to 5mm or .12 inches to .20 inches. The articles I read said that the eggs expand immediately upon contact with water . I am frequently guilty of over thinking fly fishing but wonder what is the size range we should tie our egg patterns. The flies available commercially are much larger than the actual size of the eggs. I know some anglers who use patterns smaller than 3mm. So is size important or should I just relax and tie up whatever looks good to me?

[alanb_ct]

It's always good to match the size of the natural, so you have in fact answered your own question. Purists disagree, but right now, fishing eggs is "matching the hatch." The other comment is that a larger fly when viewed from further away by a fish, may in fact look the right size in his tiny brain and cause him to strike. I can see no harm in fishing eggs well downstream of any redds you may see. Lake run fish also seem exempt from any scrutiny by purists and non-purists alike.

[wwelz]

Thanks Alan - I am going to give them a try asap. I fished egg patterns in WV. They worked the locals favored very small imitations (3mm). . I will of be on the look out for spawning beds and give them plenty of space- Conservation first

[Davyfly]

for sure, both size and color can matter big time.
I am not a great lover of eggs to be honest other than at times used as a dropper they certainly work at times, often as not l will have a Dynamite or San Juan worm as the tail fly.

DW

[Mantis]

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[alanb_ct]

I always say this, but after the first few frosts and static flows heading into the winter, the water gets really low and most importantly, clear. In low, clear water, I think that smaller is almost always better.

Aaron taught me the sucker spawn a couple years ago, and it does in fact work wonders at times. I make all of mine with angora yarn always on the 2499SPBL hook. I never use my 2457s anymore, even though I have a big pile. The 2499 hooks fish and keeps them hooked better than any conventional barbed hook I have ever used; it's worth the extra money.

[Mantis]

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[alanb_ct]

You can find lots of this discussion on the forum already. Try the 2499s and I am sure you will be pleased. Please note that CT has barbless regulations and that I have dabbled in tying flies for competitive fly fishing where barbless is required. It's hard to argue with the success in those arenas.

Please try the 2499s and let us know what you think.

[Mantis]

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