T.C. Wickham's sunny disposition.....which wet flies are good for bright sunny days?

**bocast** · 04-27-2013, 01:44 AM

I have read on TPO posts that a Wickham's Fancy is a good fly on sunny days. A silver knicker was also mentioned, if I recall correctly. What other wet flies share the sunlight well?

(Of course, this question assumes all else being equal, and competent presentation. )

And, why do you think this is so?

**Davyfly** · 04-27-2013, 11:38 PM

A good question that would need a very long answer as there are so many probables related to fish behaviour, type of water being fished, light conditions and so on.
So my answer is this. There is no wet fly that may not catch fish at any time, no one can tell you otherwise, the catch is there are certain flies that are more likely to be a better choice under the prevailing conditions.
The generally accepted way of thougth is bright fly bright day, dull fly dull day, and there is some element of truth to this.
However, what we also see is this.
Generally dull overcast days with less sun or a low relative angle of the sun to the horizon are more so associated with the colder months, which are also related to less insect activity.
There fore flies that show less color or can be seen more as a silhouette at lower depths, which may well include flies with silver and gold bodies would be choice. In the case of say midge feeding fish on those cold winter days you will not go far wrong with spiders and soft hackles as under these situations l would rarely be using winged traditional wet flies, possibly the exception would be a very small winged black gnat or BWO.

During Spring and Summer, including late evenings to dark we see a greater intensity of light for longer periods, also we also see more insect activity both water born and terrestrials. The water is also warmer conducive to fish being active and looking for food.
That in turn relates to flies that show more color and are more so related to species, such as the hares ear, woodcock, grouse series,teal series, Invicta, claret and fiery browns, Wickhams,BWO, sulpurs, winged wet olives, March Brown, for the reason now we see fish more active to look for food sources closer to the surface, be it rivers, streams or stillwaters.
There for flies that are related to caddis and mayflys which have both attraction and some semblance of imitation to species. Which would also include soft hackles and spiders.

Interestingly during the last hour of dusk and into dark, provided there is some light from the moon but not too bright, l have had some unreal fishing with flies such as Peter Ross, Dunkeld, Silver Invicat and a good number of others.

Hope this helps you some.

Davy.

**The Sib** · 04-28-2013, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the tip, Davy.

**bocast** · 04-29-2013, 03:01 PM

Great information, Davy. It really helps to hear you explain your approach. Even if the question is too simplistic, your answers always inform. I realize that it would take a large volume to cover the topic in detail, which is why I wish you would write a book... hint, hint.

**bocast** · 04-29-2013, 04:11 PM

Great information, Davy. It really helps to hear you explain your approach. Even if the question is too simplistic, your answers always inform. I realize that it would take a large volume to cover the topic in detail, which is why I wish you would write a book... hint, hint.

**Davyfly** · 05-03-2013, 11:23 PM

bobcast.

I do have a great deal of text already written, its a time issue for me. What with more than 200 guide trips a year, out of State programs, shooting DVDs, and as you know my passion for competition skeet and sporting clays, not to mention yard work, maybe a few days myself to go fishing, oh and l also need some days to sleep.

One day l will get to it, need to find a publisher.

Davy.