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Thread: the Beetles ar coming!

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  1. #1

    Default the Beetles are coming!

    Summer is coming and it's time to stock up on the trinity of terrestrials; hoppers, beetles and ants. I think beetles are the most underrated of the three. There are all kinds of beetles in the great outdoors but I just tie them in black and tan size #14-18 because that's all you really need, with June bugs and Japanese beetles being my primary target species in size #14-16. I tie #18's in black only to represent a wide variety of the smaller beetles. Oh, and lady bugs too using this same simple pattern but with orange foam for the shellback and a Sharpe marker for the spots on a #18 hook.


    All you need is some 2mm craft foam and some peacock quills. Use the foam to create the shellback and head and the peacock herl for the underbelly and legs... use some super glue in the process to hold things firmly in place and add a small thin piece of brightly colored foam for an indicator and your good to go.


    A simple fly to tie and super effective. I fish these flys a lot with great results. When there's nothing hatching, try a beetle they are available to the trout throughout the summer so the fish see a lot of them. Funny, most fisherman seem to neglect using them. I've had more than one client turn their nose up when I've suggested tying on a beetle, that is until the fish rises and takes it.



    side view - Notice everything is above the hook shank on this rather small size #18 hook, leaving as much of the hook gape available to the fish...





    top view - Shows the proportions of the shellback, head and indicator





    bottom view - Notice the large head and bettle footprint that is viewed by the fish.
    Last edited by dr korn; 05-17-2013 at 02:57 PM.
    Doug... a.k.a. 55dougie

    http://55onthefly.blogspot.com/

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Using some estaz chenille on the bottom works for warmwater fish also.

    Rick

  3. #3
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    Doug,

    Nice fly; for the little ones I use a Dai Riki 135 for the wider hook gap.

    Regards,
    Scott

  4. #4

    Default

    Heck yes! Got to love a nice, simple, fishy fly. I would add a set of rubber legs to each side, personally. Have had good luck with a little beetle like than on numerous occasions.
    The Green Hornet strikes again!!!

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by quivira kid View Post
    I would add a set of rubber legs to each side, personally.
    +1

    Although, for some reason, I really, really like fishing crickets.

  6. #6
    AlanB Guest

    Default

    That patten is exactly what I tie and fish. The beetles here are the first significant hatch, or should I say fall, on our waters. Usually late April we get vast numbers of heather beetles. This year it is late, like everything else. I have no idea if it will happen or if we will miss out this year. The above fly in a dark tan or light brown on a size 16 is about as good an imitation you'll get. Its not brilliant but it is about the best. Its a hard hatch to crack. We are usually glad to see the back of it as that is when the best of the sport starts.
    Cheers,
    A.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by quivira kid View Post
    I would add a set of rubber legs to each side, personally.
    For the real small beetles, I like Krystal Flash for the legs. There's one river up in YNP where little beetles (and crickets) have done really well early in the morning before the hordes descend. Gotta fish them tight to the bank; good thing they're easy and quick to tie because I lose a lot of them to the shrubbery.

    Regards,
    Scott

  8. #8
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    Doug,
    Do you just eyeball the width of the foam based on hook size, or do you have a chart of hook size/foam width?
    Last edited by Byron haugh; 05-23-2013 at 11:25 PM.

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