Terrestrial Fishing Flies

Terrestrials are insects that live on land, but find themselves fish dinner when they drop
into the water. Terrestrial fishing flies imitate those insects. Grasshoppers, beetles, ants,
and crickets are all common terrestrials copied by fly fishermen.

How to fish with terrestrial fishing flies

If you consider where the insects are likely found, you will understand that casting
terrestrial fishing flies close to banks and overhanging branches can be productive. Fish
will often hold in these places waiting for the 'manna from heaven'.

Anglers usually fish terrestrials on the surface, but sometimes, heavier insects like beetles
will sink quickly. Once in a while try fishing a terrestrial fly under the surface. It can
tempt a hungry trout.

Fish are opportunistic feeders when it comes to terrestrials often grabbing at what ever
comes by. It doesn't hurt to slap the fly almost on top of the fish if they are feeding. The
trout will grab instinctively and swallow the fly before it knows that it is not real.

I like to retrieve a terrestrial fly with jerking movements to imitate the struggles of an
insect trapped in the water. Fish will find these struggling movements irresistible.

The lighter the insect, the higher it will float in the water. Make sure that the fly you are
using behaves in the same way. Generally I cast terrestrials upstream and let them dead-
drift downstream.

Use a long leader when fishing terrestrials. You want to allow the fish to see the fly but
not the fly line.

Which terrestrial fishing flies to use

While all terrestrial fishing flies produce results, my experience has been that ant
imitations are high on the trout's favorite foods. A group of ants floating on the water
invites trout to dine.

There won't be a lot of splashing around, the fish move around sipping the ants from the
surface. You'll need to concentrate as it's hard to catch the subtle movement when your fly is
taken and set the hook quickly.

Beetles are another good bet when fishing terrestrials. A good-sized beetle is like a 16oz
steak to a fish. He will get a lot of return for a little effort when feeding on one of these.

Hoppers include, obviously, grasshoppers and crickets and the like. If you look carefully
at a grasshopper struggling in the water you'll notice that it lies on the surface and
slightly under the surface. Try and get your imitator to do the same.

Although terrestrials should be fished near the banks of rivers and streams, some get
dumped into the middle waters and you should not ignore this area.

Tying terrestrial fishing flies

Tying terrestrial fishing flies is a good place to start for beginners. They're easy to tie and
are a good bet to catch fish. There are many books and Internet sites that will give you
instructions on tying terrestrials.

Include the following terrestrials in your tackle box: a variety of ants, some parachute
hoppers, a few foam beetles and a couple of crickets. With this selection you'll be ready
to try working with terrestrial fly fishing flies.