
Partridge & Orange: Why is it our Fly of the Month for September?
The magic of the Partridge & Orange is how it looks alive in the water. By September, the big insect hatches of summer start to fade away. Trout are trying to eat as much as they can before winter, often feeding on bugs that are struggling just under the water’s surface. The Partridge & Orange works so well because it doesn’t look exactly like one specific bug. Instead, its soft, moving shape makes it a great all-rounder that looks like many different things a fish might eat.
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A Hatching Sedge (Caddis): In September, there are still hatches of sedge flies, especially in the evenings on rivers. As these insects swim up to the surface to hatch, they are an easy meal for trout. By letting this fly drift and swing in the current just under the surface, it looks exactly like one of these struggling insects. The soft feathers move in the water, looking like wiggling legs that trout find hard to ignore.
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A Drowned Insect from the Bank: Insects are still active on the riverbanks, and the wind often blows ants, spiders, and beetles onto the water. When they get stuck and start to sink, they become easy targets. The Partridge & Orange looks just like one of these small, drowned insects. Its simple, buggy look is a tempting snack that a passing trout won’t pass up.
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A Great All-Purpose Fly: When you’re not sure what the fish are eating under the water, the Partridge & Orange is a perfect choice. It’s a great fly to use when you have more than one fly on your line. The little bit of orange colour can grab a fish’s attention, and its general buggy shape covers all your bases. It’s a great way to figure out what the fish are in the mood for.
In the clear water of September, you need a fly that looks alive without being too flashy. The Partridge & Orange’s simple look and moving feathers make it look like real food to a trout, not just a hook with some thread tied on. It’s a simple fly that has worked for centuries and just gets the job done.
You can view our range of Partridge & Orange Flys here or tie one yourself with the materials below.
Basic Partridge & Orange Recipe
Want to learn how to tie the Partridge & Orange? Check out the video below where Davie McPhail shows us how.
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