Barbless beetle fly patterns
If beetles fall into the water they are easy prey
BEETLES ARE AN IRRESISTIBLE MEAL FOR FISH
Beetles are among the most common terrestrial insects and, at certain times of the year, can appear in huge numbers. Well-known examples include cockchafer years, when millions of beetles emerge almost simultaneously. Other species, such as the summer chafer, can also occur in impressive swarms.
If you notice large numbers of beetles on bankside vegetation or falling onto the water, it's well worth tying on a beetle imitation. Fish often switch their attention almost exclusively to these protein-rich, easy-to-catch food items, ignoring many other fly patterns in the process.
Another advantage is that beetle patterns are exceptionally easy to fish. Unlike many dry flies, they do not require a delicate presentation. On the contrary, a distinct splash on landing often makes the imitation even more convincing, as this closely resembles the way a real beetle falls into the water. The foam body provides excellent buoyancy, while the integrated sight indicator ensures you can keep track of the fly even in fast, broken currents.