TERRESTRIAL FLY PATTERNS
Terrestrial insects are tasty morsels for many fish, which they can easily prey upon
The Terrestrials category includes all fly patterns that imitate land-based insects and other prey animals whose entire life cycle takes place outside the water. When these creatures accidentally fall onto the surface, they become easy prey for trout and other fish. Especially during summer, terrestrial patterns are often among the most effective flies you can fish. Many of these flies feature buoyant foam bodies, allowing them to stay highly visible even in rough and turbulent currents. Our selection includes a wide variety of high-quality patterns, ranging from ants, beetles and grasshoppers to chernobyl ants, caterpillars and even small rodent imitations. With these flies, you’ll always have the right pattern to fool even very cautious fish.
TERRESTRIAL FLIES
IRRESISTIBLE DRY FLIES FOR THE WARMER MONTHS
Terrestrial insects – commonly referred to as terrestrials in fly fishing – are among the most effective dry fly patterns available. Unlike mayflies, caddisflies or stoneflies, they do not develop in the water but live on riverbanks, meadows, shrubs and trees. When they are blown or knocked onto the water by wind, rain or simply bad luck, they provide trout, grayling and many other fish species with a highly nutritious meal that is easy to capture. That is why terrestrial fly patterns are an essential part of every well-stocked fly box throughout summer and autumn.
Particularly when traditional aquatic hatches become less frequent or stop altogether, many fish turn their attention to food drifting onto the water from the surrounding banks. Beetles, ants, grasshoppers and countless other terrestrial insects regularly end up on the surface beneath overhanging trees, along grassy banks or wherever the wind carries them. Experienced fly anglers take full advantage of these opportunities and are often rewarded with spectacular surface takes.
GRASSHOPPERS, ANTS, BEETLES AND MORE
The terrestrial category includes a wide variety of land-dwelling insects as well as a few other small creatures. Particularly popular are imitations of grasshoppers, ants, beetles, caterpillars, bees and wasps. Depending on the water and the season, crickets, cicadas and even small mice can also produce outstanding results. What all these patterns have in common is that they represent an unexpected, high-calorie food source drifting helplessly on the surface – an opportunity that few fish are willing to ignore.
HOW TO FISH TERRESTRIAL PATTERNS
Terrestrial fly patterns are usually at their best from early summer through autumn. Warm weather, lush bankside vegetation and a light breeze constantly carry insects onto the water. The most productive casts are often made tight to grassy margins, reed beds, undercut banks or overhanging branches. Don't be afraid to let your fly land with a noticeable splash, as real terrestrial insects rarely fall gently onto the surface. Larger trout in particular often respond with fast and decisive takes to what appears to be such an easy meal.
OVER 100 TERRESTRIAL PATTERNS FOR EVERY SITUATION
In the following subcategories, you'll discover a carefully selected range of premium terrestrial fly patterns for a wide variety of waters and fishing situations. From delicate ant patterns for selective grayling to realistic beetles and caterpillars for wary trout or large grasshopper imitations for trophy fish during the summer months, you'll find well over 100 proven terrestrial patterns that have earned their reputation on waters throughout Europe.