September is the month when the water temperatures start cooling and the trout start to gorge on aquatic life, gearing up for the colder winter months ahead.
Early September is traditionally 'Daddy' time with the long legged flies dancing across the surface of the water only to be snatched away by a hungry trout. Whilst the fish feed in a frenzy on them, their season is short lived. However, what is in abundance in the water in September, and the following month, is small fish fry and it isn't unusual to see trout 'bow waving' through the water and crashing into these shoals and gorging on them.
If there is ever a pattern that does exceptionally well during the fry season it's the famous Cats Whisker. Although it fishes well all year round, the fly seems to really come into it's own during the cold months with thumping, solid takes to it.
Invented in the 1980's by David Train, this fly rapidly established itself as a stillwater trout pattern. It can be fished on sinking and floating lines, and at many different retrieves and still proves effective. There have been many, many variations of the original pattern created, some very successful and some not! The original pattern tied by David also utilised some whiskers off his cat (hence its name) tied in at the base of the tail of the fly to prevent the marabou from wrapping around the hook. We do not support you pulling whiskers out of your cat to do this!!! 😆😆 Other than the classic pattern, the variation I have had most success with is the fritz version, where the added sparkle and movement adds that certain something to the fly.
Dressing
The Cats Whisker is an easy fly to tye and has a very simple dressing. The original is listed here with the amendments required to tye the fritz variation
Hook - Long Shank 8 - 12
Thread - Black
Tail - White Marabou
Body - Fl. Green Chenille (or Fl. Green Fritz)
Rib - The original was unribbed but an oval silver tinsel rib can be added
Wing - White Marabou
Eyes - Bead Chain Eyes or Goldbead
The variations on this fly are infinite and are only limited by your own imagination so go ahead, and have fun!!
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