Description
The G.H. Rickard Fly is a type of wet fly or attractor pattern, designed to be fished subsurface. It's often used to imitate larger aquatic insects, but its bright colors and hackle are more about attracting a fish's attention and provoking a strike rather than mimicking a specific insect.
Best Suited For:
This is an excellent multi-species fly, with a strong reputation for catching trout (especially brown and rainbow trout), perch, and char. Its unique appearance and action make it a great option for fish that are not actively feeding on a specific food source.
Best Time to Fish:
This fly can be fished successfully all year round, but it's particularly effective during the spring, summer, and fall. It can be fished at any time of day, but it’s often a top choice in the mornings or evenings when fish are actively feeding. It’s also a great fly to use on a cloudy or overcast day, as the dark body and bright head can stand out well in lower light.
Water Type:
The G.H. Rickard Fly is primarily a freshwater fly. It's a go-to pattern for rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. While it's not a typical saltwater fly, it could be used for certain coastal species.
Where to Fish:
This fly is highly effective in almost any freshwater environment. It's excellent in rivers and streams when fished to imitate a nymph or a leech drifting in the current. In lakes and ponds, it's great for fishing around weed beds, submerged structures, or drop-offs where fish hide and ambush their prey.
Other Value:
Retrieval: The fly can be fished with a variety of retrieves, from a slow, steady retrieve that imitates a swimming leech to short, erratic strips that make it look like a fleeing minnow. You can also let it drift naturally in the current like a dead insect.
Attractor Pattern: The combination of colors and materials makes this a strong attractor fly, meaning it's designed to trigger a bite from a curious or aggressive fish.