The Damselfly:
The damselfly (suborder Zygoptera) is an insect that is often overlooked by fly fisherman. However, I’m going to prove to you that they are worthy of our attention. Many other anglers and I have had great success using damsel fly patterns to hook up with big trout.
Damselflies are a seasonal favorite in many waters all around the country. While they do not get the pop of mayflies, caddisflies, salmonflies or even midges, the damselfly is often an important food source for hungry trout especially in stillwater.
I myself am guilty of having ignored them for a long time. Of course, I have always fished damselfly nymphs but I have since learned that trout will gorge themselves on adults. Adults can be found buzzing around from late June throughout the summer. You are most likely to find them along the brushy shorelines of lakes. They are also common in the dead water sections of rivers and creeks.
But how do we identify them?
Identifying A Damselfly:
Just about everyone confuses adult damselflies for dragonflies. While both belong to the order Odonata, they exhibit noticeable differences. Once you know what characteristics to look for these differences become quite obvious.
Distinguishing between a damselfly and a dragonfly involves paying attention to key characteristics that set these two related insects apart. Damselflies are smaller and more delicate. They have slender bodies and most importantly their wings are held closely together parallel to their bodies when at rest. In contrast dragonflies are often larger and robust, featuring a sturdier build and broader wings that extend out horizontally when resting.
In addition to the wings their eyes are another distinguishing feature. Damselfly eyes are situated on either side of their head with separation between the two. Dragonfly eyes are typically larger and meet at the top of the head.
Coloration is another differentiating factor. Damselflies have very vibrant colors. Adult damselflies come in colors ranging from blue to red to olive.
Understanding these differences will allow you to discern between damselflies and dragonflies and help you select the appropriate pattern.
Next, I’ll run you through their lifecycle.
Lifecycle:
The damselfly lifecycle is a captivating journey that unfolds in and around aquatic environments. Beginning as eggs laid near or in water, damselflies hatch into nymphs.
The nymphs lead an active and carnivorous lifestyle, voraciously feeding on smaller aquatic organisms. They can be one to one and a half inches in length, have bead-like eyes, and three distinctive tail like gills. As they grow, damselfly nymphs undergo a series of molts (up to 12 in some cases) culminating in their emergence into adulthood.
Nymphs swim to the water’s edge before climbing onto vegetation, rocks, or debris (or even the side of your float tube) where the adult emerges from their nymphal shucks. At times this migration can very large with hundreds of nymphs moving toward shore over a short period of time. Commonly there will be at least a few (to quite a few) emerging at any time of the day.
Once they are secure above the waterline, the nymph will emerge from its shuck. At this point they are technically an adult but are referred to as a teneral. It might take an hour or more for teneral to fully mature.
Tenerals are normally less colorful and aren’t very good fliers. They are often blown from where they are resting into the water. Where they are quickly gobbled up. During their brief but active adult phase, damselflies will focus on mating and laying eggs. This process then repeats.
Fly Fishing Damselfly Patterns and Tactics:
Now let’s talk about actually tricking wily trout into your landing net. Damsels come in two varieties:
Damselfly Nymphs:
You are likely already familiar with the damselfly nymph. In lakes and slow rivers, this nymph holds a significant position as a crucial food source. They are plentiful around weeds in standing or slow-moving water.
In Idaho, where I live, I generally use nymph patterns mostly when fishing mountain lakes and reservoirs. When fishing a damselfly nymph pattern, it is essential that you mimic their natural movement. Employing a hand-twist retrieve mimics the active nymph and usually does the trick. For those who are more patient, I have also had a lot of luck letting the fly rest with occasional light tugs. This technique will more closely mimic the nymph at rest.
If you are ever in the Boise area support a local business and stock up at one of the local fly shops.
Next let’s look at fishing with adult patterns.
Damselfly Adults:
Fly fishing with adult Damselfly patterns is overlooked by many fly fisherman I talk with. But they are a truly exciting pattern to fish with. I have gotten some epic explosive strikes on these and let’s face it what’s better than a big trout hitting a big dry fly?
I have found the fishing is best during the heat of the day (mid-morning to mid-afternoon). You will see damsels start appearing toward the end of June throughout the summer.
Electric blue is the color Damsels are most known for and from my experience is the most common color I see. I recommend carrying multiple. I have also seen them in different colors like red and green so throw a few of these in your box as well.
Damselfly Tactics:
You can fish Damselflies like any other dry. I love Damsels because they allow me to fish using my favorite method. Sight fishing for big cruising trout. Another plus is that beautiful sunny days are great days to fish Damsels. Flat calm water or water with a slight riffle is ideal.
When you spot a cruising trout cast your fly 10 or 12 feet ahead of where you think the fish is heading. With large flies on still water, if you drop your fly much closer you could spook the fish. If the trout notices your fly but needs some further enticement give your fly a slight twitch. This usually does the trick so be ready for the explosion.
Next let’s look at the gear you will need.
Gear:
A hat with a set of good polarized sunglasses is always essential for sight fishing. If you are fishing an easily accessible lake (or if you are like me an inaccessible lake) a float tube is a nice tool to have for damselfly fishing.
As far rod and reel go, I like a 4 or 5 weight outfit with weight forward floating line. Remember an adult damsel dry fly isn’t very aerodynamic so if try to use a fine leader and tippet you are not going to be able to turn the fly over and your presentation will suffer. A nine- or twelve-foot leader tapered to 4X is ideal.
Don’t Forget Damselflies:
In conclusion, the world of damselfly fishing is a dynamic and rewarding pursuit for fly anglers looking to step up their trout-catching repertoire. Despite their understated presence in comparison to other aquatic insects, damselflies are a vital element to many a trout’s diet. From the nymph stage to the visually striking adult. These insects provide an engaging experience for both the angler and the trout.
Understanding the nuances of their lifecycle, employing effective imitations, and using the tactics I outlined will help you find success. Whether you are enticing strikes with a carefully executed nymph presentation or skillfully placing an adult damselfly in the path of a cruising trout, your ability to mimic these insects is key.
So, as you prepare your fly box for your next still/slow water adventure, be sure to include a few damselfly imitations. These beautiful bugs are never far from the water’s edge and warrant a permanent place in your fly box.
Tight lines and happy angling!
-Alpine Angler