Daddy long legs, also known as crane flies, are a common sight, especially in damp autumn conditions. These insects, with their distinctive long, spindly legs and delicate wings, are not always considered the most graceful creatures. However, for fly fishing enthusiasts, they represent a significant opportunity, particularly when trout are feeding aggressively. But a common question arises: Do Daddy Long Legs Fly? Understanding the flight capabilities of these insects is key to effectively using them as bait.
Daddy long legs are indeed capable of flight. As crane flies, they possess wings that enable them to take to the air. Characterized by their six very long, dangling legs, slender bodies, and clear wings, adult daddy long legs emerge in hatches, especially during humid conditions. Sizes can vary, with body lengths ranging from about 1cm to 3cm.
Weather plays a crucial role in the activity of daddy long legs, and consequently, in fishing with daddy long legs imitations. Damp, cool mornings that give way to some sunshine are particularly favorable. The ground warmth encourages larvae to hatch, leading to increased crane fly activity. Wind is also a significant factor. Daddy long legs are often found around grassy banks and fields, and their flight is not particularly strong or controlled. Windy conditions frequently blow them onto the water’s surface. Their large size means they often become stranded and highly visible as they drift, much like tumbleweed, making them an easy and tempting target for trout.
Because of their size and somewhat clumsy flight, daddy long legs often end up struggling on the water’s surface. Trout are well aware of this and rarely hesitate to strike. When fishing with daddy long legs fly patterns, anglers often experience splashy takes. Interestingly, due to the fly’s bulk, trout will sometimes attempt to drown the daddy long legs before consuming it, which can lead to missed strikes if you’re too quick to pull the line.
When daddy long legs are prevalent on the water, fishing can be incredibly exciting. A 10ft 7# rod is generally suitable for this type of fishing. Given the aggressive takes and the size of trout that might be tempted, a strong tippet is advisable, around 6lb fluorocarbon or similar strength copolymer. A robust tippet is not only important for landing fish but also provides enough stiffness to prevent large daddy long legs flies from spinning during casting. Spinning can be a common issue with larger flies, and a thicker tippet helps to mitigate this.
Experimenting with different daddy long legs patterns can enhance your success. Many anglers find it convenient to purchase pre-made flies due to the relatively short daddy long legs season. Fulling Mill’s Daddy Longlegs range offers a variety of options. Popular choices include Orange and Natural Real Foam Daddies, often fished on a floating line, sometimes with a hopper pattern as a dropper.
Real Daddy Foam Orange | Real Daddy Foam Natural
Fishing with a team of daddy long legs flies is straightforward. Cast your line, allow the flies to settle on the surface for about 10 to 15 seconds, and then begin your retrieve. The preferred retrieve style can vary; on some days, trout may prefer a static fly, while on others, they might respond better to a skating action retrieve. Experimentation on the day is key to determining what works best. Static presentations often result in dramatic takes, with fish leaping from the water in an attempt to drown the fly. Even when retrieving, the disturbance created by the fly can provoke aggressive follows and strikes, often marked by impressive bow waves.
The large size of daddy long legs flies and the ‘pulling’ retrieve style often appeal to stocked trout. As the original author and a fishing companion experienced at Llandegfedd reservoir, both natural and orange colored daddy patterns, retrieved quickly across the surface in open water, can yield outstanding results. Autumn is definitely the prime time to take advantage of the daddy long legs fall and the exciting fishing opportunities they present.
