Partridge & Orange

One of the oldest and most trusted wet flies in existence, the Partridge & Orange has been fooling trout for centuries and continues to earn its place in modern fly boxes. This classic soft hackle features a copper/orange dubbed body with gold ribbing, a yellow feather wing, and speckled partridge hackle with a dark tipped wing on top, giving the Partridge & Orange an irresistible combination of movement and natural colour.

When to Use:

Best Time of Year: Spring through early summer during caddis and mayfly hatches, and again in September and October. Particularly effective on overcast, rainy days when fish are active near the surface.

Imitates: Emerging caddis pupae, soft-bodied mayfly nymphs, and drowned adult insects. The speckled partridge hackle perfectly replicates the legs and gills of a struggling aquatic insect.

Target Fish: Brown and rainbow trout in rivers across BC and Ontario. Excellent for brook trout in smaller Canadian streams. Also a proven producer for Atlantic salmon in eastern rivers when fished on the swing. Sea-run cutthroat in coastal BC will readily take this pattern near estuary zones.

Pro Tip: Fish it across and downstream on a tight line swing, or try a leisurely hand-twist retrieve just below the surface in stillwater. On rivers, target the soft water just off the main current seam where fish hold and intercept drifting food.