Watch before guessing
Visible behavior points to one box section.
Begin with the simplest useful clue. You do not need to identify the insect before choosing where to start.
| What you notice | Begin in | Next physical action |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated rises or insects taken on top | Surface | Open the Surface decision card. |
| Bulges, backs, fins, or movement just below the surface | Film | Open the Film decision card. |
| Flashes below the surface or no clear surface activity | Subsurface | Open the Subsurface decision card. Nymph, wet-fly, and streamer choices remain inside this section. |
Learn more when useful
Extra observation can refine the fly after you have a starting section.
Optional ways to look more closely
- Compare the size and general shape of insects on the surface.
- Watch where and how often the same rise repeats.
- Look at streamside vegetation and spider webs for recent adults.
- Inspect a submerged rock only where doing so is safe, legal, and does not damage habitat.
Use these clues to refine size, then shape, then color. They are not required before you can begin.
Observation discipline
Write the clue before writing the conclusion.
“Three rises in the same smooth edge lane.”
Specific, repeatable, and useful.
“They are eating mayflies.”
Possible, but not yet proven. Begin with the visible water-column behavior.
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