The Willow Grub

When fishing for trout fixated on willow grubs the angler needs to be persistent, the 6th cast at a fish, which seems no different to the previous dozen or so may produce a fish ! The wee red blisters on willow leaves which contain the developing larvae of saw flies which are generally known as willow grubs start to appear early on in the summer months with fish really keying in on them at the height of the summer as they drop from the leaves onto the surface of our willow lined rivers and streams here in New Zealand.

another victim who fell for the sunken willow grub

My wee weighted willow grub lands with a”plop’ getting the attention of fish feeding hard out on grubs.

Jeff with a nice brownie on my sinking willow grub pattern mid summer.

These wee terrestrials are an important food source for trout and are plentiful over the months of December through to February. Time passes quickly when fly-fishing for trout feeding on willow grubs, because you can see your quarry; they usually aren’t as spooky, and their noses break through the surface regularly as they suck in the tiny wee yellow delicacies ! I’ve spent many hours being tormented by these fish but its all worth while when you get a take ! I usually fish a #14 Hi-Viz Parachute style dry with a 10cm 5X dropper to a grub pattern. I use both a floating style grub and sunken version with the latter taking more fish so far this season. The weighted version drops with a”plop”and seems to grab the attention of fish that are feeding hard out on grubs.

A fantastic material for the sinking willow grub