{{+1}}Corixia / back swimmer{{-1}}
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Whilst there are over 5000 different species of aquatic bugs Australia only two are of significance to the fly fisherman.
The family Corixidae or Water Boatman come in a variety of shapes but all generally consist of a body between 5 and 10 mm in length. They have two sets of wings with the font wings presenting almost as legs and the rear wings often trailing behind almost as rudders and the body is a relatively flat beetle shape (3 :1). The insect is a free swimming but seldom moves far from cover. They inhabit sluggish streams and still water and they are generally dark in colour. They are air breathers and swim to the surface from time to time and trap an air bubble which they hold under their abdomen.
The second aquatic bug of interest to fly fishers is the Back-swimmers or the family Notonectidae. Their general shape and habits are similar to the Corixidae family and they are not generally distinguished between when it comes to representing them with an artificial fly. Having said that they are a little slimmer and their colours are a little more varied ranging from shades of olive, through to dark khaki and brown.
Given the similarity of form and function both of these aquatic bugs can be represented by the following fly. This fly is best fished on a floating line that has been greased to within a meter of the fly or under a dry fly. It generally works well just sinking in the water column or moving naturally with the water current. If unnoticed try a couple of short figure of eight strips punctuated by a long pause to represent the natural swimming action of both bugs or a gentle lift to mimic "the natural" rising to the surface to breath.
Materials
Hook | Thread | Weight | Body | Back | Air sack | Wings |
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12 to 14 Tiemco 3769 | Olive cotton and then olive 6/0 thread | .010 lead wire | Peacock herl | Olive scud back | Z-Lon or antron dubbing | Turkey biots |
Process
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F |
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