Start with Hare's Ear Nymph (12–16) on a slow figure-of-eight retrieve. Rainbows respond to more active retrieves — try short strips between pauses. If that does not produce, switch depth or speed before changing the pattern entirely.

A fry-imitating pattern stripped through the margins can save a blank in autumn.

Keep an eye on changing conditions — wind shifts and cloud breaks can trigger short feeding spells.

Good ripple suits both bank and boat. Bank: work inflows, dam walls, and points. Boat: broadside drift covering wind lanes.