Start with Cat S Whisker (12-14) on a slow figure-of-eight retrieve. If that does not produce, switch depth or speed before changing the pattern entirely. When no hatch is visible, a buzzer team — black stripped quill on the point, attractor or pearl-rib on the top dropper — is the default starting point on any UK stillwater.

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.