Large Dark Olive

Large Dark Olive imitation

Trout · GraylingSurface

The Large Dark Olive — Baetis rhodani — is the first major hatch of the chalk stream year and often the last. A dark olive-bodied dry with blue-dun hackle and upright wings, it is as much a part of spring chalk stream fishing as snowdrops and the smell of watercress.

Fish this when

Spring and autumn on chalk streams and spate rivers when LDO hatches are underway. The first good hatch of the year on most chalk streams — often from late February on mild days.

Why it works

When Baetis rhodani is hatching, trout lock onto its dark olive colour and upright wing profile. A well-tied LDO dry is the most direct answer to this hatch. Specific imitation outperforms searching patterns.

Naturals it imitates