Small dry

Willow Grub

NZ willow-grub specialist dry

TroutSurface

A tiny pale grub imitation for the late-summer willow-grub fall, when sawfly larvae drop from willow leaves and trout become maddeningly selective on the small pale speck in the film.

Fish this when

Midday sun on willow-lined runs in late summer and autumn, when fish sip steadily with no obvious hatch and refuse everything larger. A long, fine leader is essential.

Why it works

When trout lock onto the grub, only an exact small, pale, low-riding imitation will do — size and a drag-free drift matter more than dressing. Solving the willow grub is one of NZ fly fishing's classic puzzles.

Naturals it imitates