Ide (Orfe) & Ants

With the coming of spring, water temperature is rising and fish become more active. A fish that deserves special attention during the spring months is the ide (orfe) (Leuciscus idus). Often this fish is mistaken by the not so skilled fishermen with their relative, the chub (Leusciscus cephalus) with which they divide their habitat. After the spawning season, the orfe prefers the backwaters. These are quite rich in species but not easy to fish. Fly fishing has a clear advantage compared to the ground- and spin fishing.

At the end of winter, this fish gathers in large swarms that move to their spawning grounds in the spring. In order for the fish to become active, the water temperature must rise to at least 7-8 ° C. The ide can be outwitted with the fly from early spring to the late autumn days. In the first weeks of spring, when the water is still very cold, you can catch ide with the nymph, but when the water gets a little warmer, the fish hunt just below the water surface. This makes the orfe an ideal candidate for the dry fly. They hunt mostly in small groups (2-3 specimen), however, capital fish are loners.

Among the most successful dry fly patterns are insects (terrestrials). I achieved good results with ant patterns as well as with foam hawthorn flies. Under the water surface, ide can be easily caught with small black spiders, butcher fly or small baitfish patterns. I tie the ants on dry fly hook size 14-16.

The fish are very spooky and the accurate presentation of the fly is urgently needed. After a spoiled cast, there is usually no second chance. It is best to place the fly gently on the water surface with a parachute cast about 0.5-1 m in front of the fish. Compared to his relative, the chub, who looks at the fly from all sides before it can decide to take it or not, ide is much more determined.

With a floating WF line, you are well equipped. The leaders I use usually have a length of 12-14 feet. The connection to the approx. 0.5 m long, 6X or 5X fluorocarbon tippet is made by a Pitzinger ring (small metal ring). Length and rod class should depend on the type of water you are fishing, but don't go over 5wt.

Abdomen and head of the small ants are made of two drops of hot glue, black rooster hackles and a white CDC tag for a better view. In one of the following posts, I'll present a step-by-step tying tutorial of this ant pattern.
I'd like to hear about your experience with this fish on the fly. What is your favorite fly pattern?