# **How to Choose Loch Fishing Flies: 18 Wet Flies, Kate McClaren & Dabblers, Size 10/12**
Fishing enthusiasts know that selecting the right fly can make the difference between a successful day on the water and going home empty-handed. When it comes to loch fishing, wet flies are among the most effective choices, particularly patterns like the **Kate McClaren** and **Dabblers** in sizes **10/12**. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best loch fishing flies, focusing on 18 essential wet fly patterns, their applications, and why **KyleBooker’s premium flies** should be in every angler’s tackle box.
## **Understanding Loch Fishing Flies**
Loch fishing, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, often involves targeting species like **brown trout, sea trout, and salmon**. Wet flies are designed to sink below the surface, mimicking drowned insects, small baitfish, or emerging nymphs. Unlike dry flies, which float, wet flies are retrieved in a way that imitates natural movement, making them irresistible to fish.
### **Key Factors When Choosing Loch Flies**
1. **Fly Pattern & Imitation** – The best wet flies imitate local prey. Classic patterns like the **Kate McClaren** (a traditional Scottish fly) and **Dabblers** (excellent for attracting trout) are proven performers.
2. **Size Matters** – Sizes **10/12** are versatile, suitable for both stillwaters and rivers. Larger flies attract aggressive fish, while smaller ones work well in clear water.
3. **Color & Contrast** – Bright colors (orange, yellow, and red) work well in murky water, while natural tones (brown, olive, and black) excel in clear conditions.
4. **Hook Quality** – **KyleBooker’s flies** feature **high-carbon steel hooks** for durability and sharp penetration, ensuring fewer lost fish.
## **18 Essential Wet Flies for Loch Fishing**
Here’s a selection of **18 must-have wet flies** for loch fishing, including classics and modern variations:
1. **Kate McClaren** – A legendary Scottish pattern with red and yellow highlights, deadly for trout.
2. **Dabbler (Various Colors)** – A top choice for loch-style fishing, often tied with mallard or teal feathers.
3. **Peter Ross** – A silver-bodied fly with red tail, great for deeper water.
4. **Black Pennell** – A simple yet effective pattern, especially in darker conditions.
5. **Dunkeld** – Features golden pheasant tippets, excellent for salmon and sea trout.
6. **Zulu** – Black body with red tag and hackle, a reliable all-rounder.
7. **Claret Bumble** – A bushy, buoyant fly that works well in choppy water.
8. **Silver Invicta** – A flashy pattern that imitates small fish.
9. **Butcher** – A classic with a blue and silver body, perfect for trout.
10. **Mallard & Claret** – A traditional Scottish fly with subtle movement.
11. **Soldier Palmer** – Red and palmered hackle for high visibility.
12. **Greenwell’s Glory** – A subdued yet effective pattern in clear water.
13. **Teal Blue & Silver** – A great attractor for sea trout.
14. **March Brown** – Mimics natural insects, ideal for early season.
15. **Woodcock & Hare’s Ear** – A soft-hackle fly with excellent movement.
16. **Gosling** – A modern variant with mallard wings, great for stillwaters.
17. **Fiery Brown** – A fiery hackle pattern that triggers aggressive takes.
18. **Bloody Butcher** – A bright red fly for murky water conditions.
## **Why Choose KyleBooker’s Loch Fishing Flies?**
At **KyleBooker**, we craft our **wet flies with precision**, using premium materials to ensure durability and lifelike action. Our **Kate McClaren and Dabbler patterns in sizes 10/12** are hand-tied by expert fly tiers, ensuring consistent quality. Whether you’re fishing stillwaters or rivers, our flies are designed to **maximize your catch rate**.
### **Final Tips for Success**
– **Vary your retrieve speed** – Slow pulls work in cold water, while faster strips trigger aggressive fish.
– **Match the hatch** – Observe insect activity and choose flies accordingly.
– **Carry multiple patterns** – Having a selection of **KyleBooker’s 18 wet flies** ensures you’re prepared for any condition.
By selecting the right **loch fishing flies** and using high-quality patterns like those from **KyleBooker**, you’ll increase your chances of landing more fish. Whether you prefer the timeless **Kate McClaren** or the versatile **Dabbler**, having the right flies in sizes **10/12** will give you the edge on the water.
**Tight lines and happy fishing!**
