Kapok Corixa

Whilst corixa are available to trout the year round, August sees this aquatic “beetle” take to the wing and migrate to nearby waters for repopulation purposes.  Naturally, Corixa arriving at a water following a long flight are tired and therefore struggle to penetrate an oily surface film, before paddling to the safety of the lakebed.  Consequently, they’re often marooned at the surface, whilst waiting to regain their strength.  Obviously now, lethargic corixa are easy pickings for resident trout, which cruise around sipping down bedraggled naturals.

As airborne corixa are difficult to spot, you’re best keeping an eye out in the margins during August.  The first you’ll know of it, is trout rising to seemingly nothing, even on the warmest of days, when other insects are reluctant to face out, it’s strange watching trout dimple at the surface.  If you see an odd adult washed up on the windward bank then this foam backed imitation is all you’ll need.

Tying List

Hook: Kamasan B-170 size 14 
Thread: Semperfli 12/0 primrose classic waxed
Shellback: 3-4mm strip of dark brown foam
Body: Semperfli cream kapok dubbing
Paddles: Cock pheasant tail fibres (one either side)
Head: Semperfli yellow ice-dub on Semperfli 12/0 fl red waxed thread

Fishing Tips

As you’ll often be targeting moving fish a single fly is recommended.  This should be presented on a 12ft Wychwood 12ft/6lb ghost mode leader with an extra 2-3ft tippet of Wychwood 5.5lb silk mode.  You’re best positioned on the windward (downwind) bank as your imitation will drift back to you naturally now and appear more convincing.  In more blustery conditions, seek out a cross-wind, as this will still provide a degree of natural drift, yet is less taxing when it comes to casting.
 
If you go afloat, it can be worth fishing a brace of flies some 4ft apart, as the wind on your back helps massively help during casting.  It’s wise to cover the water using fan casts and only leave your flies on the surface for 10-12 seconds before lifting to present elsewhere.  It goes without saying, if you see a rise form, get on it in double quick time.
 
Incorporating kapok dubbing and foam this pattern is extremely buoyant, so needs no extra floatant application.  In fact, as the naturals sit quite low in the film, it can be worth giving the fly a gentle squeeze beforehand to expel trapped air, so it rides a fraction lower.  Generally, a static fly works best.  However, the occasional tweak doesn’t hurt as often the naturals themselves ‘kick’ at the surface as they attempt to break through the film.