Rodents

Rodents are terrestrial mammals often found near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and streams, where they forage for food or construct nests. Common species like mice, voles, and rats occasionally venture into the water, either by accident or while swimming. For fly anglers, these small mammals present a unique opportunity, as large trout and predatory fish like bass and pike will aggressively strike at rodent imitations, especially at night or in low-light conditions when rodents are most active.

Rodents, when in the water, are typically 2 to 4 inches in length, not including the tail. Their coloration can range from brown to gray or black. Fly patterns like mouse imitations are tied on hook sizes 2 to 6, with articulated patterns offering increased realism. Fish these flies on the surface with a "wake and pause" retrieve, focusing on low-light periods. Night fishing with rodent patterns can be particularly effective for targeting large, predatory fish in calm pools or along slow-moving currents.