Sloane Gum Beetle
The Sloane Gum Beetle is an iconic dry fly pattern that has earned its place in the Tasmanian angler’s fly box. Designed to mimic the summertime hatches of Chrysomelidae, or gum beetles, this pattern is particularly effective on warm, breezy days when these bright pea-sized beetles find their way onto the water. Trout cruising near the surface eagerly rise to feed on these hapless insects, making the Sloane Gum Beetle an exciting choice for sight fishing. Its foam body ensures high floatation, and its realistic colouring helps to add to its appeal.
$4.40 each
Dry
LakeSpecies
brown trout
rainbow troutWater Types
StillwaterFly Uses
More fly information...
Originally conceived by Tony Sloane in the early 1970s, this fly is steeped in history, with its design continually refined by both Tony and his son, Rob. Perfect for the timber-shored lakes of Tasmania’s Bronte system, the Sloane Gum Beetle is as much a tool for unlocking the secrets of finicky feeders as it is a tribute to the experimental spirit of its creators. For anglers seeking a rewarding challenge, this pattern shines brightest on those days when trout appear fussy, seemingly ignoring naturals until the right presentation cracks the riddle.
As the hackle becomes wet the fly floats more upright, so there is no need for floatant. The hackle can also be clipped to suit.
We recommend fishing this fly on 3X or 4X tippet.
It is tied on a barbless dry fly hook.
Locations to use this fly...
Related FlyLife Articles
Western Lakes Fundamentals
For the uninitiated, Tasmania’s Western Lakes can be a hard and soul-destroying place to catch a trout. So when my nephew Billy-Mo Rist asked me to take him and a couple of his mates into the region,…
Heart of the Western Lakes
The Western Lakes — long revered by trout fishing connoisseurs — can be broadly defined as the area extending west from Great Lake to the tiers overlooking Lake St Clair and the Mersey valley,…
Sloane Gum Beetle
Not unsurprisingly considering their abundance, trout really like beetles, and in Tasmania it is the Chrysomelidae or ‘leaf beetles’ that stand out. For here we find the humble gum beetle (FL#2…
No-Hatch Options
As I emerged from my dew-covered tent on the northern shore of Tin Hut Lake, I was greeted with a cloudless day and virtually no wind. I called out to Jayden Donohue, who was still hastily getting…
Nerova Foam Beetle
Each season is different and this one is no exception. Early on, a combination of weather patterns conspired to produce widespread flooding throughout much of South East Australia. Then the following…
Out West
It’s 2:30 in the morning and my wake-up alarm has finally sounded. On days like this I need an alarm about as much as a fish needs a bicycle — I’ve already been awake for hours. I jump out of bed…