Sea trout are often selective about which artificial flies they will accept. This list of six traditional Scottish patterns should increase your chances of a decent catch. Try using them in different sizes, with larger ones (6, 8 and 10s) when the water conditions are heavy and stained, and smaller ones (10, 12 and 14s) when the river is low and clear. Each of these patterns may be tied on traditional single or double hooks. They are also highly effective when attached to small tubes.

STOAT'S TAIL. The Stoat's Tail is probably the most effective sea trout pattern of them all. It may have a standard black body, or even better, a silver tinsel body, and it seems to benefit from the addition of jungle cock cheeks. The original, simple version is deadly, and its variations are even more so. Fish them with real confidence.

TEAL, BLUE AND SILVER. A traditional favourite, the Teal, Blue and Silver takes sea trout wherever it is used. It comes in many guises, from the conventional wet-fly dressing to the Medicine type of lure. The tinsel body and barred wing create the desired effect - sea trout chase it with gusto!

SILVER INVICTA. A real cracker, the tinsel bodied fly the Silver Invicta takes sea trout in both rivers and lochs. As soon as it gets dark, try it in larger sizes. If you are looking for a consistently successful fly, this is it.

ALEXANDRA. Yet another classic sea trout pattern with a tinsel body. The added advantage of red in the dressing also seems to help. It is no accident that many sea trout anglers have a good selection of the 'Alexandra' in their fly box.

DARK MACKEREL. Curiously, this fly is not all that widely used, which is strange, because it is a superb attractor of sea trout, especially in very clear water. Claret has always been a good colour for all trout, which may be something to do with the blood pigment haemoglobin in trout food items. But whatever the reason, the fact remains that the Dark Mackerel is a great fly and well worthy of a wet.

DUNKELD. Similarly to the 'Teal, Blue and Silver', sea trout also favour the Dunkeld. It is fascinating to note that such traditional flies have retained their popularity in the face of all the new patterns that have emerged in Scotland.