Freshwater Trout & Hatches

How do I match the hatch when trout are rising?

Identify what's hatching: catch a fly off the water surface, note its size, color, and silhouette. Tie on the closest match in your fly box (size first, then silhouette, then color). Cast upstream of rising fish with drag-free drift. Watch the take — adjust if trout are taking emergers (just below surface) versus duns (on surface).