Fly fishing for rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) can be an exciting and rewarding experience, as these hard-fighting fish are known for their aggressive takes and acrobatic fights. Here’s a guide to help you target rudd effectively with a fly rod:

1. Understanding Rudd Behavior

Rudd are surface-feeding fish, especially in warmer months, making them ideal for dry fly fishing.
They are often found in stillwaters (lakes, ponds, canals) and slow-moving rivers, usually near vegetation or overhanging trees.
They feed on insects, small crustaceans, and even plant matter, but are particularly fond of surface prey like mayflies, damselflies, and terrestrials (ants, beetles).

2. Best Flies for Rudd

Rudd respond well to bright, flashy, or bushy flies that imitate their natural prey. Some effective patterns include:

Dry Flies:
Black Gnat (size 12-16)
CDC Emerger (pale yellow or olive)
Foam Beetle/Ant (great for summer)
Stimulator (imitates larger insects)

Wet Flies/Nymphs:
Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear (GRHE) (size 12-14)
Pheasant Tail Nymph
Damselfly Nymph (if fishing near weed beds)

Streamers (for larger rudd):
Small Woolly Bugger (olive or black)
Zonker (sparkly patterns work well)

3. Tackle & Setup

Rod: A 3-5 weight fly rod (8-9 ft) is ideal for delicate presentations.
Line: Floating line works best for surface feeding; a slow-sinking line can help if they’re deeper.
Leader/Tippet: A 9-12 ft tapered leader (4X-6X) for subtle presentations.
Retrieve: Rudd often prefer a slow, twitchy retrieve—let the fly sit, then give small pulls.

4. Best Times & Locations

Early morning & late evening are prime times when rudd feed aggressively on the surface.
Look for them near lily pads, reed beds, or overhanging trees where insects fall into the water.
In summer, they often cruise just below the surface; in cooler months, they may go deeper.

5. Presentation Tips

Stealth is key—rudd can be spooky, so approach carefully and avoid heavy casts.
Target rising fish—if you see swirls or dimples, cast just ahead of the movement.
Use a "figure-8" retrieve for wet flies to mimic struggling insects.

6. Fighting & Landing Rudd

Rudd fight hard and often jump—keep a loose drag to avoid breaking the tippet.
Use a soft-mesh net to avoid damaging their delicate scales.

Final Tip
If rudd are refusing flies, try downsizing your tippet or switching to a more natural-colored pattern. Sometimes a tiny spider fly or midge pattern can tempt finicky fish.
Would you like recommendations for specific waters or seasonal variations? Tight lines! 🎣