is bigger better?

As we all know, most bugs come in a span of sizes, even in the same species
and watershed. It's possible to find PMDs from smallish 14s down to 20s
for instance on the water at one time, although a couple different species
are involved.

Now, I have experienced several times when the trout would only ( or mostly
only :-) take the smaller examples on the water.

My question ... have you ever seen times when trout got selective to the
bigger examples of the same insect type when more than one size was
available?

FWIW, I ask because I'm wondering if it is even worth carrying the big end
of the spectrum .... would a trout eating size 14 callibaetis, by example,
almost certainly eat a 16 ( they span about 14 to 17 in my waters ) .... if
not vice versa .... thus making tying and carrying the 14s senseless?


I can think of many times I've tried to "force" a bigger pattern down their
throats, but I can't remember STARTING out trying smaller ones ..... human
nature at work .... anyway do you remember ever having to use the bigger
pattern within a given insects size range?