Although trout may be caught throughout the year, few months offer as much action for anglers as those preceding the harsh blast of winter. During this time of year all species of trout start to act more aggressive. The brown trout begin staging to spawn, and the rainbow and cutthroat trout begin fattening up in order to survive the winter season. While fishing this special time of the year, I have discovered 5 flies that always seem to produce. These flies include the Foam Beetle, the Royal Wulff, the Elk Hair Caddis, the Bead Head Pheasant Tail, and the Hare’s Ear Nymph.

The Foam Beetle has probably been the most productive dry fly I’ve used during the fall season. During this time of year, fish are less picky. They tend to look for more general fly patterns that imitate a wide variety of insects. The foam beetle fits the bill perfectly. With its visibly segmented body, and iridescent peacock underbelly, the foam beetle can imitate a wide variety of insects. It can be a beetle, a carpenter ant, or even a cricket if tied on a larger hook. The fact that its body is largely made up of foam also gives you the option of using it as a strike indicator for your favorite nymph patterns.

Royal Wulff

The Royal Wulff is probably THE most well known dry fly on the market today. It has been around for decades and is always a great producer during the fall. It, like the beetle, imitates a wide variety of insects. No matter where you fish, the Royal Wulff will likely be a welcome addition to your fly box. Frequently you may see many different insects hatching off all at once. This is where the Royal Wulff really comes in handy. Instead of trying to find which specific insect the trout are feeding on, tie on the Royal Wulff and cover all your bases.

One of the most abundant hatches throughout the fly fishing season is the caddis fly. From the tiny Micro caddis hatches of the early summer to the giant October Caddis, the elk hair caddis has you covered. The elk hair wing offers superb floatability without sacrificing life-like action. The elk hair actually enhances the action fish desire. When fishing the Elk Hair Caddis, cast up stream as usual but instead of recasting immediately after the fly drifts back to you, let the fly drift past you and down stream. As it flows past, lift your rod and shake it erratically. This causes the caddis to jump and bounce across the surface just like the natural caddis does as it lays eggs. And then brace yourself for some furious strikes!

BH Pheasant Tail / BH Hare’s Ear

Although dry fly fishing is fun, sometimes the fish just don’t cooperate. That is when nymph patterns can really turn dead days into producers. I’ve found that these two nymphs will imitate just about every insect found in the river. The Pheasant Tail in its smaller sizes is a terrific mayfly/midge imitation, while in its larger sizes (#10 and #8) it can imitate a stonefly. The Hare’s Ear Nymph fulfills a similar role but the fatter, lighter colored body gives it the added adaptation of imitating a caddis larva as well as a scud.

BH Crystal Bugger

Ok, so I lied. I’ve actually chosen 6 favorite patterns instead of 5. No fly box can be complete without a few streamer patterns, especially the Bead Head Crystal Bugger. This is by far the most common streamer pattern. In still water situations it is a great imitation of Dragon/Damsel fly nymphs. In rivers it is equally effective. Darker colors such as black and olive allow it to imitate leaches, hellgrammites, and even small baitfish. Just before and after spawning, brown trout instinctively guard their redds and chase any small intruder out of their territory. During the fall, take advantage of the Crystal Bugger to elicit some fierce strikes from the territorial brown trout.

If you haven’t used them yet, give these flies a try this fall. I’m sure you’ll be impressed!

Tight lines!

Cody Kempton