Knowing which fly patterns to start with can make a day on the water much more productive. Here are 5 of my go-to patterns for the fall months.
1. Eggs- Through out the fall months, our streams are full of eggs while the trout are busy spawning. Eggs are full of protein and readily available to trout looking for an easy meal. Try a variety of colors such as orange, pink or cream.
2. Blue Winged Olives- In size 22 they sure are small and can be hard to see on the water, but trout are eager to eat BWOs when they are around. Having a few of these small flies and a spool of 6x can be important.
3. Parachute Adams- It’s a classic fly pattern that works well during the fall to represent an Isonychia in sizes such as 12-14. Use it to fool rising fish in the evening, or search with it as a general attractor as part of a dry-dropper rig.
4. Caddis- Another common bug that can be found on the water during the fall months. Tan or Gray Caddis ranging in sizes 16-20 are your best bet, but having a few larger October Caddis may also come in handy.
5. Soft Hackles- The water in the fall is usually lower than in the spring, and since flows are down having a fly with a little movement could help entice a trout. Carry sizes ranging from 12-20 in patterns such as peacock, pheasant tail, olive, or tan.
Beautiful weather and trout eager to eat before winter arrives make the fall months a great time of year to be on the water. Make sure to have a box full of these proven patterns for your next day on the water this fall. Tight lines!