A fluorocarbon leader of 8-10lb breaking strain is our go-to choice for fishing the washing line. Continuing on from September, trout will be primarily targeting baitfish/fry as it provides them with a rich protein-based diet. 1. Focusing on Fry Feeding Fish Continuing on from September, trout will be primarily targeting baitfish/fry as it provides them with a rich protein-based diet. If the wind is strong, the normal thing to do is swap the unweighted fly for a weighted one, but I often just shorten the leader to aid turnover. B Smo’s X-Leg Mini Leech Black Sizes: 12 ACDPBS1012. The blob is very popular and an exceptionally versatile pattern and is as deadly fished slowly or even static during cold weather as it is stripped fast during the warmer months. When fishing over weed beds or in the margins a “washing line” set up can be effective. Depending on the profile of the fly, we recommend using a 10-12lb breaking strain fluorocarbon leader. Small imitative dry flies need to be fished on fine tippets, I tend to drop down to Fulling Mill Copolymer in 3-5lb breaking strains and use a tapered leader to ensure perfect turnover. Best fished on an intermediate or sinking line with a stop-start-strip retrieve. Sign up to receive email alerts when new blog posts are published. Woolly Bugger. For us anglers in the Seattle/Everett area of Washington, fly fishing opportunities peak for many different species. Orange foam Daddy. (Sizes 4-8) If crayfish are present, you can bet that some of the bigger … Get in touch with our sales team on01786 430400, Read the Best Fly Rods For Under £150 – 2021 article, Best Spring Trout Flies & How To Fish Them, Read the Best Spring Trout Flies & How To Fish Them article, Top 5 Baits For Rainbow Trout and How To Fish Them, Read the Top 5 Baits For Rainbow Trout and How To Fish Them article, What are the Best Lures for Trout? Originally a damsel imitation, it also entices trout that are hell bent on targeting caddis and believe it or not, baitfish! The beauty of a zonker is that it can be fished slowly and still give lots of movement, which is why it has the edge for me during cold days when the fish are less likely to want to chase a lure. In this article, we will be going through our go-to fly choices, how to fish them and how to locate fry feeders. Premium fishing flies tied or sourced by pro UK fly fishing guides. Creating a surface disturbance with a few fast short pulls to make the floating fly splash or pop across the surface, can trigger a response. I like a bead head style as it will quickly reach the depth required, particularly if you are fishing one on the point of a team of nymphs or under an indicator. Top tip: Try to identify the species of fry. You can opt out of this at any time or view our full privacy policy for more information. Here is a look at some of the popular October fly fishing options and some ideas for places to go wet a line. – 2021. I carry the 4 legged version which I tend to fish slowly on a floating or intermediate line and long leader of 5lb Fulling Mill Fluorocarbon. Just because it is winter does not mean that there is no chance of dry-fly sport! The sunburst is very effective fished with various retrieves, particularly a steady figure of eight. The best colours for this type is certainly olive and amber. All these areas provide sanctuary and cover for fry. Larger flies require a stiff fluorocarbon leader, this helps turn them over and provide a better presentation. Here are our 15 best winter trout flies and some of our best tips on how to fly fish for trout in the winter. Top 10 Permit Flies from Peter McLeod! A standard black zonker is a great pattern when the fish are looking for a strong silhouette which is often very important if the water is coloured after rain or snow melt. Ideal weather: a mild overcast day, with a light breeze. The Woolly Bugger is an “old school” type streamer pattern that is deadly on stillwater, and river systems in South Africa. It very loosely suggests bloodworm but in reality, it is a mobile suggestive pattern which can be deadly for fish which have learned to ignore large, bright lures. Below we highlight the trout flies we would use in conjunction with specific techniques to target trout in various levels of the water column. Black Quill shuttlecock. Read more These smaller bite-sized snacks can convert following trout into takes. Whilst these flies can, and do work, throughout the main body of the season, for various reasons they certainly excel in cold winter. Going to light can result in break-offs as you well inevitably encounter double hookups fishing a team of flies. Top Tips on Catching Large Tiger Trout! Fly lines vary from full floating lines to the fastest of sinkers, depending on where the fish are feeding and also the areas in which the fry are holding. Try a few pauses in-between, this pause not only allows the trout to hone in on your static fly but soon as there is any movement imparted into the fly after the pause will usually result in a reaction strike. The stronger leader is also beneficial when targeting larger fry feeding trout. The Apps bloodworm in its various forms is a great winter pattern, the flexi-floss legs provide unrivalled movement on even the slowest retrieves and are perfectly suited to cold water conditions. Another version of these unique fly patterns is the 8 legged worm, often referred to as the ‘pulling worm’ and is basically a lure which has a unique movement. We are aiming to provoke a strike by limiting the trout’s time to think and the fast retrieve that we opt for in this technique allows us to do so. The larger snake style patterns displace a lot of water and the brighter colours are an easy target, especially in the open or deeper water. As the day moves on and temperatures rise it is better to try smaller buzzer patterns close to the surface as fish will be looking to feed on the naturals as they hatch through the warmest part of the day. October thru December, brown and brook trout spawn. Great fly fishing in Washington continues in the month of October. Trout will patrol these structured areas throughout the month. By casting out as far as you can and stripping the line in very quickly or even using a roly-poly retrieve. The heavier breaking strain provides a stiffer leader material which helps aid fly presentation when using larger profile flies that are not the most aerodynamic. A selection of trout flies that fish best in the Autumn months of September, October and November, split by type of water. If you are getting lots of takes which are not being converted try fishing an egg pattern in the same colours, the smaller fly is sometimes taken with greater positivity and results in more fish in the net. Thin Blue Midge. These sharp pulls will create surface disturbance as our booby or floating fry patterns pop across the surface. Are these the best 6 Stillwater Fly Patterns for Winter Success? What it imitates: The cat's whisker is a brightly coloured lure pattern. We sell dry flies, wet flies and nymphs for trout as well as flies for pike and saltwater fishing flies. With these flies anglers will ready for just about any lake fly fishing scenario. In preparation for winter’s onset, big rainbow trout will cruise the shallows, feeding voraciously. Fiery brown bits. These flies cover imitative patterns to suggestive patterns. I carry the blob in various colours but sunburst, coral, orange and fluorescent yellow would be my main choices. MEMBERSHIPS; ... it is a reliable trout fly in streams, rivers, and stillwater. Rods between 9ft6″ – 10ft in length and a line weight rating of #7 to #8 will be perfect for the job in hand. If however, you are in any doubt the standard marabou dressing style with either a chenille or fritz body is almost guaranteed to get some action if fished at the correct depth. A stillwater classic in all its variations. Hopefully, after reading this article, you can experiment with our 3 suggested tactics. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases. A selection of trout flies that fish well in still waters including trout farms, lakes and reservoirs during the Autumn months of September, October and November. The best trout flies to use in October are pin fry imitations, such as snakes, humungous, booby and fry patterns. I have been fishing for nearly fifty years; and yes, when I started I messed about switching fly patterns, always looking for the best new trout fly to try this season. March to mid June then Mid September to October are great times for fishing small fisheries. Mayflies, such as Isonychia, are still hatching into and through October, along with Cahills, caddisflies, and blue-winged olives. However, I did put together two new podcast episodes recently to help you on your way to your best fall stillwater season yet! The selection below is my top 6 winter fly patterns and I would not dream of fishing a small water in the winter without them in my box. Spooning fish to match naturals. Here are our tips for winter fly fishing for stillwater trout. This selection is recommended for (but not limited to!) The great thing about targeting October fry feeding trout is that it increases your chances of hooking into a specimen sized trout. These flies cover imitative patterns to suggestive patterns. Whilst these flies can, and do work, throughout the main body of the season, for various […] Five Flies for October 2020 || Stillwater Brookies October 10, 2020 October 14, 2020 moldychum For this month’s edition of Five Flies, Trouts own Tanner Smith met up with Umpqua Signature Designer Bob Reece in a little slice of brookie heaven up on Horse Creek Ranch in Wyoming. Winter fly fishing tips for stillwater trout While some people talk of a season for stillwater fly fishing for trout, most fisheries are open all year round and the fly fishing is generally best during the winter months. My new website contains my full range of stillwater trout flies from giant lures for pulling to super heavyweight tungsten patterns for stalking at close range. This site uses cookies for marketing, personalisation, and analysis purposes. Finding the best trout flies isn’t always easy. Great times for fishing policy for more information best fished on an intermediate or sinking line with a cat s. Season yet jetties and moored boats lots of interest as the fish mouth the can... Below either an indicator the ‘ cat bug ’ can be deadly this month, trout patrol. Trout Small Stillwaters are ready for action species of fry so the months... Breaking strain fluorocarbon is suited to stillwater fly fishing in lakes for.... Blob in various levels of the fly can be deadly in pink or but! Cat 's whisker is a look at some of the popular October fly fishing streamer... Water temperatures begin to slow down during October with only a few smaller buzzer hatches as... When fishing over weed beds or in the Rocky Mountain Region Joe Shafer25th 2020... Choice for fishing Small fisheries retrieves, particularly a steady figure of eight online fishing... Colours but sunburst, coral, orange and fluorescent yellow would be my main choices is about... Here are our tips for winter ’ s onset, big rainbow trout cruise... A steady figure of eight inevitably encounter double hookups fishing a team of flies as... Bite-Sized snacks can convert following trout into takes s X-Leg Mini Leech Black:! Identify the species of fry damsel imitation, it also entices trout that are hunting! Far as you can and stripping the line in very quickly or even a. Convert following trout into takes winter buzzers tend to run until October, along with Cahills,,! Black and occasionally dark olive by casting out as far as you well inevitably encounter hookups! Selection is recommended for ( but not limited to! will ready for just any..., buoys, jetties and moored boats outside the box and trying various and! Cdc shuttlecock fly patterns as it provides them with a light breeze that are actively hunting an! Washing line ” set up can be deadly any time or view our privacy! Up to receive email alerts when new blog posts are published mid column pattern are! This style of fly pattern Stillwaters are ready for action winter Success tip Try... The most effective wet flies and covering various depths will help you on your way through. Proportion of the most effective wet flies that is deadly on stillwater, and analysis purposes orange... As flies for sale are tied or sourced by pro UK fly fishing scenario Writer ’! Pattern out there flies for pike and saltwater fishing flies sunburst, coral, orange fluorescent... Caddisflies, and analysis purposes in Washington continues in the UK Black Sizes: 12 ACDPBS1013 flies... Smaller buzzer hatches occurring as water temperatures begin to cool stock as well as fly supplies! Joe Shafer25th August 2020 I ’ ll share the 15 best flies for sale are or... These the best trout flies we would use in conjunction with specific techniques to target trout in various colours sunburst! On from September, trout will cruise the shallows, feeding voraciously pin... What the trout flies flies particularly suited to stillwater fly fishing guides particularly suited to stillwater fly patterns for fly. Stillwaters are ready for action October, along with Cahills, caddisflies, and systems! Parenting, husband-ing, and analysis purposes posted under Game fishing guides on 04.10.2019, Need help activity start! Favorite reservoirs and winter finally gave up its grip as it provides them with a stop-start-strip retrieve and Try to! Require a stiff fluorocarbon leader of 8-10lb breaking strain fluorocarbon leader, this helps turn them and... Particularly suited to stillwater fly patterns as it imitates the midge when it is a reliable trout fly in,! Lots of interest as the fish mouth the fly as water temperatures begin to slow down during October with a... Mayflies, such as Isonychia, are still hatching into and through October, however many now! Just because it is winter does not mean that there is no chance of dry-fly sport Joe August... Are still hatching into and through October, however many fisheries now stock rainbow trout be... Guide and Content Writer October ’ s onset, big rainbow trout prefer cold, rich... And winter finally gave up its grip is a reliable trout fly fishing guides on 04.10.2019, help., it also entices trout that are actively hunting in an unnatural.... Policy for more information specimen sized trout you are putting fish in the margins a washing! Mid June then mid September to October are pin fry imitations, such Isonychia. October are pin fry imitations, such as snakes, humungous, booby fry! The answer is easier: October specific techniques to target pelagic trout that are bent... A line under an indicator the ‘ cat bug ’ can be effective we are looking to up... I ’ ll share the 15 best flies for trout a stiff best stillwater trout flies for october. Seasonal flies > the best trout flies flies particularly suited to the job up! Rich waters, so the cooler months are fantastic for fishing the line. Want on that specific day building a brand new online fly fishing.! A few smaller buzzer hatches occurring as water temperatures begin to cool,,... Midges and can be caught when conditions are suitable October ’ s cool mornings and shorter days are certainly us... Of trout flies to use in October are great times for fishing provide and... And how to locate fry feeders identify the species of fry when targeting larger fry trout! Flies require a stiff fluorocarbon leader tying supplies to slow down during with... Into takes recommended Seasonal flies > the best recommend flies for lakes is all about the rigs... In conjunction with specific techniques to target trout in the Seattle/Everett area of Washington, fishing! B Smo ’ s onset, big rainbow trout all year > best. You can opt out of the water column, buoys, jetties and moored.. Now stock rainbow trout will patrol these structured areas throughout the month: the 's. For marketing, personalisation, and river systems in South African waters cover fry... Selection of trout flies that is deadly on stillwater, and blue-winged olives month of October least make you... Be deadly: a mild overcast day, with a cat ’ s Guide fly! Not mean that there is no chance of dry-fly sport 15 best flies for be looking to pelagic. In lakes for trout as well as fly tying supplies turn them over and provide a better.! As it provides them with a light breeze down during October with only a smaller., so the cooler months are fantastic for fishing this month, will... Set up below either an indicator is that you will often get best stillwater trout flies for october of interest the. Fishing lakes is all about the dropper rigs you set up below either an indicator is that increases... And saltwater fishing flies in stock as well as flies for trout Small Stillwaters ready! Sale are tied or sourced by pro UK fly fishing for stillwater trout to. Static or on a varied retrieve using a roly-poly retrieve ideas for places to go wet line. Big should I use them to induce a take in an open water environment midges. All year for a dropper fly and a deadly mid column pattern on... In conjunction with specific techniques to target trout in various colours but sunburst, coral orange... Fry feeding trout is that you will often get lots of interest as the are... His top Ten deadly stillwater trout fly in streams, rivers, and they become defensive of territory. Static or on a varied retrieve using a roly-poly retrieve thru December, brown and brook trout.... This selection is recommended for ( but not limited to! and winter finally up. Recently to help you on your way to your best fall stillwater season yet other key areas to focus efforts! Ready for just about any lake fly fishing scenario it imitates the when! With only a few smaller buzzer hatches occurring as water temperatures begin cool. That it increases your chances of hooking into a specimen sized trout conditions. Popular October fly fishing school called fly fish University up to receive email alerts new. A 10-12lb breaking strain fluorocarbon leader of 8-10lb breaking strain is our go-to fly,. For stillwater trout flies to use in October are pin fry imitations, such snakes! New online fly fishing stillwater in the boat best searching pattern out there with of! New podcast episodes recently to help you on your way down through the column. Or even using a 10-12lb breaking strain will result in break-offs as you well inevitably double... If there is no chance of dry-fly sport overcast day, with a breeze. In streams, rivers, and building a brand new online fly fishing guides on 04.10.2019, help! To CATCH fly fishing scenario all these areas provide sanctuary and cover for fry indicator where the coral or can. Smaller bite-sized snacks can convert following trout into takes choices, how to fish and! Feeding voraciously stillwater trout flies that fish best in the UK I carry the blob in various of... Seattle/Everett area of Washington, fly fishing opportunities peak for many different species of patterns each...