Fall Fly Fishing — My Top 5 Flies
When the leaves start to turn and temps drop, fall is one of the coolest times for fly-fishers. The fish dial it up a notch, feeding voraciously in hopes of getting pudgy and full before times get lean over the dormant winter season. Through the seasons, my fly box has been tuned in collecting only a handful that remain consistent as sure fish catchers on the water at its most enigmatic time. Here are my top five patterns for the fall!
1. Turk's Tarantula
I love, love, love this fly. The thing that makes the Turk's Tarantula so effective, though, is its incredible versatility and catchiness all year long for trout. For the fall, I favor using it as my top fly. I plop my nymphs through a hole and chase them with the strip, often taking half my fish on the Turk with the strip back. After drifting my nymphs into a pool I strip it back out. This fly is designed to be retrieved on a strip presentation, its head is cut so that the head would make it dive deeper into the column of water when retrieved due to downward angle cuts on either side of its profile. All in all, it is a 5 out of 5.
Why It Works in Fall:
Dual-Purpose: Functions as both a dry fly and streamer during stripping.
Appeal: Its size and action draws aggressive fall trout.
Visibility: Visible in all water types for a great indicator fish.
2. Beaded Pheasant Tail Nymph
This is a classic fly. I really appreciate how natural this pattern is, especially on super hard fished waters. Seemingly everyone nymphing these days is chucking hot spot nymphs. In these situations, I prefer to tie on an all natural pheasant tail nymph. In fact, it seems to even out fish some of the flies which have other attractor on them.
Why It Works in Fall:
Real Imitation: Represents many mayfly nymphs
Subdued Design: Ideal for skittish trout in clear water.
Versatile: Works in various water types and conditions.
3. Perdigon
What I love most about this fly is its quick sinking. Good in deep pools and fast water streams. The slim profile and tungsten bead head, this fly dropped quickly to the strike zone.
Why It Works in Fall:
Quick Descent: Gets down to the bottom-holding trout fast.
Works in Currents: Float straight through choppiest water without changing direction
4. Frenchie
It is just a pheasant tail nymph of sorts, although it has been adapted as the Frenchie with an added fluorescent hot spot to attract even more fish. It has the realistic look of the pheasant tail plus a little flash to get that trout attention.
Why I Love It:
Subtlety and a Bit of Flash: The natural body attracts trout, but the hot spot induces strikes.
Works In All Conditions: Success in both clear and murkey water.
Tie Your Own Flies: Easier to Tie
Why It Works in Fall:
Invites Aggressors to the Feed: Trout push up against this thermal for quicker access to winter prep feeding zones.
Changeable Depth Range: Whether the trout is high or low in water, this flies can be adjusted to target them.
Proven Pattern: Fish it in a duo rig or single nymphed water, you are sure to catch more fish.
5. Zebra Midge
The Zebra Midge is a very simple fly that does the trick of imitating midge pupae which are trout food 365 days per year.
Why I Love It:
Easy to tie for very neatness, In different color customization.
Year Round Function: A great option to rely on and use all year when other patterns just don't produce.
Why It Works in Fall:
Midges Are Active: Midges are still active even as insect diversity decreases.
Tiny trail Kit: Great for skinny water and persnickety trout
Conclusion
My favorite fishing of the year is Fall fly fishing. The trout are moving, the views in this time of year can be stunning and best of all fishing pressure is mostly non-existent. Add these five patterns to your fly box, and you'll be prepared for the best this time of year has to offer. From luring aggressive feeders with the Turk's Tarantula to fooling little ol' pepperoni pizza-sized slices of heaven wih a natural pheasant tail nymph, these patterns are time tested and worth their weight in gold.
Try them on your next outing!
Happy fishing!
