Essential Fall Flies
Here are some of our top picks for fall fishing this season. Fall fishing is highly anticipated by many anglers, as it often provides some of the best fishing opportunities of the year, depending on your location.
Since many fish have been under pressure all summer, we've tailored our nymph selection to reflect this. Starting with natural bugs and transitioning into junk flies or anchor patterns can be highly effective as fish begin to move around. Here in Colorado, we experience quite heavy Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches throughout the fall. However, it's always a good idea to try something larger as fish bulk up for the impending winter.
NYMPHS
From the designer, Lubos Roza: "A special type of fly for trout and grayling in extremely clear water. The fly contains no flash or bight colours and is most effective at catching in clear water that has been heavily pressured by other anglers." -Fulling Mill
Designed by our friend Pat Weiss’ this little olive nymph is perfect for pressured waters or spooky fish. With just the right amount of flash this pattern excels in clear water situations.
Offered in a size 16 with a 2.8mm silver bead this baetis pattern gets down very fast. Built with a slim perdigon profile this fly is a great for a top dropper when fish are keyed in on baetis in the Fall and Spring months.
Here is what Fulling Mill has to say “When in doubt, the answer is Olive". We've heard this said numerous times over the years and it especially rings true with tiny nymphs. A great year-round jig fly. Equipped with a 2.8mm slotted tungsten bead on a size 16 jig hook.”
Whether you fish mops or you don’t we know that this pattern can be the most effective fly when the going gets tough. Offered in a size 14 with a 3.3mm tungsten bead.
A fly designed from one of the best river anglers in the country and Team USA member Pat Weiss. With a slim natural body and very little flash this is the perfect choice all year round.
-size 18
Offered in a size 12 with a 3.5mm tungsten bead. Heavily weighted for fast currents
STREAMERS
This is the perfect mid sized streamer for a euro rig or normal streamer fishing. Offered in a size 10 with a 4.6mm tungsten bead this pattern is sure to sink extremely quick.
"Hopping/jigging action is key with this pattern. Can be stripped and dead-drifted with equal success. A great sculpin/crayfish action without the nonsense of many streamers out there today" - Pat Weiss
Offered in a size 10 (4.6mm tungsten bead)
One of the best streamers we have fished while jigging in off color and even clear water. This fly can be used for trout, bass, and just about everything else that wants to eat small minnows. Offered in size 2 and loaded with a heavy tungsten bead to reach the strike zone.
DRY
I often refer to this bug as the Chubby Chernobyl's more sophisticated cousin. This fly covers all the bases for summer dry fly fishing and works very well when fish become shy of large white-winged dry flies. Its low-floating profile makes it a winner in my fly box during the summer months.
-size 12
What makes this already infamous fly better, you might ask? Fulling Mill has incorporated a tippet ring at the back of this fly for seamless dry-to-nymph connections. As always, this fly will float like a cork with its synthetic wing. Don't be caught without these!
-size 8