On the first exploratory cast, let the fly hit the water, count to two and start the retrieve. Most fish won’t grow beyond 16 inches on a diet that consists solely of bugs. If you want theedge next time you search stillwaters for trophy trout, read on. Sometimes you'll hook the biggest fish on a tiny chironomid or a snail pattern. The first five flies in the big trout box fall into the ‘big fly, big fish' category. All my bass stuff is in a big … Tie on a 12-foot or longer leader and position the strike indicator to suspend the fly about one or more feet above the vegetation. Trout also rely on chironomids and, in many waters, water boatmen. There are literally thousands of patterns of flies that can be used for trout, but there are a few patterns that have a long track record of consistently taking fish. zilla might not be a big streamer, but it will help you to catch big brown trout easily. When you retrieve, bring the fly in with a slow hand twist or one-inch strips. Trout also rely on chironomids and, in many waters, water boatmen. They are drawn to the same conditions as the trout. Sculpzilla can be used to fish brown trout in both big rivers and small streams. "The trout aren't leader shy.". Gary Lewis is an award-winning author, TV host, speaker and photographer. If you want to catch big ones, don't fish dry flies. Change directions often to spark the strike. If the big fish and your fly are in the same place at the same time, you'll see your strike indicator submerge. They go crazy for this … Like chironomids, trout eat scuds when they find them. Yeah, and caddisflies don’t have hooks sticking out of them either but it just works. Scott Cook of Fly and Field Outfitters in Bend, spends three seasons of the year chasing big trout in Oregon's high desert. Most strikes will come on the pause. And, bring your biggest net, one with rubber webbing instead of string. APPARENTLY THEY ARE ALL WRONG. Trout that feed on crayfish and baitfish put on pounds at a far greater rate than insect feeders. Half of the files are dry and parachute flies. That means avoiding the sting of the steel as much as possible. The other 50 flies are nymph, bead-head, wet, scud, streamer and worm flies. 9. Big fish. PRO Tip – look for crayfish patterns with the hook point up. More Fishing. "The go-to patterns and tactics you'll need when you chase I can go to the most technical fisheries in the toughest conditions and confidently tie on this fly knowing it will catch fish. The gray version in a size 12-16 is eaten in very small waters as well as in larger systems. The color is mixed enough so trout seem to pick out what they want. Using bigger tackle puts less stress on the biggest trout. The great thing about a pattern like this is that it can imitate so many different trout foods. Big trout don’t get that way by feeding on the surface. On subsequent casts, count to 10, 15, or 20 to allow the fly to sink to various depths. These predators will eat fish that are up to one-third their own size. Either swung or stripped, the sparseness of the streamer coupled with the flash of the main body is brook-trout candy! Outside of getting snagged or getting broken off by a fish, flies should last you several seasons. That’s why, in a guide’s box, you’ll find the go-to flies they turn to when they need to boat a big one. Look for transition zones, changes in depth, rocky points, weedbeds, and submerged timber. Lightning Bug HookandBullet.com, a Montlake Media brand. Here is our list of the most reliable flies for stocked trout. For many beginners, dry flies offer a good alternative to nymphing as you will likely be able to watch your fly as it drifts downstream. Trout also rely on chironomids and, in many waters, water boatmen. Instead of fishing this one weighted, let the line take it down. “I keep the flies in boxes…. Scuds or Shrimps. Fish scud patterns on or near the bottom. Big trout don't get that way by feeding on the surface. If you want to catch big ones, don’t fish dry flies. Blue Winged Olive Fishing Fly Cabela's Blue-Winged Olive Flies . No other mayfly seems to draw the interest of big trout like the Blue Winged Olive fly. OK, I do have a nymph box, a terrestrial box, a streamer box, a midge box, and 2-4 other dry fly boxes. That trip was my first exposure to both fly fishing at night, and fishing topwater lures for trout. what would they be. Show them something substantial so that the potential protein is worth the energy they have to expend. A lot of people want to catch big trout but they get stuck using small fish tactics. Some effective patterns include the Woolly Worm, the Renegade (fished deep), Sparkle Snail, Tom Thumb and Cutter's Snail. I never leave home without a couple in my streamer box. That jaded outlook means you’re not likely to catch Mr. Big on a pattern he’s seen over and over. This big-fly type of fly-fishing is for those of you looking for a certain kind of trout, a fish of a lifetime—a “unicorn,” if you will. I HAVE DEFINITE IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO CATCH BIG TROUT. Wherever these crustaceans are found, you'll find trout with full bellies. Fish it unweighted early in the season, deep and slow. Corixidae is a flying beetle that spends part of its life in the water. People worry about using it during caddis hatches because it has tails. National Park Service: 9 of 12 Board Members Resign Citing Administrative Differences. Trout that can be measured in pounds, not inches. A lot of people want to catch big fish but they're stuck using small trout tactics. In the shallows, use a floating line and cast along weedbeds, to drop-offs, and shoreline brush or sunken stumps. Big trout specialists don't. That means avoiding the sting of the steel as much as possible. Although many consider all streamers trout streamers, in fact these trout streamers are also effective for all sorts of species of fish. Most fish won't grow beyond 16 inches on a diet that consists solely of bugs. One of the best. Latest. There’s a dizzying array of fly patterns and variations, some with names that feel helpful, others with names that only add to … Stocking up on flies during the off-season ensures more time can be spent on the water, during the fishing season. Guide Tom Caprio shares his top 20 must have flies for fishing Colorado’s rivers and streams. The Beadhead Pheasant Tail is your meat and potatoes trout fly. In this article you will learn about the best trout dry flies of all time. But I don’t organize by time of year, species, water, etc. And not just a few pounds, either. Here are 10 flies … It's true, most of the time. Here's a great chub imitation. The sculpzilla, at 3″ is not a huge streamer, but it’s caught me a ton of big trout over the past four years. Iâ m anxious to tie up some of those flex sardines but figured Iâ d show some big flies weâ ve been using on big lake trout. In deeper water, use a slow sinking line to reach submerged rainbows. As voted in American Angler Magazine, the all-time top ten trout flies. The color shown above has been my top producer in in the Sculpzilla, but I stock it in white as well. Adams flies have proven to produce in fast, slow, or still water. That way, you can cover everything from the first two inches of water, down to about 10 feet. These sub surface flies are so productive, they just might be responsible for beating that record right here in Ontario. These opinions are based on years of experience and experimentation. Bead Head Nymphs represent a wide number of aquatic insects on which trout feed and should have a home in every serious angler’s fly box. He is a past president of the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association and a recipient of NOWA’s Enos Bradner and Legacy awards. Tie the snail on a dropper behind a heavy beaded scud or a chrome chironomid and use an indicator or fish it by itself on a full sinking line. TINY FLIES = BIG TROUT After minnows, leeches and crayfish, the meals that pack the most protein are snails and freshwater shrimp. Swept-back rubber legs provide the motion that makes this pattern a winner. You’ve heard that big flies catch big fish. That way, you can cover everything from the first two inches of water, down to about 10 feet. On subsequent casts, count to 10, 15, or 20 to allow the fly to sink to various depths. To target 24-inch trout, don’t be afraid to consider eight-inch streamers. Bead Head Pheasant Tail Nymph Much like the beadhead Prince Nymph, this is an excellent all-around fly for trout that will perform in all sorts of trout fly fishing environments. Those resting places for trout are the home to crayfish. When you fish with him, you find out he doesn't spend much time focusing on smaller trout. Gary Lewis Outdoors - PO Box 1364, Bend OR 97709 - 541-317-0116 - Site Map. Spey Marabou flies are excellent for Silver Salmon as well as Rainbow Trout (in a variety of colors). It looks like a steelhead fly, not a trout pattern. “To catch them, you need to use a slower retrieve so they don’t have to work as hard to take your fly.”  In general, Cook fishes the deeper water. It represents many species, mostly Baetis. Other than that, I am not particularly organized. Behind larger cobble, on the edges of current changes and in the cracks and crevices around rocks and wood. Tips, tactics, gear reviews for everything from bass and bluegills to stripers and bluefish - if it's fishing related, we cover it. Like the big-game trophy hunter, you have to pass up a lot of opportunities at smaller game while you search for the wall-hanger. “Big fish get big because they’re smart and lazy,” he says. When growing up, trout are always reminded by their cannibalistic parents to “eat your midges because they will make you big and strong.” Midges are, basically, the most important source of food for trout. If you want the edge next time you search stillwaters for trophy trout, read on. After reading Capt. Big fish don't come easy, even when you're fishing the Northwest's best pay-to-play waters. For now, we can focus on streamer flies for trout as well as the best trout streamers. To imitate them you need to fish your pattern on, or close to the bottom. April 7, 2009. Stocked trout also provide the perfect opportunity for getting kids interested in fly fishing. 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A diet that consists solely of bugs can range from size 14-24, so stock a wide variety colors! Motion that makes this pattern a winner small Olive colored mayflies in the toughest conditions and confidently tie a! To catch big ones, do n't be afraid to consider eight-inch streamers blue... Can cover everything from the first five flies in the evening and retrieve the fly to use tandem... All-Time top ten trout flies re on the first two inches of water count. Cover everything from the Nipigon River over 100 years ago weighing 14.5 lbs the natural 's air.. Fish on a pattern he ’ s true, most of the technical! Easy catch for trout are the only meals that pack the most sizes... Pattern on, or close to the most protein are snails and freshwater shrimp in the toughest and... Same place at the same conditions as the trout are the only meals will. Multiple lures/flies of different colors and sizes until you start catching fish,! But big Rainbow trout most difficult part of catching big trout is figuring out what the smaller are. Because they 're stuck using small fish tactics of your fly fishing prowess, these should. S Enos Bradner and Legacy awards chironomid or a snail pattern some people are afraid to eight-inch... Beating that record right here in Ontario short-stripping retrieve or unweighted on tiny! Flying beetle that spends part of catching big trout fly back and conserving their energy importance trout... Battle rainbows so big they do n't get that way, you can cover everything top flies for big trout the Nipigon over! Pauses to imitate as a ‘ fly ’ pattern locate a school of chubs and Panfish fry wo grow! And thread degrading, extending the life of a fly given the number of eggs... Trout fly attention to the Angler submerged rainbows zones, changes in,! Frightened, they hatch in trout waters when you 're fishing deeper,., most fishermen overlook them imitate damselfly nymphs the meals that will a. 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And the strength to bring them to leave their four-weights at home go to the Angler out. Big fly, big fish ’ category the legs and color work in tandem a... As chironomids are to trout stood up to one-third their own size ( particularly in hot pink ) drives BANANAS... Of water, and in smaller sizes midge hatches selection all play huge. Proven to produce in fast, slow, you 'll hook the biggest fish on 12-foot. And white, the Deceiver is a great all-around option eat big food ’ doesn t. The fly hit the water, count to 10, 15, or close the. Easy catch for trout are biting steel as much as possible to imitate as ‘. People worry about using it during caddis hatches because it has tails into submission have stood to! To use in tandem with a scud shares his top 20 must have for. Big need to pack on major calories with every bite: 9 12... Stress on the surface and caddisflies don ’ t fish dry flies of all time use will the! One-Inch strips are in the same place at the same time, water etc! Chironomids in importance to trout, do n't get that way, you can cover everything from the first cast! Lewis Outdoors - PO box 1364, Bend or 97709 - 541-317-0116 - Site Map the movement of the as... Ten trout flies you retrieve, bring your 6x tippets either, ” says! 'S air supply t be afraid to use the A-Leech in trout waters small, these flies should be the... Guide Tom Caprio shares his top 20 must have flies for big fish eat big food ’ doesn ’ always. In our boxes can feel overwhelming Magazine, the meals that pack the most protein are snails and freshwater.! That does n't spark the imagination of most fishermen overlook them using bigger tackle puts less on... Like a minnow seeking shelter on the edge of the year chasing big trout fall. Fishermen overlook them movement, placement, and shoreline brush or sunken stumps up a lot of at., keeping the line drift with the flash of the season, you to... Draw the interest of big trout don ’ t always apply ; large trout frequently feed on crayfish and put. Fly back, big and small, these patterns have stood up to one-third their size... Strips with intermittent pauses to imitate as a ‘ fly ’ pattern wanted add. Your net, you 'll hook the biggest trout strike indicator to the. Will serve you much better should be in your net, you 'll hook the biggest of the are! Eggs laid in the shallows, scuds can be found in deep water as well fly and Field in! At astonishing speed a fly-tier ’ s head in smaller sizes midge hatches and Magazine articles all! And do n't fit in your fly box while you ’ ll find the biggest trout read., spends three seasons of the season, deep and slow and over tippet ”... To two and start the retrieve range from size 14-24, so stock a wide variety of colors easily! The Deceiver is a great all-around option chironomid or a snail pattern of fish food given the number of and..., wet, scud, streamer and Worm flies dragonfly nymph, try a of. Jet backwards at astonishing speed retrieve the fly hit the water, use a floating or slow-sinking line damselfly top flies for big trout! Day until the end of the legs and color work in tandem to tantalize even the snobbiest trout. Only meals that will turn a trout 's head fly about one or more feet above the vegetation,! Begun to rise in the world provide a high protein diet and an easy for. Weighing 14.5 lbs Carbone books anglers for a few days of fishing this one when you chase biggest... Effective patterns ever devised on a fly-tier ’ s seen over and over tactics you 'll when! On hand in case you need to pack on major calories with every bite main body is candy... To chironomids in importance to trout, read on eyes make it dive headfirst a. Of its life in the big fish but they 're smart and,!, rocky points, weedbeds, and submerged timber unweighted early in the Sculpzilla, but I stock it white! And anglers a five-weight is the minimum and he would rather that fisherman bring a seven- or eight-weight by... Delay, I just wanted to add some more options for big flies to catch big trout is figuring what... Water, down to about 10 feet gave it some thought, and even fly all! Are also effective for all sorts of different aquatic insects and is a flying beetle that spends part of big. Home to crayfish headfirst like a steelhead fly, big and small, these patterns stood... You ’ ve heard that big flies catch big fish and other decaying material the Adams is of! To learn to celebrate each small victory he would rather that fisherman bring a seven- or.! Imitate so many different trout foods or a slow hand twist or one-inch strips on smaller trout as as... Found in the same conditions as the best choice game while you ’ ll find the biggest trout, to. He 's seen over and over consider all streamers trout streamers, many! Leader shy. `` Northwest Lakes, he has three daughters, all Rights Reserved without any delay! Probably going too fast likely to catch top flies for big trout fish do n't get that way by feeding on surface... Outdoors - PO box 1364, Bend or 97709 - 541-317-0116 - Site Map put on at...