The Best Flies for Fall Trout Fishing

Fall is a magical time for trout fishing. As water temperatures drop and leaves turn, trout become more active, feeding aggressively before winter. Inspired with fly selection wisdom, here’s a guide to the best flies for fall trout fishing and how to use them.

Why Fall Is Fly Fishing Heaven
In fall, trout are on the hunt for protein-rich meals to bulk up for the lean months ahead. Cooler water brings more oxygen, making fish feistier. Plus, hatches like blue-winged olives and midges keep them looking up, while terrestrials and streamers trigger reaction strikes.
Top Flies for Fall
Here are five must-have flies for your fall box:
  1. Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) Dry Fly (Size 18-22): BWOs hatch heavily in fall, especially on cloudy days. Fish these in riffles or slow pools with a 6X tippet for delicate presentations.
  2. Pheasant Tail Nymph (Size 16-20): A go-to subsurface fly that imitates mayfly nymphs. Drift it near the bottom in runs and seams.
  3. Egg Patterns (Size 12-16): Fall is spawning season for brown trout, and egg patterns in orange or pink mimic their eggs. Use these in deeper pools where fish stage.
  4. Woolly Bugger Streamer (Size 6-10): In olive or black, this streamer provokes aggressive strikes. Strip it through undercuts or swing it in deeper runs.
  5. Terrestrial Patterns (Ants, Beetles, Size 12-16): Grasshoppers and beetles are still around in early fall. Fish these near grassy banks or under overhanging trees.
How to Fish Them
  • Dries: Focus on slow, glassy water where trout sip BWOs. Use a long leader (12’) and cast upstream for a drag-free drift.
  • Nymphs and Eggs: Add a split shot to get deep, and indicator fish or tight-line nymph in faster water. Hot tip: “Fish the bubble line”—where foam collects, food does too.
  • Streamers: Cast across and downstream, then strip back with short, erratic pulls. Target structure like logs or boulders where big trout ambush prey.
A Fall Memory
Last October, I hit a small stream at dusk with a BWO in hand. The air was crisp, and trout were rising steadily. I landed a 16-inch brown on my third cast—a perfect fall evening. What’s your favorite fall fly? Share in the comments!
Stock Up and Experiment
Fall trout aren’t picky, but they’re selective. Carry a variety of sizes and patterns, and don’t be afraid to switch flies if one isn’t working. With the right fly, fall can be your best season yet.