FS Digest

Our local rivers are about to be stocked with some big browns and rainbows, and I'd like to be prepared, and really, just have enough flies to last through winter. So what are some good ones to throw?

Also, I am tentatively thinking about getting into fly tying this winter, so a secondary question would be, is it worth it to tie your own flies? Is the cost pretty comparable to buying from shops, or do you save more money tying your own? And, if not, is tying rewarding enough to compensate for that?

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by ff1261

Captain Lahti Loc: Kennewick, WA

I’m sure someone will come along with more specific ideas but..
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It’s said that fall fish are looking for big meals ahead of winter. Depending on how cool, hoppers, wooly buggers, big flies seem to be favored over tiny lies. With freshly stocked trout, that could hold true or need to be adjusted since they are new to the wild. I think I’d drift large nymphs as well as throw dries .

As to tying your own, I don’t think anyone ever claimed they saved tons of money tying their own flies. There is an investment in tools not to mention quality materials that you may or may not use much. But it can be a very satisfying extra to the act of fishing. It’s nice to catch a nice fish on a home grown fly. You might want to start with a few patterns you have had success with first and take a minimum of different materials and tools. Effective flies have been tied stream side with little but some thread and feathers and a hook.

JProper Loc: Central MI

Your best bet is to fish nymphs/midges. I prefer to run two flies, first, I will almost always tie on a #12-#16 copper John, as those seem to do really well. I’ll then just tie a second nymph or midge off of that just see what works. I usually keep cycling though zebra midges, hares ear, pheasant tail, and so on, leaving the copper John on the line. Doubles as a good weight aswell! If you want, you can also try egg patterns. I’ve never been a fan of them, but they do work.