Fall Seasonal Fly Patterns: Best Flies to Tie for Each Season

As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, fly anglers know that fall is one of the best times of the year to hit the water. The cooler temperatures bring trout and other fish back into shallower waters, and they’re often more aggressive as they prepare for the lean winter months. But to make the most of your fall fishing, you need to have the right flies in your box. Here’s a guide to the best fall fly patterns you should be tying to ensure success during this prime fishing season.

1. Blue Winged Olive (BWO) 

Fall is known for its prolific Blue Winged Olive hatches, particularly on overcast days. The BWO pattern is a must-have during this time, as trout are often keyed in on these emerging insects. The key to this fly’s success is its ability to sit just below the water’s surface, mimicking a struggling or emerging mayfly.

• Tying Tip: Use a sparse amount of CDC (Cul de Canard) for the wing to keep the fly light and in the film of the water.
• Best For: Targeting trout in slower-moving waters during autumn afternoons.

2. October Caddis

The October Caddis is a large, orange-colored caddisfly that hatches in the fall, particularly in western streams. Trout can’t resist these big, meaty insects, making them an essential pattern for your fall fly box. These flies are best fished during the late afternoon and evening when the caddis are most active.

• Tying Tip: Use a bright orange dubbing for the body and a mix of deer hair for the wing to create a buoyant, high-floating fly.
• Best For: Late-season trout fishing in both rivers and streams, especially in the western United States.

3. Hare’s Ear Nymph

The Hare’s Ear Nymph is a classic pattern that works year-round, but it’s particularly effective in the fall when trout are feeding heavily on nymphs and other subsurface insects. Its buggy appearance and natural color make it a versatile fly that can imitate a variety of aquatic insects.

• Tying Tip: Add a gold beadhead for extra weight and a bit of flash to attract fish in deeper or faster waters.
• Best For: Fishing deep pools and runs where trout are actively feeding on nymphs.

4. Egg Patterns

As fall progresses, many trout and salmon begin their spawning runs, and egg patterns become highly effective. Egg Flies mimic the eggs that these fish are laying and are a protein-rich food source for other fish in the river.

• Tying Tip: Use brightly colored chenille or yarn, and don’t forget to vary the size and color of your eggs to match what’s naturally occurring in your local waters.
• Best For: Fishing behind spawning trout or salmon where other fish are waiting to feed on drifting eggs.

5. Woolly Bugger

The Woolly Bugger is one of the most versatile fly patterns ever created, and it’s a staple for fall fishing. Its ability to imitate everything from baitfish to leeches makes it a go-to pattern when trout are aggressively feeding. In the fall, darker colors like olive, black, and brown tend to work best.

• Tying Tip: Add some flash material to the tail for added attraction, especially in stained or murky water.
• Best For: Streamers and deep-water fishing where trout are hunting for larger prey items.

6. Parachute Adams

The Parachute Adams is another fly that works all year but shines during the fall, particularly when fish are rising sporadically. Its high-visibility parachute post makes it easy to see, and its buggy appearance can imitate a wide range of insects, from mayflies to midges.

• Tying Tip: Use a mix of gray and brown dubbing for the body to give it a more natural, mottled appearance.
• Best For: Fishing during the afternoon and early evening when fish are sipping on smaller dries.

Final Thoughts

Fall fly fishing offers some of the best opportunities of the year to land big, aggressive fish. The key to success is knowing when and how to use the right fly patterns in your box. Whether you’re targeting trout with a BWO Emerger or swinging a Woolly Bugger through deep pools, these flies are essential for any fall fly fishing trip.

So, as you prepare for your next fall outing, make sure you’ve got these patterns tied and ready. The fish are waiting, and with the right flies, you’ll be sure to hook into some memorable catches this season.

Happy tying and tight lines!