Fall Fishing Tips · Fly Guide · Oct 17, 2024

10 Must-Have Flies for October Fly Fishing

October is a transformative time in the fly fishing world. As water temperatures drop, trout and other species prepare for winter, becoming more aggressive and opportunistic feeders. This shift makes October an excellent time for anglers to use a variety of flies to target fish as they take advantage of the last warm days before winter. Here’s a list of the top 10 flies to use this month, ranging from streamers to nymphs, each effective for the unique conditions of fall.

1.Egg Patterns (Glo Bug, Spawn Sac, Dead Egg)

Why It Works: During spawning season, fish like trout are drawn to eggs as a natural food source. Eggs drift with the current, making them easy prey for hungry fish.
How to Fish: Use a dead-drift technique in slower water or behind spawning beds. Fish them near the bottom to imitate naturally drifting eggs.

2. Wooly Bugger (Sizes 6-10)

Why It Works: A classic, the Wooly Bugger imitates baitfish, leeches, and even aquatic insects. Its versatile design makes it effective in both slow-moving and faster water.
How to Fish: Strip it in short bursts or let it drift through deeper pools. Adjust the retrieval speed to match fish activity levels on cooler days.

3. Zonker (Sizes 4-6)

Why It Works: Streamers like the Zonker imitate small baitfish, making them ideal for targeting aggressive, predatory trout during October. The natural movement of the Zonker’s rabbit fur creates an enticing action.
How to Fish: Use a strip-and-pause retrieve near banks and structure. The pause can trigger strikes from fish looking to ambush prey.

4. Sex Dungeon (Sizes 4-8)

Why It Works: This large, articulated streamer creates a lot of movement in the water, making it perfect for drawing in big, aggressive trout. Its bulk and multiple materials create a lifelike action.
How to Fish: Strip it quickly along banks and through deep pools, or use a swing technique in faster water to entice territorial strikes from large fish.

5. Beadhead Prince Nymph (Sizes 12-16)

Why It Works: Nymphs become especially important as fish start to focus more on subsurface feeding in the cooler water. The Beadhead Prince Nymph is a versatile attractor pattern that works well in various conditions.
How to Fish: Dead-drift under an indicator in faster runs or deeper pools. Adding a split shot can help get it to the right depth.

6. Sculpin Streamers (Sizes 2-6)

Why It Works: Sculpins are a year-round food source for trout, but during fall, fish become more aggressive toward larger prey. Sculpin streamers mimic these bottom-dwelling fish perfectly.
How to Fish: Bounce them along the riverbed or swing them through deeper channels. A slow, steady retrieve works well when fish are holding deeper.

7. Blue Wing Olive (BWO) Nymph (Sizes 18-22)

Why It Works: Blue Winged Olives continue to hatch through the fall, making BWO nymphs a reliable option for October fishing.
How to Fish: Drift these nymphs near the bottom in slower sections of the river or just above gravel beds where trout feed. Use an indicator to detect subtle strikes.

8. Egg-Sucking Leech (Sizes 6-8)

Why It Works: Combining the appeal of an egg and a leech, this pattern is ideal for fall when fish are highly aggressive. It’s a versatile fly that can be fished like a streamer or nymph.
How to Fish: Use a strip-and-pause retrieve through deeper pools or dead-drift it along the bottom to trigger aggressive takes.

9. Midge Patterns (Sizes 16-20)

Why It Works: As the weather cools, midges become a key food source for trout. They’re tiny, but fish key in on them when other insect activity decreases.
How to Fish: Use them as part of a double nymph rig, drifting them through slower runs and deep pools where trout are holding. A small strike indicator can help detect delicate takes.

10. Sparkle Minnow (Sizes 4-8)

Why It Works: This flashy streamer imitates small baitfish, making it a great choice when targeting larger, predatory trout during fall. Its reflective body draws attention in low-light conditions.
How to Fish: Strip it quickly through fast-moving water or swing it through deeper runs to trigger aggressive strikes. The added flash makes it especially effective during overcast days.

Final Thoughts

As water temperatures drop and fish behavior changes, having a varied selection of flies is key to success in October. Whether you’re targeting fish with egg patterns, drifting nymphs, or swinging streamers, these top 10 flies can help you make the most of the season. Adjust your techniques based on water conditions and fish behavior, and be prepared to switch flies as needed. With the right patterns in your box, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge the fall season throws your way.

Be sure to stock up on these fall patterns and more at Jackson Hole Fly Company and make the most of your October fly fishing adventures!