Eggs · Fly Guide · Fly of the Month · How To · Spawn · 03 de octubre, 2024

Fly of the Month: Targeting Fish with Egg Patterns During the Fall Spawn

Fall is a prime time for anglers, as the spawning season for trout and steelhead kicks into gear. During this period, fish behavior shifts, making them more aggressive and territorial while also highly opportunistic feeders. Fish will defend their spawning beds and feed on any dislodged eggs that drift downstream, making egg patterns an essential fly for your box this time of year.

Why Egg Patterns Are Effective

Eggs become one of the primary food sources for trout and steelhead during the spawn. As eggs are released and carried by the current, fish instinctively feed on them. Egg patterns closely mimic the look and drift of real eggs, making them irresistible to fish that are keyed into this abundant food source. Additionally, spawning fish are aggressive and territorial, striking at egg patterns out of instinct or to protect their nests.

Key areas to focus on: Fish tend to hold in slower-moving water where eggs collect, such as behind rocks, in deeper pools, or along the edges of gravel beds. Targeting these areas, especially during cooler parts of the day, will increase your chances of hooking into feeding fish.

Top Egg Patterns for Fall Spawning Season

Egg patterns come in a variety of sizes and colors, each mimicking the different eggs that fish feed on during the spawn. Below are some of the most effective egg patterns to use during fall.


Glo Bug	Cherise Glo Bug	Glo Bug - Dead Egg	Spawn Sac	Two Egg Marabou

Glo Bug (Size 12-16)
This classic egg pattern mimics dislodged eggs drifting in the current. Its bright, buoyant profile is highly visible in murky or fast water, making it a staple for fall fishing. Fish it dead-drift near spawning beds or deep runs to mimic natural egg movement. Brighter colors like Flame and Salmon Egg are particularly effective in low-visibility conditions, as they stand out more, catching the attention of aggressive fish in deeper or faster currents.
Cherise Glo Bug (Size 12-16)
A colorful variation of the traditional Glo Bug, the Cherise version is ideal for off-color or stained water. Its vibrant hue makes it stand out in low-light conditions or murky rivers. Drift it through riffles and tailouts where eggs often collect, allowing the current to guide it naturally.
Glo Bug - Dead Egg (Size 12-16)
The Dead Egg pattern mimics eggs that are no longer viable, appealing to opportunistic fish looking for an easy meal. It works especially well in clearer waters or when fish are more selective. Present it with a dead-drift technique in slower pools or near gravel beds.
Spawn Sac (Size 12-16)
Imitating a cluster of eggs, the Spawn Sac is excellent for deep pools and slow-moving water where eggs settle. Its larger profile and cluster-like appearance make it a standout when dead-drifted through deeper holding areas where fish are feeding.
Two Egg Marabou (Size 10-12)
This pattern combines the appeal of two eggs with the movement of marabou, creating a lifelike action in the water. It’s highly effective when fished in faster water using short strips or dead-drifted in runs, imitating both drifting eggs and the movement of small prey.

These egg patterns are indispensable during the spawning season, providing excellent visibility and mimicking natural food sources. When fishing these patterns, focus on areas where eggs tend to gather, like slower-moving water behind rocks or in deep pools.

Fishing Techniques for Egg Patterns

The most effective way to fish egg patterns is by dead-drifting them through areas where fish are holding, using a 9'0" 5-weight fly rod for optimal control. A strike indicator can help you detect subtle takes, and keeping your fly near the bottom, where eggs naturally collect, increases your hookup chances. The rod’s length and medium-fast action allow for better line management and more accurate casting, making it easier to target deeper pools or slower currents where trout and steelhead often gather during the spawn.

Tips for success:

Adjust for water clarity: In clearer water, opt for smaller, more natural-looking egg patterns like the Egg Yolk Glo Bug. In murky or faster water, larger and brighter patterns like the Cherise Glo Bug will be more visible.
Focus on current breaks: Fish often hold in slower water behind rocks or other obstructions, where eggs collect as they drift. Present your fly upstream and let it float naturally into these holding areas.

Egg-Sucking Leech: A Versatile Fall Fly

While egg patterns are the go-to during spawning season, egg-sucking leeches provide a deadly combination of leech and egg imitation. These flies imitate a leech with an attached egg, triggering aggressive responses from fish.

Top Egg-Sucking Leech Patterns:

Egg Sucking Leech (Size 6-8): This fly works well in faster water or deep runs where fish are feeding aggressively. Strip or dead-drift this fly along the bottom, where it can provoke hard strikes.
Egg Sucking Bunny (Size 4-6): Combining a leech's bulk with a bright egg imitation, this pattern provokes strikes from territorial fish. Swing or strip it through deeper runs.

Streamers for Spawning Season

In addition to egg patterns, streamers are a great choice for targeting aggressive, territorial fish during the spawn. Streamers imitate baitfish and can provoke predatory responses from fish that are protecting their nests or feeding aggressively.

Top Streamer Patterns:

Sex Dungeon (Size 4-8): A large, articulated streamer with significant movement. Strip it through pools and along banks to provoke territorial strikes from aggressive fish.
Zonker (Size 4-6): This pattern is great for deeper pools and runs, where it can be stripped to imitate a fleeing baitfish.

Fishing during the fall spawning season presents a unique opportunity to target aggressive and hungry fish. Egg patterns like the Glo Bug, Blood Dot Egg, and Beadhead Egg Fly are must-haves in your box. When conditions call for a change, switch to an egg-sucking leech or a streamer like the Zonker for added versatility. Focus on slower currents and deeper pools where eggs collect, and use dead-drift techniques for the most effective presentation. Armed with these flies and techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to take advantage of the fall spawn.