Fly fishing isn’t just about the rod, the line, or the perfect cast. One of the most critical elements of success is selecting the right fly. For those targeting Atlantic salmon, striped bass, and native brook trout, the choice of fly can make or break your outing. Here’s a guide to choosing flies for each species based on the season, habitat, and feeding habits.
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon are notoriously selective, and their preferences can shift with water temperatures, clarity, and seasonal changes. Here’s a breakdown for optimal fly choices throughout the season:
Early Season Wet Flies (#1/0-#8)
The early season often coincides with colder and higher water while salmon enter the rivers. Larger, more vibrant flies are key to attracting attention.
Left to right: Out to Lunch, Tiger Ghost, John Olin, Ghost Stone, Picasse, Jones Special
Mid-Season Dry Flies
When water levels drop and clarity improves, sight fishing for Atlantic salmon becomes an artful challenge. Observing the fish’s movements, positioning, and behavior requires patience and precision. In these conditions, the importance of carrying a variety of fly sizes and colors cannot be overstated. We always like to keep a good selection of Natural-Colored Bombers in our boxes.
Late Season Flies (#2-6)
As the salmon begin to get ready to spawn, they become much more territorial. We often liken the approach to steelhead, low and slow.
Left to right: Orange Picasse, Ally's Shrimp, Red Frances, Black Leech
Striped Bass
Whether fishing the flats or open water, striped bass demand a variety of flies that mimic local baitfish and crustaceans.
Flats Patterns
Flats fishing for stripers requires precision, finesse, and lifelike flies to fool wary fish.
Mantis Shrimp (#6-2): Mimics one of the striped bass’s favorite crustaceans.
Sandstorm (#4-2): One of our favorite go-to patterns.
Clousers (#4-1/0): Versatile baitfish imitation for shallow waters.
Crousers (#4-1/0): A subtle variation on the Clouser for deeper waters.
Crazy Charlie (#4-8): Lightweight and productive for sight fishing.
Gotchas (#6-2): Proven effective in clearer flats waters.
Gurglers (#4-1/0): Great for surface action when stripers are busting bait.
Open Water Patterns
Open water requires larger, flashier flies to mimic bigger baitfish and stand out in deeper waters.
Clousers (#2-2/0): Go-to for most striped bass anglers in deeper water.
Deceivers (#1/0-4/0): Imitates larger baitfish like herring and bunker.
Hollow/Beast Fleye (#1/0-4/0): Creates a bulky, lifelike profile for trophy-sized stripers.
Flat Wings (#2-2/0): Irresistable for spooky fish on a slow retrieve.
Brook Trout
For brook trout, fly selection depends on whether you're targeting them in rivers with weighted fly restrictions.
Weighted Flies
When brook trout are holding deeper in the water column, these patterns are excellent:
Conehead Zuddler: Combines the movement of a streamer with the silhouette of a leech.
Bunny Clouser: An effective subsurface pattern with enticing motion.
Rabbit Leech: Perfect for imitating larger aquatic prey.
Pheasant Tail Nymphs: A classic choice for imitating mayfly nymphs.
Unweighted Flies
Unweighted flies work well in shallower water or when fish are rising:
Wooly Bugger: A universal favorite that imitates anything from leeches to minnows.
Various Dry Flies: Match the hatch with caddis, mayflies, or terrestrials for surface action.
Tailoring your fly choice to your target species, season, and environment can make a significant difference in your fishing success. Whether you’re casting for the thrilling acrobatics of Atlantic salmon, the aggressive strikes of striped bass, or the vibrant beauty of brook trout, having the right fly in your box is essential.