Best Flies for Fall Trout Fishing in the U.S.
Fall is one of the most exciting times of year to target trout. Cooler water, fewer crowds, and aggressive feeding before winter make it prime season. But you’ll need the right flies to match the conditions. Here’s our countdown of the Top 10 Flies for Fall Trout Fishing — from reliable attractors to deadly hatch matchers.
10. Chubby Chernobyl (#8–12)
Often thought of as a summer hopper pattern, the Chubby remains effective well into fall. Its foam body keeps it afloat in rough water, making it a perfect choice for hopper-dropper rigs. Use it as both an attractor dry and a strike indicator for nymphs below.
9. Soft Hackle Nymphs (#14–18)
Swinging soft hackles across riffles and runs is a classic fall tactic. They imitate emerging mayflies and caddis and often draw hard strikes when trout are chasing food in moving water.
8. Terrestrials (Ants & Beetles) (#12–16)
Even in autumn, trout are opportunistic. Ants and beetles drifting from overhanging vegetation are still on the menu. Foam beetles and cinnamon ants are especially effective during sunny afternoons.
7. Hare’s Ear Nymph (#14–18)
The Hare’s Ear remains a go-to pattern year-round, but it’s especially effective in fall when trout key in on smaller mayfly nymphs and general drifting food. Its buggy profile makes it perfect for slightly off-color water.
6. Pheasant Tail Nymph (#14–18)
Few patterns are as consistent as the Pheasant Tail. In fall, it imitates a wide range of mayfly nymphs and can be fished deep or under an indicator. It’s a perfect complement to eggs or midges.
5. Egg Patterns (#12–16)
Fall means spawning browns, and rainbows won’t miss the chance to feed on loose eggs. Simple yarn or bead egg patterns in pale orange or pink can be absolute game-changers during the spawn.
4. Streamers (Woolly Bugger, Sculpzilla, Zonkers, etc.) (#4–8)
Fall is trophy season. Browns and rainbows become aggressive as water cools, and streamers imitate sculpins and baitfish perfectly. Olive, black, and white streamers stripped through pools are deadly for big fish.
3. Midges (#18–24)
When hatches dwindle, midges dominate. Zebra Midges, RS2s, and Griffith’s Gnats are staples in fall. Fish them deep under an indicator, or tie on a tiny dry when you see fish sipping in calm water.
2. October Caddis (#8–12)
The October Caddis is the signature fall hatch across much of the West. These large orange caddisflies hatch in late September and October, and trout will key on them heavily. Fish both dry and pupa patterns.
1. Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) (#18–22)
The most reliable fall hatch. Overcast days bring clouds of BWOs, and trout feed on both emergers and duns. Carry parachute dries, emergers, and cripples — they’ll cover nearly every situation in autumn.
Final Thoughts
Fall fly fishing means opportunity — big fish, hungry trout, and some of the year’s most consistent hatches. With this top 10 list in your fly box, you’ll be ready to take full advantage wherever you’re fishing in the U.S. this autumn.
