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Popular Fly Fishing Flies

Some people think that fly fishing is a relaxing way to spend the day, but fly fishing is a lot more complicated than it looks. There are lots of different types of flies you can use that will attract certain types of fish. You can use a dry fly that will float on the water and look like a bug, or a nymph that starts their life on the bottom of the bed and rise using a wiggling motion towards the surface. It all depends on what you're trying to catch in the current conditions. If you are new to fly fishing, you may want to read some popular beginners guides before you become overwhelmed by the vast quantity of different types of fly fishing files available and under what conditions each of these patterns are used.

Fly Fishing Flies for Trout

The most common type of fish fished for in the fly fishing sport by far are Trout fish, which includes Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Tiger Trout among it's popular species. During the off season, Grayling, nicknamed the 'Lady of the Stream' are also popular fish to target, and the great thing is that all of your trout flies are suitable to be fished with Grayling as well.

To make things easy, we have chosen popular flies based upon the fly fishing seasons and conditions you might be facing. For a month-by-month guide of suggestions of fly fishing flies, you can also keep an eye on our Monthly Fish4Flies Top 10 Chart for the latest popular patterns fly fishermen are using on the water right now!

Essential flies to always keep topped up in your flybox

Regardless of the season, these fly fishing flies are the staple diet and essential fly used throughout the year. No fly fishermen would solely fish with these, but would keep them in their arsenal of fly fisting patterns to use when they need to mix things up a little, or fishing with multiple flies on a line at once.

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Hook Brand
Griffith's Gnat
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Griffith's Gnat Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:1586

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
GH Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear
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GH Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2561

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Bibio
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Bibio Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:849

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Sparkle Pheasant Tail
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Sparkle Pheasant Tail Fly

From $1.22/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3869

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
Klink n Dink
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Klink n Dink Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4060

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear
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Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Fly

From $1.22/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2723

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Epoxy Buzzer 3D Bloodworm
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Epoxy Buzzer 3D Bloodworm Fly

From $0.67/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2328

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Holo Blue Buzzer
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Holo Blue Buzzer Fly

From $0.67/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4058

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Holy Grail Dark Olive
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Holy Grail Dark Olive Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3780

Popular Flies for the Spring Trout Season

Every year in the spring, trout fishing enthusiasts flock to lakes and rivers all over the world to catch their favourite fish. Trout fishing season typically begins it's popularity when the majority of lakes and waters start to open from late March - although there are waters which are open all year round.

During the Spring, the water is still cold from the winter, but the air temperature begins to rise which makes some great conditions for fly hatches and the alertness of the fish.

Here is a brief collection of popular fly fishing flies to be used in the peak fly fishing season:

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Special Offer
Mohican Mayfly
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Mohican Mayfly Fly

From $1.36/fly (based on pack of 12)

From $1.11/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4231

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
Klinkhammer Olive
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Klinkhammer Olive Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2336

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Richard Walker's Mayfly Weighted
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Richard Walker's Mayfly Weighted Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2560

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Hook Brand
Grey Wulff
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Grey Wulff Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2535

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Parachute Adams
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Parachute Adams Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2013

Philip White Hatching Dun Mayfly

Philip White Hatching Dun Mayfly Fly

code:3253

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Bibio Hopper
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Bibio Hopper Fly

From $1.44/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2400

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Hook Brand
Black Gnat Traditional
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Black Gnat Traditional Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4022

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
John Storey
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John Storey Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:882

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
CDC Palmer Brown
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CDC Palmer Brown Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4334

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Blue Flash Beadie Damsel
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Blue Flash Beadie Damsel Fly

From $1.44/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3200

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Stealth Blue Winged Olive
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Stealth Blue Winged Olive Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3220

Popular Flies for the Summer Trout Season

The best fishing for trout is typically in the early morning and evening. There is a very good reason for this; most fly hatches happen at these times when the sun is rising or setting, so naturally there will be a peak of fly activity on the water at these times. It also avoids the direct sun; both direct sunlight and heat can make fish lethargic and reduce oxygen levels in the water (water absorbs less oxygen the hotter it gets!)

Here are some suggestions of fly fishing flies to tackle the hotter summer months:

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Adult Blue Damsel
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Adult Blue Damsel Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2182

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
Elie's CDC Sedge
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Elie's CDC Sedge Fly

From $1.44/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2082

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Living Damsel
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Living Damsel Fly

From $1.55/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2114

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Grey Snail
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Grey Snail Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4352

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
Grey High Rider Sedge
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Grey High Rider Sedge Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4191

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Alexandra
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Alexandra Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2731

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
Klinkhammer Olive
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Klinkhammer Olive Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2336

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Peter Ross Bumble
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Peter Ross Bumble Fly

From $1.55/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3703

Popular Flies for the Autumn Trout and Grayling Season

Autumn is the time of year for trout fishing. The streams are full of life and the fish are hungry for a meal to bulk up for the colder winter months ahead. Daddies are popular fly choices in early autumn as hatches become abundant, and when food starts to become scares fish resort to feeding on small fry instead, normally involving an exciting chase! A good morning with a catch of a few fish can be a great start to a day, and can be a nice family activity, with everyone from young to old getting a chance to participate. Whether you want to spend a day trying to catch a big fish or just enjoy the stream you will be sure to have an enjoyable time.

A collection of popular Autumn fly fishing patterns used for the catching both Trout and Grayling are shown below:

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Hook Brand
Pearly Daddy
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Pearly Daddy Fly

From $1.47/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4292

Daddy Longlegs

Daddy Longlegs Fly

code:2355

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Green Snail
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Green Snail Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:996

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
Olive & Grizzle Tinhead
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Olive & Grizzle Tinhead Fly

From $1.69/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:1135

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Cats Whisker
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Cats Whisker Fly

From $1.44/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:2447

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Weighted Freshwater Shrimp
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Weighted Freshwater Shrimp Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:1624

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Hook Brand
White Cat Bunny Leech
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White Cat Bunny Leech Fly

From $1.47/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3601

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Montana Damsel
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Montana Damsel Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3875

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Dressing
Mrs Simpson
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Mrs Simpson Fly

From $1.44/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4227

Popular Flies for the Winter Trout and Grayling Season

Winter comes with some tough conditions, not only for fly fishermen having to deal with the cold, wet, muddy conditions, but for the fish too. Food scarcity means that trout are on the hunt for meals whenever they have the opportunity, and for us that's a great thing, as it often involves an entertaining chase. The choice of fly fishing fly to use changes dramatically in the winter season, Fry and lures are the main type of fly which bring results, and they are to be fished with fast pulsing action, increasing in intensity once a fish has nibbled. This mimics what happens in nature, the Trout or Grayling will come in and test a nibble on the tail of a fry or snake for example, whose instant reaction would be to dart as quickly as they can out of danger. Once this single is in place, the fish will come around, and depending if they are in a playful mood, may attempt a few more nibbles before coming in for the savage kill.

Below are a great selection of popular Fry and Lure fly fishing patterns to use in the winter months:

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Blue Flash Beadie Damsel
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Blue Flash Beadie Damsel Fly

From $1.44/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3200

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Simmons Attractor
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Simmons Attractor Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:773

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Hook Brand
  • Dressing
Apache White
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Apache White Fly

From $2.05/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3073

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
  • Tube Type
  • Hook Brand
  • Dressing
Apache Black
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Apache Black Fly

From $2.05/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3074

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Flexi Olive Damsel
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Flexi Olive Damsel Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3351

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Montana Damsel
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Montana Damsel Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3875

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Holy Grail Hare's Ear
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Holy Grail Hare's Ear Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3782

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
UV Sunburst Buzzer
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UV Sunburst Buzzer Fly

From $0.67/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4188

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Holy Grail Black
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Holy Grail Black Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:3781

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Holy Grail Olive
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Holy Grail Olive Fly

From $1.33/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:4021

  • 1-3 days
  • Hook Size
Damsel Nymph
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Damsel Nymph Fly

From $1.38/fly (based on pack of 12)

code:784

Thanks for reading; if you need any suggestions as to which fly fishing flies to use feel free to give us a shout.

The Fish4Flies Team