Can Some One Tell Me What Flies Trout Are Bitting Now?

[Ed Dowell]

I am kinda new at fly fishing or basicly trout fishing in general. Can someone give me some things that are working for trout right now? Thanks

[ozark trout fisher]

I am kinda new at fly fishing or basicly trout fishing in general. Can someone give me some things that are working for trout right now? Thanks

That's a pretty broad question. It would really help to know what water you fish, but there are a couple standards. Hare's Ear and Pheasant tail nymphs in sizes #14- #18 work under most circumstances for Missouri trout, especially when fished under an indicator. #12 Woolly Buggers in black, olive, or brown, either stripped in or fished under an indicator also will catch a few most of the time. I'd have to know what stream you're fishing to give any more specific advice.

To be honest, technique is much more important than the fly you use. If you're nymphing, you need to be getting down to the bottom. And you need to watch your indicator carefully-it can be kinda hard to detect strikes sometimes. And the leaders you use are also important, nothing shorter than nine feet or heavier than 4x in most situations. Fish the water where the riffles dump into the pools, and you'll catch a few. If you're like me, it will be awhile until you really start catching good numbers of fish with consistency, but it's not all that difficult to get a couple early on.

I'd also suggest you practice fly fishing for bluegill on a little pond or lake before you head to trout water for the first time. It really helps develop casting and other skills you need to catch trout on a fly rod.

Good luck! Once you start fly fishing I'm sure you'll fall in love with it, and things will never quite be the same again. It sounds corny, but it's also true.

[Phil Lilley]

Good answer considering the question.

Need to be specific and post your question under the appropriate forum. You'll get good answers.

[Ham]

Looking at the location column in Ed's profile (Heber Springs), I'd guess he's talking about the Little Red.

If you're just getting started, you might want to consider a day on the water with a guide. That can really help get you on your way. A good guide can help you learn how to cast correctly rather than having to un-learn a lot bad technique later.

The Curtis Creek Trout Manifesto is a great little book to help you learn some basic concepts as well.

Also consider going to a local fly shop to get fresh intell on whats happening where you are fishing. Ask about hot patterns and then buy three of each fly you choose to purchase. You DO NOT want to have only one of the fly the fish want.

OTF gave some very good advice. You might want to consider adding Zebra midges in size 18. Black with silver wire and bead is a classic, but other colors work also.

[Phil Lilley]

Didn't see that...

Ill move this to the Little Red and see if Ed can get some more help.