Looking for a different trout fly to use that might give you an edge this spring? Why not tie on one of these flies as recommended to me from the blogosphere, twittersphere and the angler next door. They could be that special and different treat those cold water trout are craving.

Let’s get started:

1. Ben Rioux from Maine Fly Castings suggests:
My favorite fly for Brook trout by season..

Spring: Allagash Al, Grey Ghost
Summer: White Wulff
Fall: Wood Special (Orange Chenille Version, no ribbing, Large Partridge soft hackle)

*Bill’s Note – I have heard that Wood Special Fly can also bring in some brown trout

2. Noel Gyger from noelgyger.ca suggests:

My favorite steelhead fly is the Hawaiian Punch.  This fly is usually used on a spey fly rod but will work fine on a single hand also.  Little bit of detail given to me by Chad Black (one of the pro guides I book trips for):

As you can see by the picture, it’s a very bright fly.  I tend to fish this fly in rivers like the Kalum or Skeena, which have a large glacial influence and always seem to have that “Steelhead Green” colour.  My personal favorite variation on this pattern however, is tying an Intruder with this same colour scheme.  I find that the Intruder style series with a trailing hook seems to hold Steelhead better, as they don’t have as much leverage on the fly as they would on an Alec Jackson or traditional Spey hook.  In this case, I use 50 lb Fireline XS or XT (something like that) – it’s strong, and stiff.

Hawaiian Punch (Originated by Dustin Kovacvich)
Hook: Alec Jackson Spey or Similar
Thread: 6/0 Fluorescent Orange UNI
Tail: Chartreuse Rabbit Strip
Body: Palmered Orange Cross Cut Rabbit Strip (wraps easier, and makes a better profile)
Front Hackle: Cerise Blood Quill Marabou, tips facing towards the rear of the fly
Topping/Flash: Flashabou (my personal favorite is Mirage) or Krystal Flash, depending on your preference  – photo by Rodnew Daw (rodneydawphotography.ca)

4. epicflyfishing (via twitter) from Frontier Farwest Lodge suggests:

We swear by this leech in BC for monster steelhead!

The Strung Out MOAL Leech (instructions)
Front Hook: Cheap SE Streamer or Nymph Hook
Rear Hook: Short Shank Beak Hook
Weight: Spirit River Hot Bead
Thread: Flat A or other Heavy Thread
Rear Accent Bead: Cascade Crest Salmon Candy 4 mm Glass Faceted Bead
Platform: 30-pound Dacron fly line backing
Body: Rear Pink CrossCut Rabbit; Front Flesh CrossCut Rabbit

5. Rick Passek author of Freshman Flyfisher suggests:

I would take a Hares ear Nymph (picture right) and a Tom Thumb, why you ask, simple. The hairs ear and the Tom Thumb are an searching patterns. They don’t represent any one insect perfectly, but represent many insects well. These two flies will be taking by trout as Caddis Flies, May Flies, Mosquitoes, Midges, along with many others.

I am sure I have missed many other worthy mentions. If so, please comment your suggestion below. Many thanks to all those who helped me with my little fly fishing project!

recommended trout flies, steelhead flies, trout flies