Top Flies for Big Fall Trout

Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow. Few flies look as realistic as this when stripped through the water. With ice dubbing in flashy colors and a conehead, the Sparkle Minnow is akin to a Woolly Bugger on a Vegas binge. Best stripped or swung, this pattern is responsible for many personal bests.

Sculpzilla. Aptly named for the season of the monster, this fly imitates injured prey. With an articulated hook, Sculpzilla is best fished single, as the articulation creates havoc for trailing flies tied to the bend of the hook. Created by big-fish-finder Kelly Galloup, this fly should be in your box all season long.

Circus Peanut. Also created by Galloup, this fly is a treat for anglers but a nasty trick for big trout. With articulation, large dumbbell eyes, stinger hooks, and rubber legs, the Circus Peanut has it all and is surely responsible for many damaged egos of hundreds of large brown trout.

Clouser Minnow. Very simple, yet very effective, the Clouser Minnow imitates a variety of baitfish. With oversized eyes and the ability to be tied in several color combinations, the Clouser Minnow often works when other patterns don’t.

Parachute Purple Haze. The lone non-streamer on the list, this dry fly is ideal if large fish switch from predatory mode to forager mode. If you spot a selectively feeding large trout, drift one these across its nose and the take may very well put a spell on you.