Full House

Essential fall flies and how to fish them.

Fall can be the best time of year to fish local rivers. The browns are gearing up for the spawn, and rainbows are feeding hard for the long winter ahead. Whether you prefer nymphs, dries, or streamers, the options are numerous come September and October. Here are a few of the most popular patterns around the shop at Bozeman Fly Supply come fall.

Olsen’s Backflop Jig, #8
Offered in a variety of colors, the backflop jig is an awesome little streamer due to its versatility. Early in the morning, when it’s still chilly out, you can put the fly under an indicator and dead-drift it right into the fish of your dreams. After the water warms up midday, you can strip it around like a fleeing crayfish or sculpin trying to make its way out of the heavy current and into the shallows.

Duracell, #14 or #16
The Duracell (we prefer it in brown) is a great heavily-weighted attractor nymph to help your other flies get down in the water column. Run it with a tight line, “Euro” style, or rig it under an indicator—even the most discerning fish can’t pass this fly up. Whether it imitates a caddis or a mayfly is no matter—hold on for the ride.

Zebra Midge, #16 or #18
It doesn’t really matter the time of year; zebra midges in red or black should be in your fly box. Midges are always in the water—enough said. Rig one under a bobber with plenty of split shot and let it marinate.

Film Critic BWO, #18
If you’re a fall headhunter, you’ve more than likely heard of the Film Critic. This little blue-winged-olive pattern represents a mayfly in a distressed state—whether that be hatching or laying eggs. Just put a little floatant on this bad mama and try to get the most straight upstream dead-drift possible.

Purple Chubby, #10 or #12
This fly is for the angler who just can’t hang up the dry-dropper combo. Rumor has it that the purple chubby has been known to bring trout to the surface all the way into November. No one knows why. Don’t ask questions; just drink the Kool-Aid. Sometimes, it tastes good.

Sex Dungeon, #2
Can you even call yourself a Montanan fly-fisher if you don’t have one of these in your box? You don’t even have to fish it. Sometimes it just feels good to be in the club.

Tyler Mills is the manager at Bozeman Fly Supply.