What Spring Water Does to Trout Feeding
In many regions, spring brings higher flows, colder water from snowmelt, and changing clarity. Trout often move toward slower water along banks, seams and deeper runs, where they can rest and still feed. Insects begin to become more active as the water warms, but the best fishing often still happens below the surface.
Conditions vary a lot by region and by year, so use this as a general guide rather than a calendar.
Nymphs for Spring
Nymphs are a dependable choice because they put the fly where trout are feeding. Patterns that show up on many spring lists include:
- Pheasant Tail Nymph: a slim mayfly imitation, useful in sizes from small to mid-range.
- Hare’s Ear Nymph: a general-purpose pattern that can imitate several insects.
- Stonefly nymphs: darker, larger patterns for rocky rivers.
- Blue-Winged Olive nymphs: small, slender patterns that match early mayflies.
- Caddis larva and pupa patterns: simple and often effective when caddis become active.
- Walt’s Worm-style patterns: simple patterns that can suggest a range of insects.
Add weight, such as a beaded fly or split shot, to get the fly down in faster water. Unweighted patterns can work in slow, shallow runs.
Worm and Egg-Style Patterns
Worm imitations, such as the Squirmy Wormy or simple chenille worms, are well known for producing fish in high water, when worms and other insects can get washed into the current. Some anglers feel they are less sporting, and some waters have rules about certain flies or methods, so check local regulations before using them.
Streamers for Rising, Stained Water
When water is higher and a bit cloudy, trout may take a streamer that is easy to see. Darker or higher-contrast patterns, such as a black or olive Woolly Bugger, can be good choices (see how to fly fish a streamer), and a brighter or flashier fly may help in murkier water. See minnow fly patterns for trout for how to fish these patterns.
Spring Hatches and Dry Flies
Some regions see early hatches of small mayflies such as Blue-Winged Olives, and caddis hatches may follow as water warms. Cloudy, damp days are often good for olives. Useful dry fly choices include a parachute Adams or BWO pattern in smaller sizes and an Elk Hair Caddis once caddis appear. If you see fish rising but ignoring your dry, try an emerger fished in or just under the surface film.
Very small midges are active in cold water too; see midge fly fishing for how to fish them.
Adjusting for High and Off-Color Water
- Fish slower, closer water. Look near banks and in softer seams, as described in fishing for trout in muddy water.
- Add weight so flies reach the fish in stronger current.
- Go larger or brighter in cloudy water, and smaller and more natural when it is clear.
- Be careful. High, cold water can be dangerous to wade. Stay near the bank if flows look too strong, and consider a wading belt and staff.
Quick Spring Fly Selection
If you only carry a few patterns, consider a Pheasant Tail, a Hare’s Ear, a stonefly nymph, a Woolly Bugger, a BWO emerger or dry, and an Elk Hair Caddis. Our must-have trout flies list expands on these basics.
FAQ
What flies are trout eating right now?
It depends on your water and the date. Look for rising fish and insects around the stream, and ask at a local fly shop.
What flies should I use for trout in July?
Summer conditions usually favor dry flies, terrestrials and small nymphs, but patterns vary by region. The must-have trout flies guide covers general-purpose choices.
Do nymphs work better than dry flies in spring?
Often they do, because trout feed underwater most of the time, but a good hatch can change that.