Are you searching for a few of the best flies to catch brook trout? You’re in luck, because, in this article, I’m going to take a deep dive into my Brook Trout fly pattern portfolio.
Now, don’t be alarmed, this portfolio of fly patterns isn’t exclusive to one species. In fact, this selection is likely to attract a variety of trout species (and lots of them).
However, if it’s “Brookies” you’re after, I have the utmost confidence that these patterns will do you right.
Let’s get to it!
1. Chubby Chernobyl
This fly is probably one of the hottest flies on the water today.
The name alone attracts some attention, but the design and features of this fly should bring that much more attention to any angler.
I like to think of this fly as the king of dries. It sits magnificently on the top surface, and with its foam body, you can use this fly as an indicator, as your main fly, or both.
So versatile, this fly can be thrown into fast-moving riffles with lots of foam, or on top of deeper bodies of water, where a lurking fish is ready to come up for a midday meal.
Put simply, Brookies and trout can’t resist the CC!
2. Stimulator
Alright, alright, alright, as Matthew McConaughey says…now we’re getting serious. The Stimulator is my dry of choice, following the Chubby!
Though there isn’t as much foam material built into the CC, the design rationale is still next level.
If you aren’t throwing a Stimulator during the months of May-September in Colorado, then I guess you don’t want big takes.
This fly imitates a lot, including (based on size, I like the bigger sizes (size 14 or bigger)) a big ol’ caddis fluttering around and finally making a touchdown on the water’s surface.
The abdomen wraps and the flare of the elk hair on the thorax make for an especially fun fly to watch along the water–even more fun when a high mountain brookie engulfs it.
3. Thin Mint
Don’t let the name fool you! Just because it’s thin, doesn’t make this fly any less effective than a big ole streamer.
(And no, I don’t like thin mints either, I prefer dark chocolate peanut butter cups.)
Anyways, this puppy comes in all different color profiles and moves particularly well in rivers and still waters.
Brookies especially take notice to territorial invaders and nothing gets them pissed off like dropping a thin mint in their vicinity.
Brook trout are territorial and the more aggressive your strips and the more enthusiasm you have behind the reel, the more likely you will get a head bump from a pissed-off resident.
Oh, and if you really want to step up your streamer game, check out our recent article on 7 Streamer Fishing Tips To Catch More Fish, tip number 4: Make It Swim, Twitch, Wiggle (aka shake what our momma gave ya).
4. Articulated Streamer (White)
Ok, I said a thin mint can piss off a trout, but man does a little more body do even more!
There are numerous articulated streamer patterns out there, in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but if you want to swing the big bat and move to an articulated streamer, ensure you have some lead wrap under that material and a solid head upfront.
This streamer isn’t designed for a juvenile fish, it is meant for the old cranky trout that’s as angry as the Grinch during Christmas.
This fly is bigger-bodied, provides a lot of movement (so aggressive strips coupled with articulation equates to a lot of noise…which is what you want), and sinks quickly.
Remember, you’re attracting the fish that hardly sees the light of day, so the deeper the better.
5. Rainbow Warrior
All the colors of the rainbow in one small package, yeah buddy.
These are nymphs and they are about as close to perfection as a nymph can be. Honestly, it’s like presenting a fish with all it could ask for, and quite possibly a meal it’s never laid eyes on.
Personally, I tie these up with a bead and load the thorax with sparkle dubbing and finish off the abdomen with some level of flashabou material. The tail can be yours to explore, but sometimes I throw some goose biots off the stern…yummy!
Use this as a lead fly and let it bump the river floor and watch what happens!
Related Posts You Might Like:
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6. Foam Back RS2
The RS2 pattern, created by Rim Chung, is still one of the top flies to use in Colorado. Rim Chung created a little monster with such a simple pattern and design.
This was the first fly I tied up and it never disappoints.
I have actually caught several brookies on the Fraser with just a simple grey RS2.
Now, if you want to spice it up, tie in a piece of foam to elevate your fly into the water column in order to create that emerging fly effect.
Not only will it elevate the fly, but it will also elevate your game!
7. Chocolate Thunder
This is another variation of an emerger and the color scheme is perfect for the darker shades of flies hanging in the middle of the water column.
The chocolate thunder will rarely disappoint you as an angler.
Outside of the Winter months, this fly will produce quicker than it takes you to tie it on. (Now that should refresh your spirits!)
Let me add this, the ribbed wired on the thorax is critical in the later months of the summer/early fall, as it will imitate a dying midge–and we all know what that does for a fish.
8. Clouser Minnow
Chris, stop that nonsense, a Clouser Minnow in Colorado? We ain’t on the gulf, son!
Now, hold on, give me a sec to explain.
Yes, the Clouser Minnow isn’t a dainty fly, and I have used it for them Red Fish in the gulf, but I have also used it to snatch me up some brookies and cutthroats here in Colorado.
I am not kidding, this fly has what it takes to catch the eye of any trout especially the predatorial type (aka Brookies).
The Clouser minnow has a heavy front featuring dumbbell eyes, which is almost always too much for a Brook trout to ignore. Additionally, the flash in the back and the color variations along the body of the fly will be sure to attract even the most non-interested bystander.
Oh, and if you happen to be tying a few of these up, I recommend adding some lead wrap to get that sucker to sink like I do when I “swim.”
9. Purple Juju Baetis
Again, give the credit where credit is due. Charlie Cravin, owner of Charlie’s Fly Box, designed this top-notch pattern.
It has done so well in Colorado, it comes in all shades and colors.
I personally like the purple shade, don’t ask me why, but somehow it gives me more confidence.
There isn’t much science behind why I take a liking to the purple Juju, but I have had some great luck with this color–especially when casting for brook trout.
Check out Charlies Fly Box online and learn how to tie it up.
The pattern takes some finesse but the overall look of this fly is incomparable and it is effective for all trout species. I recommend the color purple, but explore the variety of options in-store.
Add your own flair to the mix and let us know how she does.
10. Purple Beadhead Zebra Midge
Yeah, purple is the theme.
Honestly, I wish I could give you a reason for the color purple. I guess Prince got me hooked!
Now, I ain’t saving the best for last, but this fly is as versatile as it gets–and simple to tie. I mean if you can twiddle your thumbs, you can tie this up.
If you feel like getting out, grab a few from the shop or check out discountflies.com for easy access to a plethora of options at your fingertips! This is an all-weather/all-season fly.
It has produced for me in various weather conditions and during all four seasons in Colorado. It has also attracted all species of trout and is nearly indestructible if tied right.
Use it at a lead fly or a second and third fly, and you will have success at some point in time.
Final Thoughts
I am not saying you should set aside a fly box specifically for Brook Trout. However, if you’re looking for a fly box worthy of the label “Big Flash, Hard Takes,” then these fly patterns will get you there.
Sure, your grandfather’s hares ears, prince nymphs, and wooly buggers will provide you plenty of consistency, but if you want the ferocious brookie in the wallows or the buck nasty brown wandering the banks during an autumn day, these are the 10 patterns I recommend most.
You need flash and you need some options that will excite a crowd. And seriously, these 10 flies for brook trout have provided me some much-needed takes when my grandfather’s flies weren’t doing the trick.
Remember, fly fishing is a game of trial and error–a lesson I learned when I was young and frustrated.
As a kid, I sought perfection, from the rhythm of my cast to how I secured my knots. In my head, I really thought fish liked to see a pretty cast (maybe they do, but I doubt it makes them hungry). Honestly, as important as those particulars are, what’s in the water and how material moves through the water are essential to attract trout–especially brookies.
So, break out your fly box, give these patterns a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with some new patterns. Whether you fill your fly box with your own homemade creations, or if you want to save yourself some time and support the local guys, hit up your favorite fly shop.
What are your favorite flies to use when fishing for brook trout? Be sure to drop your go-to patterns in the comments below.
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