Lindsay Simpson is a England capped international angler and YouTube sensation who's been producing high quality fly tying and fishing content on his channel. In this article Lindsay draws upon his experience to provide some top tips on how to fish fry patterns for Trout.

Fly fishing with fry patterns for Trout on UK stillwaters is an exciting and effective technique, especially during late Summer and Autumn when Trout actively hunt fry (juvenile fish) close to the surface. The thrilling surface action and the takes that patterns create in particular make this method a favourite among fly anglers. This guide will break down the equipment, techniques, and strategies needed to successfully catch Trout using fry patterns in UK stillwaters. 

Understanding the Fry-Feeding Phenomenon 

Throughout the year, Trout in stillwaters such as reservoirs and lakes feed on a variety of insects, crustaceans, and other aquatic life. However, late Summer and Autumn see an increase in fry activity, as the young of various fish species hatch and begin to inhabit the shallows. These fry, typically small Roach, Rudd, Perch, or even juvenile Trout, become a prime food source for larger Trout. 

Trout tend to corral fry into shallows or against weed beds, making them easier to ambush. This behaviour is a great opportunity for anglers to use fry patterns—flies that imitate these small fish, often on or just below the water’s surface. When a Trout hits these flies, it’s often explosive, making this a highly visual and exciting method of fishing. 

Essential Gear for Fishing Fry Patterns 

To successfully fish with fry patterns, it’s important to use the right equipment, tailored to casting and presenting larger or more buoyant flies. 

Rod Selection 

Heavier rods (7-8 weight) offer the backbone to cast large, wind-resistant flies, especially in breezy conditions common on UK stillwaters.  9,6ft rods from the bank and10ft from a boat are recommended to give you good casting distance and control when retrieving across the waters surface. Fast action rods such as the Wychwood Truefly FA offer power and control in challenging conditions.

Fly Line 

Fly line selection is crucial when fishing with fry patterns whether the fly will be fished on or near the surface or at 15ft down. The correct density line ensures it stays in the right depth and allows you to impart the correct movement to the fly. Weight-forward lines are best for casting heavier or wind-resistant fry patterns providing extra power and control, consider something with an aggresive taper like the Wychwood Rocket. A floating line is essential for fishing on or just below the surface, and I opt for the Cortland Compact Di9 for getting deep down and dirty for those monster fish. 

Leader and Tippet 

A 10 - 12ft leader is typically sufficient, though you may want to go longer (up to 16 ft) in very clear water. As floating fry patterns create surface disturbance, Trout may be less leader-shy than when fishing smaller dry flies or nymphs. You may wish to fish a second fly on a dropper when using a sinking line, I like to fish 8ft to the dropper and 10ft to the point fly in this case. Use a strong fluorocarbon tippet (8-10 lb) to handle aggressive takes and protect against break-offs. Fluorocarbon is more abrasion-resistant and will sink slightly, helping to keep the fly sitting correctly in the water film. I recommend ASSO Fluorocarbon Soft in 2X for surface work and the thicker 1X for deeper retrieves. 

Popular Fry Patterns 

When targeting fry-feeding Trout, the right pattern is crucial. The goal is to imitate a distressed or vulnerable fry on the surface, which will trigger a predatory response from Trout. 

Booby Fry:

This pattern combines buoyant foam eyes with a fry-like body. The Booby Fry sits just under the surface, with its buoyant eyes creating a subtle wake when retrieved. It’s especially effective when fished on a line with a slow, jerky retrieve. 

Popper Foam Fry:

Tied with foam heads, these flies float higher on the surface and create a popping or splashing noise when stripped, mimicking a panicked fry. The combination of surface disturbance and movement makes this pattern a top choice for aggressive Trout.

Zonker Fry:

This pattern features a rabbit or mink fur tail that imitates the flash and movement of small fry. It works well as a when tied with weighted eyes or buoyant materials and fished with intermittent twitches to resemble a fry struggling at the surface. 

Upavon provide a fantastic range of fry patterns available here, use discount code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.

Techniques for Fishing Fry Patterns 

Now that you’ve got the right gear and flies, let’s dive into the specific techniques to fish fry patterns effectively. 

Target the Right Areas 

When fishing with fry patterns, location is key. Look for areas where Trout are likely to ambush fry. The best spots include: 

• Weed beds: Trout will often push fry into the edges of weed beds, making these ideal locations to cast flies. 

• Shallows: In late Summer and Autumn, fry gather in the shallows, and Trout can be seen actively feeding there. 

• Near structures: Features like sunken logs, submerged rocks, and overhanging vegetation are common hiding spots for fry and ambush points for Trout. 

Fishing over weed beds from the bank can be more productive

Create Realistic Movement 

Fry patterns are most effective when they mimic the erratic, distressed movement of real fry. Here’s how to retrieve them: 

• Short, sharp strips: Retrieve the fly with short, fast strips of the line. This action will cause the fly to gurgle and splash on the surface, mimicking a fleeing fry. 

• Pause and twitch: Between strips, pause and let the fly sit still for a moment, followed by a gentle twitch. This can provoke Trout into striking, as they often attack during the pause, seeing it as the perfect moment to ambush the ‘wounded’ fry. 

• Slow figure-eight retrieve: For days when Trout are less aggressive, a slow, figure-eight retrieve with occasional twitches can mimic the subtle, natural movement of fry near the surface, enticing Trout to rise. 

Watch for Signs of Feeding Trout 

It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that Trout are actively feeding on fry. Look for: 

• Splashes and swirls: These are tell-tale signs that Trout are chasing fry near the surface. 

• Fry scattering: When Trout are feeding, they often drive fry into panic, causing them to scatter. Cast into these areas to draw a strike. 

• Bird activity: Birds such as seagulls or terns often congregate over fry balls, and where there are fry, there are usually hungry Trout below. 

Fishing in the Wind 

Wind can be both a challenge and an advantage. On windy days, waves push fry into sheltered areas such as bays and pontoons. These spots become natural gathering points for Trout, so casting your fry pattern into wind lanes or downwind areas can also be highly effective. 

When to Fish Fry Patterns 

Fry fishing is at its peak from late Summer through Autumn (September to November), when fry are abundant and Trout are actively feeding on them. The best times of day are usually early morning and late afternoon, when Trout are more likely to be hunting near the surface. 

Late Summer. During this period, fry are starting to mature and become a noticeable food source for Trout. fry patterns fished near the surface will imitate the activity of these small fish, especially in shallow water or around structures like weed beds. 

Autumn. As the water cools, Trout become more aggressive and focus on bulking up for winter. Fry-feeding activity intensifies, and fry patterns can provoke explosive strikes as Trout attack with ferocity. 

Hard fighting Pitsford Brown caught on a fry pattern

Adapt to the Trout’s Behaviour 

While fry patterns often provoke aggressive takes, there are times when Trout are less likely to attack surface flies. If this happens, consider adapting by using suspended fry patterns or small streamers just below the surface, maintaining that fry imitation but in a subtler presentation. 

Fly fishing with fry patterns for Trout on UK stillwaters offers some of the most thrilling moments in fly fishing. The visual appeal of watching a Trout smash a surface fly, combined with the strategic thinking required to imitate fry behaviour, makes this technique highly rewarding. With the right gear, patterns, and approach, you can make the most of the fry-feeding season and experience explosive surface action that will keep you coming back for more.  

Interested in fry patterns? Please have a look at our website and use discount code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order at www.upavonflyfishing.co.uk