We could all use an update to our streamer fly box. As you head out during streamer season, take some inspiration from our TroutRoutes staff picks!
Circus Peanut – Designed by Russ Maddin
The Circus Peanut deserves a place in every angler’s box. Thought of by many as the original articulated streamer pattern, Maddin’s circus peanut now comes in a mini version, excellent for enticing fall trout.
Thrasher – Designer by Eric Hurst
The thrasher is full of side-to-side motion and can be fished multiple ways which makes it a great addition to the fly box. Our Community Marketing Manager, Erik, loves tying this in natural colors, but this pattern does well in all white and all black. Strip this quickly for more erratic motion, or let it pause and sink on a slower retrieve to get down in deeper pools.
Bugger Changer – Designer by Blane Chocklett
You probably have a game changer or two in your streamer box already; the pattern has become one of the most popular over the last few years. Add the game-changer tying technique to the tried and true wooly bugger, and you’ve got a recipe that just might fool extra picky fish.
Meat Whistle – Designed by John Barr
Our Senior Geospatial Data Analyst, Jeremy, has been out in New Mexico this fall and the go-to pattern has been the meat whistle. When you need some extra weight, throw this on a sinking line or with a sink tip to reach fish in those deep pools. Sometimes it’s best not to overthink it, keep a few of these traditional streamers on hand.
Madison Sculpin – Designed by Blue Line Flies
The fine folks over at Blue Line have been churning out amazing patterns, and their Madison Sculpin is not to be missed. A modern twist on a more traditional sculpin pattern, this is one of their best-performing streamer flies and has proven itself on the presidential waters of Montana for several years.
BONUS – Streamer Storage
Managing your streamer selection is tricky, they don’t fit nicely into most fly boxes, and articulated hooks have a tendency to tangle with long feathers and flowy material. The folks at Yakoda Supply have found a simple solution: the Streamer Stash. This accommodates just about any sized streamer and rolls compactly to fit in your pack or jacket pocket for easy access. The open-air design allows your flies to dry out and makes it easy to transport between gear setups.
Contributors: This article was written by Erik Johnsen in November of 2024. Erik is the Community Marketing Manager for TroutRoutes.