Dry Flies and Spinners

About

Dry Flies and Spinners Quick Picks Best All-Around: Rusty Spinner Fly - A go-to spent-wing mayfly spinner for anglers who want one pattern that covers a lot of evening water. The rusty body tone and slim profile help it pass for multiple mayfly species during spinner falls. Best for Technical Tailwaters: Clear Wing Spinner Fly - Built for picky trout feeding on tiny Tricos when they’re lying flush in the film. The slim thread body and obvious spread wings keep the silhouette realistic in small sizes. Best for Trico Mornings: Chubby Trico Spinner Fly - A strong choice when you’re seeing clouds of Tricos and consistent sipping rises. The slightly fuller profile helps match the bulkier Trico thorax while still riding right in the surface. Best Attractor Dry: Trude Dry Fly - Great when you don’t have a clean hatch to match and want to cover pocket water, riffles, and small freestones. Its buggier look and sturdy build make it a useful “searching” dry for mixed trout water. Best Rough Water Caddis: Goddard Caddis Dry Fly - Ideal for broken water and faster currents where you need a fly that keeps floating and stays visible. The deer-hair body adds buoyancy and a strong caddis silhouette for both rivers and stillwater edges. How to Choose Dry Flies and Spinners Dry fly vs. spinner: when each one shines Action: Start with standard dry flies when fish are taking adults (upright wings, skittering caddis, bigger profiles) or when you’re prospecting likely water. Switch to spinner patterns when you notice flatter “spent” wings on the water or you’re getting refusals on higher-floating dries. Best for: Dry flies for daytime feeding windows, pocket water, and general hatch matching. Spinners for those calm, low-light, end-of-hatch periods when trout key on easy, motionless meals. Match the profile first, then size Action: For mayflies, focus on body length, tail length, and wing position. For caddis, prioritize a tent-wing silhouette and buoyancy. When in doubt, go a size smalle