September – November
West Virginia fly fishingin fall: the guide
Your complete guide to fly fishing in West Virginia during fall (September – November).
The full fall guide for West Virginia is on its way. In the meantime, here are the flies and waters to start with.
Top Fall flies for West Virginia
Ranked by how often they show up in this season's reports.
streamerCrayfish (Fly)Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass and bluegill in rocky areas, making this a crucial subsurface pattern in fall.nymphFlashback Pheasant TailAn essential general searching nymph that effectively mimics various active aquatic insects, particularly mayfly nymphs, which are active year-round.dryMahogany DunMahogany Duns (Paraleptophlebia) hatch in late summer and early fall, offering additional dry fly opportunities for rising trout.nymphZebra MidgeMidges are a primary and consistent food source for trout year-round, becoming increasingly important as water temperatures cool in the fall.eggBlood Dot EggFall is prime egg season as trout begin their spawning cycles, making this a crucial pattern for opportunistic fish feeding on dislodged eggs.streamerArticulated Drunk SculpinSculpin patterns are excellent for targeting larger, aggressive brown trout that are actively feeding on baitfish in the colder fall waters.streamerPine Squirrel Leech (Olive)Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cooling water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic trout in the fall.nymphHellgrammite FlyHellgrammites are a consistent, high-protein food source for smallmouth bass on rocky rivers like the South Branch Potomac River throughout the year, making this a reliable subsurface pattern in fall.
Waters in West Virginia 6 to fish
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Local flies, current advice and guided trips.
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