On the Fly: Top 10 streamers for fall         

With the end of summer in sight, it’s time to stock those streamer boxes with larger flies that imitate baitfish, sculpin, and fry. Here is our list of don’t-leave-home-without fall flies for aggressive fish that always seem to sense the leaner menu on the horizon. Don’t forget to pinch those barbs down if you pick these up elsewhere, ours are already barbless.

Dali Lama  

Originally created for fishing to Dolly Varden, this articulated streamer is a favorite in the trout fishing world now as well.

Craven’s Double Dirty Hippy  

A great articulated and larger streamer that “breathes” when fished with long and slow strips. Available in four color schemes.

Craven’s Double Gonga 

We love large flies that are easy to cast, and Craven’s Double Gonga fits the bill. Black is our favorite; available in five colors.

Articulated Tungsten Thin Mint  

With a slim profile and heavy body, this is a go-to searcher pattern here in the valley, especially on the Colorado River.

Heng’s Autumn Splendor  

Tim Heng created this fly many years ago, right here in the Roaring Fork Valley. This pattern is a must-have for high country lakes, and here’s a hint: You can fish it all year, not just in autumn. He may disagree, but I think it imitates a small brook trout.

Carlton Banks  

Dubbed the Carlton because of its “serious dance moves” (Remember the Fresh Prince of Bel Air?). Comes in olive, white, purple, and black variations.

Rabid Strip Streamer 

Originally designed for bass in rocky areas, this fly has made inroads in the trout world, too. The creator Kyle Osowski says, “There is really no wrong way to fish it.”

Craven’s Swim Coach 

Charlie says this one is the most fun fly he has ever fished. Tied to cast easily and get down in the zone quickly.

Stott’s Conehead Ziwi 

Jeremy Stott ties a lot of custom flies for us and is a Solitude Fly Company designer, and his tried-and-true Ziwi is just as popular in Argentina as it is here in Colorado.

Barr’s Slump Buster 

John Barr has a lot of SKUs in the Umpqua fly catalog, and his bare-bones and basic “Slumpy” really works well. We fish the natural version on the Fryingpan, and the black, olive, and rust variations dominate on our freestone rivers.

This report is provided every week by Taylor Creek Fly Shops in Aspen and Basalt. Taylor Creek can be reached at 970-927-4374 or TaylorCreek.com.