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My Top 5 Confidence Flies Heading Into the Fall

  • Andrew Polson
  • Aug 21, 2025
  • 4 min read

Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Have you ever stared into your fly box, overwhelmed by choices, and wondered which patterns you can really trust—those flies that always seem to deliver when nothing else works? That’s the question I found myself asking after flipping through Tim Camissa’s “Tying Euro Nymphs and Other Competition Favorites.” In his book, Tim interviews world-class trout anglers and asks them: what are your five confidence flies? As I read their answers, I couldn’t help but pause and think, If I had to pick just five, which would make my cut?


Over years of fishing, my fly box has become a mix of classic flies and forgotten experiments, with plenty of patterns collecting dust. Yet when it matters most—whether I’m exploring new water, euro nymphing on a crowded river, or teaching a first-time trout angler—I always reach for the same core set. These are my workhorses, the flies that earn their spot.


These aren’t just effective in one spot or under perfect conditions—they’re flies I’ve relied on all over Virginia and Pennsylvania, with all kinds of trout, no matter the style I’m fishing. If I could choose only five flies to tie on for a day of teaching or exploring, these are the patterns I’d trust to turn a tough outing around.


My Top Five Flies for Fall


1. Walt's Worm

  • Hook Size: 16–18

  • Tungsten Bead Size: 2.4–3.2mm

  • Colors: mustard, brown, grey

  • Target Species: Stocked rainbow trout, wild & stocked brown trout, brook trout


Why it’s in my box: Any time I step in the water, the first fly I reach for is a Walt’s Worm. Versatile and reliable, it imitates a variety of aquatic bugs and fools everything from picky wild trout to eager stockers. I like to carry it in a few shades and sizes—I’ve seen trout absolutely demolish it up and down the east coast. If you want one fly to boost your confidence, this one won’t let you down.


Weiss' Walt's worm available from Fulling Mill
Weiss' Walt's worm available from Fulling Mill

2. Bleached Simple Pheasant Tail

  • Hook Size: 14–18

  • Tungsten Bead Size: 2.4–3.2mm

  • Color: Copper bead & bleached pheasant tail

  • Target Species: Wild & stocked rainbows, wild & stocked browns


Why it’s in my box: Everyone swears by the pheasant tail, but after plenty of experimenting, I keep reaching for this lighter variation. Designed by the legendary Pat Weiss, It’s deadly as both a point and tag fly, and especially shines in cool, pressured water—think picky fish in Pennsylvania. Simple to tie, endlessly effective, and a fly I trust when conditions get tough.


Weiss' Simple Pheasant Tail available from Fulling Mill
Weiss' Simple Pheasant Tail available from Fulling Mill

3. Lubos Roza’s Dark Neon

  • Hook Size: 16–18

  • Bead Size: 2.4–3.2mm

  • Features: Pink bead, neon tag, dark body, CDC collar

  • Target Species: Stocked rainbow trout


Why it’s in my box: I stumbled onto this fly in a Fulling Mill YouTube video featuring Lubos Roza. He raved about how well it worked for stocked fish, so I had to try it. Its been a killer ever since - bright, flashy, and with a profile that just seems fishy, this fly has turned slow days around for me more than once. I don’t understand why it works so well, but now, I never head to a river without it.


Roza's Dark Neon Available from Fulling Mill
Roza's Dark Neon Available from Fulling Mill

4. Devin Olsen’s Blowtorch

  • Hook Size: 14–18

  • Bead Size: 2.4–3.8mm

  • Features: Copper bead, peacock dubbing, orange tag

  • Target Species: Wild & stocked rainbows and browns, stocked brook trout


Why it’s in my box: If I could only have one fly for new water, the Blowtorch—with its signature orange tag—is it. I can’t back it up with science, but trout just seem to go crazy for the color orange, especially on tough days. This fly pairs well with a tag end pheasant tail and adapts to a range of conditions. Tip: Don’t be afraid to use a bigger bead size for fast water or as an anchor.


Devin Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch available from Fulling Mill
Devin Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch available from Fulling Mill

5. Weiss’ Mustard Stinger

  • Hook Size: 12–18

  • Bead Size: 2.4–3.8mm

  • Color: Nickel bead, mustard dubbing, blue pearlescent rib

  • Target Species: Wild & stocked rainbows and browns, stocked brook trout


Why it’s in my box: Pat Weiss’s Mustard Stinger is described as “one of the dirtiest nymph patterns” around—and I can vouch for it! It may look unassuming, but after a day where I caught  five fish on five straight casts, I was a believer. The unique combo of mustard and blue ribbing seems to drive trout wild from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Any fly designed by Pat Weiss is always worth a spot in your box, but this one has something special.


Weiss' Mustard Stinger available from Fulling Mill
Weiss' Mustard Stinger available from Fulling Mill

Every angler has a few patterns they trust above all others, and these five have truly earned their spot in my fly box. Whether you’re stalking wild browns, hitting stocked waters, or introducing someone new to the sport, I hope these confidence flies help you put more fish in the net and enjoy your time on the water even more.


If you’re curious about diving deeper into the world of Euro Nymphing—or want to pick up some tips from some of the best in the game—I can’t recommend Tim Camissa’s book, “Tying Euro Nymphs and Other Competition Favorites,” enough. It’s packed with practical instructions and insights from top anglers that’ll up your fly-tying and fishing game. You can check it out here: https://www.troutandfeather.com/new-products/euronymphbook


Here are the links to the flies I mentioned above:


 
 
 
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