”When to Change Your Fly: 5 Signs You Need to Switch Patterns”

Show Notes:

Episode 20: Knowing When to Switch Flies for More Hookups

Welcome back to The Stillwater Edge! Today, we’re tackling one of the most common questions in fly fishing—when should you change your fly?

We’ve all been there—casting over fish, seeing activity, but getting no bites. So, how do you know when it’s time to switch things up? In this episode, I’ll walk through five key signs that tell you when to change your fly and what adjustments you should make to trigger more strikes.

In this episode, I’ll cover:
✔ Why fish follow but don’t bite—and how to fix it
✔ What to do when fish are rising but ignoring your fly
✔ How water conditions affect fly choice
✔ Why the bite suddenly stops—and how to get it going again
✔ The ultimate gut check—are you making strategic choices or just guessing?

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear system for knowing when to switch flies and how to adjust for better success on the water.

Key Takeaways: 1. Fish Are Following Your Fly but Not Eating

✔ What’s happening? – Fish are interested but something is off—size, color, or movement.
✔ Solution:

• Downsize your fly—go smaller.
• Change to a more natural color.
• Adjust your retrieve speed—sometimes a slower or more erratic motion triggers a strike.

2. You See Fish Rising but They Ignore Your Fly

✔ What’s happening? – You’re not matching the hatch. The fish are dialed in on something specific, and your fly isn’t it.
✔ Solution:

• Observe the water—what insects are present?
• Fish the right stage—Are fish eating emergers, adults, or nymphs?
• Try a lighter tippet, smaller fly, or softer presentation.

3. The Bite Suddenly Stops

✔ What’s happening? – Either the hatch has changed or fish have become conditioned to your fly.
✔ Solution:

• Change fly type or color—a small adjustment can reignite bites.
• Adjust your depth—fish might have moved up or down in the column.
• Try a slightly different presentation to spark renewed interest.

4. Water & Weather Conditions Have Changed

✔ What’s happening? – Wind, cloud cover, or light penetration has shifted, and fish behavior follows suit.
✔ Solution:

• Bright, sunny? Use natural or lighter-colored flies.
• Overcast or murky water? Use flies with movement, hot spots, or larger profiles to stand out.
• Strong wind? Adjust your approach—fish might move, so match their behavior.

5. The Gut Check—Are You Being Strategic or Just Guessing?

✔ What’s happening? – You’re changing flies randomly without a plan.
✔ Solution:

• Ask yourself: Am I matching the hatch? Am I adjusting depth? Am I imitating natural movement?
• Have a system—adjust size, then color, then depth before blindly switching flies.
• Confidence comes from understanding fish behavior, not guessing.

Call to Action (CTA):

Knowing when to change your fly is a skill that separates great anglers from frustrated ones. The next time you’re out, use these five signs to make informed adjustments and start hooking more fish.

Try these tips and let me know how they work for you!

• What’s your go-to fly change strategy? DM me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) and share your experience.
• Subscribe to The Stillwater Edge for weekly expert Stillwater fishing insights.
• Share this episode with a fishing buddy who always wonders when to change flies!

Episode Outro:

That’s it for today’s episode! Recognizing when to switch flies can mean the difference between a slow day and a successful one.

By reading fish behavior, observing conditions, and making small, intentional adjustments, you’ll start fishing smarter and more effectively.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge). I’d love to hear how you use these strategies on your next trip!

Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!