Top 5 Flies – Catch Trout On The Fly And Bubble

Want to catch more trout? You really need to check out the tried and true Fly and Bubble technique. These Top 5 Flies will get you going.

Fly and Bubble

The Fly and Bubble technique has been around for a long time. As long as I can remember, and I’m sure a lot longer than that. This is a technique that my father introduced me to as a youngster. It’s a very simple technique and one that is fun for kids. And heck, we need more kids out of their houses and fishing!

As the term Fly and Bubble suggests, the technique is just that, a Fly and a Bubble. Below I will go through my choices for Top 5 Flies, and as far as the bubble goes, any sliding clear bubble float will usually do. You can even do this with the old fashioned red and white bobbers of our youth, but a clear definitely works better.

The Rigging

Rigging to fish the Fly and Bubble is fairly simple, but it does take a few components. Rod and Reel, Line, Clear Bobber, Bead (my preference), Swivel and your Fly.

Here is a quick breakdown of the components needed.

For your rod and reel, you really can use anything. A spinning rod and reel is my go to for this, but a baitcast rod and reel also works just fine. For my main line that goes right to my reel, I’ll usually use 6lb test. Something like the Soft Steel Super HT Monofilament works perfectly.

Next is my clear float. I like the Rainbow Plastics Tough Bubble. This is a nice clear float that comes in multiple sizes.

These clear floats are nice as they stay hidden from the fish for a bit longer. The other key component is that you can fill these, or semi-fill these with water. If you’d like it to be a bit heavier for greater casting distance, let some water get into it to increase the weight.

Next in line is the bead. This is s personal preference of mine, but I like a bead between my swivel and float. No real reason to this, but this is the way I was taught, and it always seems to work. There are many colors and shapes, but I prefer a basic red, and for shape, either round or geometric work for me. These basic Bass Pro Beads work out fine, and are very cheap.

The next component is your swivel. I will then tie my main line to a swivel. This will keep the float from going all the way down to your fly. Any swivel will do.

Attached to the swivel is my leader line. For this type of fishing I will use 2lb to 4lb test. I like it nice and light, to keep it hidden from wary trout. Again, the Soft Steel Super HT Monofilament works perfect for this.

Now comes the most important aspect of the entire rig…the fly!

Choosing Your Fly

There are several types of flies you can use when fishing the Fly and Bubble Rig. In fact, you can use just about anything from dry to heavy wet flies. This list represents the flies that I have personally had the most success with.

1. Wooly Bugger

I love the Wooly Bugger! It is probably the most versatile fly in fly fishing. Whether fishing a standard fly rod/reel set up, or the Fly and Bubble, it just plain gets bit! This particular version is the cone head, which gives it a little more weight to fish a bit deeper. And for color…you can’t go wrong with Olive.

Fish this fly with long, slow steady pulls to let the fly have a nice and easy presentation.

2. Krystal Flash Bugger

This little Bugger (see what I did there?) is pretty amazing. Really anything in the bugger family will do you right. This particular pattern is one of my tops. The black and chartreuse bead head body gives the bait a subtle flash, and enough weight to get down below the surface, but not drop straight down.

Fish this fly with long slow steady pulls allowing this fly to do its magic.

3. Psycho Prince Cadis Nymph – Green Bead Head

This Prince Nymph variation is one of my favorites. I always like green in my flies, and this one has just the right amount, with not too much dramatic action, perfect for subtle presentations.

I like to fish this fly with quick erratic movement under the bubble. Of course, you can dead stick it too.

4. Midge, CDC, Olive

Always good to have a Midge or two in your box. I prefer bigger baits when I am fishing the early morning or dusk hours. I really enjoy this particular midge as it is one of the better adult Midge patterns I have found. And having a selection of entire lifecycle Midge flies in your box is always good.

5. Elk Hair Cadis, Olive

Another fly that every angler should have in their box is the Elk Hair Cadis. This is the only dry fly on my list, but don’t count them out. There is nothing like watching a hungry trout roll on the surface after your fly.

Conclusion

Fishing the Fly and Bubble is a lot of fun, and can be really effective. If you do plan to try this, be sure to have a nice little selection of flies available to tie on and don’t be afraid to change it up and switch it around. The list above just happen to be my favorite flies for this technique. I’m sure you will figure out what yours are too!

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Happy Fishing!

Davey

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