Ascent's Top Summer Attractor Dries

Like a high-stepping line of Las Vegas showgirls or the cast of Baywatch, the family of flies called Attractors rely more on flash and embellishment than attempting to represent any true invertebrate species. Making up roughly 20% of dry patterns and 30% of wet patterns, flies from this family are dressed in tinsel, copper, mirrored Mylar, and flamboyant color, which makes them stand out like Elton John strolling through a rodeo as they drift down the stream.

To the frustration of bug geeks like myself, in spite of these patterns often only resembling a true invertebrate in profile alone, fish will often pass up more realistic patterns to take a swipe at a flashy Attractor. To understand just why attractors are so successful, we need to take a look into the world and minds of trout.

In the cold water lakes and rivers that trout call home, they are at the top of the food chain, the alpha predators, the top dogs. When trying to illustrate this point to clients, I often invoke an image of the lions of the African plain. Like the lion, trout are on the prowl for easy picking, wanting to pack in as much protein as they can while expending as little energy as possible. To do this, both the lion and the trout will focus on the prey that strays from and looks different from the herd. The bright colors and iridescent shine of the attractor make it stand out from the thousands of naturals drifting through the water and incite that carnal nature of the predator! They just can't help themselves and have to take a bite!

Elements of the Attractor are often incorporated into tried and true patterns like the Flashback Hares Ear and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs, but for the full shock and awe effect of the Attractor pattern in all of its glory, I would recommend that you keep these dozen patterns on hand:

Whether you are fishing High Mountain Lakes or your favorite Freestone River this summer, tie on one of these attractor patterns and hold on tight because the fireworks are about to commence!

Humpy
Available Colors: Red, Yellow, Chartreuse
Available Sizes: 12 - 18

This large-bodied, brightly colored dry mayfly pattern is intended to appear as a large meal helplessly stranded on top of the water as opposed to being a close match to any specific hatch. A close relative to the Royal Wulff, the Humpy can be used to help seduce the strike from even the most reluctant fish!

Dry/Wet: Dry

Fly Category: Attractor Pattern

Family: Mayfly

Species: NA

Life Stage: Adult

Royal Wulff
Available Sizes: 12 - 20

An obnoxious concoction of red floss, over-sized wings, and peacock herl, the Royal Wulff is an Attractormayfly patternand stands out (in more ways than one) among its dry fly peers! Prone to drive trout out of their minds and induce feeding frenzies, there are few fly patterns as effective as the Royal Wulff when fishing for Brook or Cutthroat trout! We have personally caught more than 1,000 trout on the Royal Wulff over the years, and will almost certainly net another 1,000 before hanging up our rods for good!

Dry/Wet: Dry

Fly Category: Attractor Pattern

Family: Mayfly

Species: NA

Life Stage: Adult

Patriot
Available Sizes: 12 - 20

The Star-Spangled Banner of fly patterns, the Patriot is an unashamed, loud and proud dry fly that is guaranteed to get the trouts’ attention! Prone to drive trout out of their minds and induce feeding frenzies, there are few fly patterns as effective as the Patriot when fishing for Brook or Cutthroat trout!

Dry/Wet: Dry

Fly Category: Attractor Pattern

Family: Mayfly

Species: NA

Life Stage: Adult

Parachute Purple Haze
Available Sizes: 12 - 18

A flashier and sexier version of the Parachute Adams, the Parachute Purple Haze shares many characteristics with the Adams but has replaced the grey body with an eye-catching metallic purple. The spark of light produced from the purple body makes this pattern visible from a greater depth and during cloudier water conditions. Altogether, the Parachute Purple Haze is a great Attractor dry fly that will fish to equal effect as either a mayfly or larger midge.

Dry/Wet: Dry

Fly Category: Attractor Pattern

Family: Mayfly, Midges & Chironomids

Species: NA

Life Stage: Adult