Topwater Patterns

Topwater patterns are some of my favorite ones to use because you get to see the fish strike! I love to fish all of these flies, and recommend trying them out in the early mornings and around dusk. For those tied out of foam, you can also place a dropper off its bend and increase your odds of a fish.

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Gurgler

Jack Gartside's classic Gurgler has caught many fish over the years, and in this video I share a simple variation that has performed well for me, too. Don't forget to try this subsurface...tips on how to do so in the video! ;-)

Hi-Vis Foam Ant

Panfish and bass love this ant pattern! Let it sit on the water, give it a twitch, then hold on...

White Wulff

The White Wulff is a fly I love to fish, especially at dusk. Both panfish and bass enjoy this fly, plus smallmouth in moving waters will readily eat this pattern during the white fly hatch.

Charlie Boy Hopper

Created by Charlie Craven, this fly is one that really can cause a commotion on the surface. Be patient, as for many fish, it's hard to resist!

Irresistible Dry Fly

As its name says, the fly is Irresistible! This is one that works well in lakes, but especially useful for smallmouth in rivers. Joe Messinger Sr. created a winner in this pattern.

Terrestrial Spider Hopper

This Spider has worked extremely well for so many types of species, and it's one of my "go-to" patterns when fishing topwater for panfish. Thanks for sharing this one with me, Jerry!