Top 10 fly patterns for Swiss waters – spring to autumn

Introduction

Choosing the right fly often makes the difference between success and a blank day. In Switzerland, conditions vary greatly depending on the region, season, and body of water – so it's worth having a suitable selection in your tackle box. Here we present the 10 most tried-and-tested patterns for trout, grayling, and other species – specifically tailored to alpine rivers, mountain streams, and lakes.

1. Golden-headed nymph (Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear)

Season : March–October
Use : Deep fishing, trout & grayling
Tip : Always carry multiple weightings with you.

2. CDC F-Fly

Season : Year-round (depending on temperature)
Use : Calm surfaces, crepuscular fish
Material : CDC, fine thread, slim body

3. Elk Hair Caddis

Season : May–September
Use : Attractant fly on moving water
Particularly effective : In Graubünden and the Bernese Oberland

4. Woolly Bugger

Season : Year-round, especially spring & autumn
Use : Deep-running attractor fly – ideal for lakes & cold days
Colors : Black, Olive, Brown

5. Parachute Adams

Season : Spring–Autumn
Use : Universal for rising fish
Tip : Always have sizes 14-18 with you

6. Red Tag

Season : Spring & Summer
Use : Sight fly in changing light conditions
Especially : Works surprisingly well in small streams.

7. Griffith's Gnat

Season : Early summer & autumn
Use : When small insects or mosquitoes are active
Hooks : Size 18–20

8. Klinkhammer (Orange/Olive)

Season : May–September
Use : Transitional fly – floats and sinks simultaneously
Tip : Ideal for grayling

9. Black Gnat

Season : Early summer to late summer
Use : Evening fly time, dark days
Especially : Ideal in rivers with dark bottoms

10. Streamers (e.g. Zonker, Mini-Pike Bunny)

Season : Year-round, especially spring and late autumn
Use : Large trout, char, even pike
Note : Heavy equipment (rod #6+) required

Bonus: Assemble patterns as a set

At Bob's Flies you'll find a selection of dry fly, nymph, and streamer sets – ideal for Swiss fishing grounds. Our sets are tailored to the season, target species, and region, and contain only proven patterns, many of them hand-tied.

Tips for use

• Reading water : Choose patterns according to river type and depth.

• Vary the size : Sometimes hook #18 is better than #14.

• Combine dry and wet flies : e.g., CDC dry fly with gold-head nymph on a dropper.

Conclusion

With these 10 patterns, you'll be well-prepared in Switzerland – whether in a clear mountain stream, a wide river, or an alpine lake. Even more important than the pattern itself is its presentation. Practice, observe, and adapt – and you'll be rewarded.

Tight lines and good luck on the water!

Want to tie them yourself? Here's a beginner's guide to fly tying .