One of the most effective ways to fish for trout is using egg patterns. When trout are spawning fish will key in on eggs and ignore most other offerings. Eggs are protein packed and easy food, unlike many foods eggs don’t swim away.
Picking the right pattern, getting the depth correct and colors will play a significant role in your success. As simple as it sounds learning how to read the water conditions and the weather along with selecting the right egg pattern can will improve your chances of landing a trophy.
During the spawning seasons whether chasing rainbow trout or brown trout you’ve got to have egg patterns in your fly box. Remember, eggs are pretty nutritious and can be almost impossible for trout species to pass up. If you buy flies, I recommend is the Feeder Creek Fly Egg Pattern. Be sure to get some Glo bugs, they have been a winning ticket for me when a standard egg pattern gets refused.
The Best Egg Patterns Reviewed
1. Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Egg Pattern, Glo Bug – Best Overall
Glo bugs are the ultimate egg patterns that prove to be successful in catching different trout species and many other fish species for decades. It is the first egg pattern that most fly anglers learned to tie and even fish with; they’re easy to connect. I fished using a Glo bug while young with my granddad. It is the first dry fly pattern I have ever tied and has been part of my arsenal for years.
Guide Pro Tip: I’ve tried to pour everything I know into a article -> Read the Complete Guide to Fly Fishing for Rainbow Trout
Fortunately, there are several versions of the glo bugs, one of the most effective ones being the Feeder Creek glo bug. This glo bug has everything you will ever need in a dry fly, and this includes the fact that it’s a perfect imitation of real fish eggs, which makes them reasonably practical.
What Makes It the Best
Glo bug eggs provide a perfect combination of nutrients that can help improve a trout’s health; therefore, it’s no surprise this pattern is quite effective. The Feeder Creek egg pattern perfectly imitates the real glo bug eggs and can be used to fish in still fast, and even slow water.
Guide Tip: Wondering what my setup is? I tell you, read How to Fly Fish with Eggs
And with over three decades of experience in the fly tying industry, you should expect nothing but the best from Feeder Creek, and this glo bug is no exception. Feeder Creek has a wide selection of fishing baits that you can add to your fly fishing box. Fortunately, each pack contains 12 units, including six pink Glo bugs and six orange ones. The bright colors can help attract a wide range of fish, including panfish, bass, and trout. (source)
Where can you get Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Egg Pattern? Amazon carries them, check current prices and reviews with this shortcut link 👉 Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Egg Pattern
Specs
- Brand: Feeder Creek
- Color: orange and pink
- Weight: 0.02kg
- Target species: trout, salmon, panfish, and bass
Pros
- Affordable
- You can use it in a wide range of weather conditions
- Works in still and fast-moving rivers
- Durable
Cons
None
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5
Guide Tip: Do you toss flies in lakes? I’ll let you in on my 5 Favorite Fly Patterns for Lakes (Rainbow and Lake Trout)
2. The Fly Crate Dotted Glo-Bug Egg Fly Variety Assortment – Best Design
As aforementioned, there is a wide range of glo bug egg flies in the market that vary in design, and one design that has always worked for me is the dotted Glo-bug egg. The dotted Glo bug has always worked for me, especially fishing in lakes. After all, attracting a trout from deep in the water with just any egg pattern can be tricky.
Fortunately, the dotted Glo bug has a glowing dot at the center that resembles the yolk. Therefore, it can easily confuse the fish and have it biting the bait in no time. And to show you that they believe in their products, Fly Crate included a 100% money-back guarantee. Therefore, you can get a refund if your egg pattern gets damaged while fishing.
This egg pattern is perfect for beginners chasing massive trout on the fly. I have had much success swinging through deep pools with this dotted Glo bug egg pattern. Another thing that stands out is that Fly Crate gives 2% of its sales to disabled American veterans. And coming from a military family, this warms my heart and makes me want to give more. (source)
Looking to buy these flies? Amazon carries them, check out the reviews and ratings with this shortcut link 👉 Fly Crate Dotted Glo-Bug Egg Fly Variety
Specs
- Brand: The Fly Crate
- Style: 8 beaded pack
- Material: alloy steel
- Size: 10
- Target species: trout, salmon
Pros
- Affordable
- Efficient
- High quality
- It comes with q 100% cash back guarantee
- Contributes 2% of their sales to the disabled American veterans
Cons
None
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5
Guide PRO Tip: I’m not an advocate for drifting flies through redds. Let those fish do their thing. But behind a redd is usually a hole with trout eating eggs. I’ve got an article that tells -> When Do Rainbow Trout Spawn
3. Outdoor Planet Trout Egg Pattern – Best for Murky Waters
Another famous brand that has stood the test of time is Outdoor Planet. The outdoor planet has several high-quality dry flies, one of the most effective ones being their trout egg pattern. It is one of the most influential and visible patterns, even in the dark and murky waters.
This egg pattern will last very long if you tie it using durable premium materials. Its bright colors make it stand out; it can attract trout easily. Like the previous egg pattern in our list, it does come with a dot resembling a yolk. So the bright dot can easily convince the trout that it’s a real egg.
This egg pattern can make a perfect gift for your loved ones; you will get 12 pieces to add to your loved ones’ fly box. Plus, the fact that it’s available in some sizes is a bonus. (source)
Where to get the
Specs
- Brand: Outdoor Planet
- Color: 12 egg flies
- Target species: trout
- No of pieces: 12
Pros
- High quality
- Obvious pattern
- Quite effective available in a wide range of colors
- It makes a great gift
Cons
- Some anglers have complained that it is cheaply tied.
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
4. Tungsten Bead Egg Fly-In Peach, Chartreuse, Or Pink – Fast Sinking Egg Pattern
Over the last few decades, egg patterns have become quite popular; some fly anglers use different egg patterns all year round. And one of the best egg fly patterns that can guarantee a catch any time of the year is the Tungsten bead egg fly. It’s the best option that drifts near the base of the stream to attract trout.
One thing that stands out for me is that it uses tungsten beads. The tungsten bead will help get your egg pattern to the base of the river within the shortest time possible, increasing your likelihood of catching a fish every time. The best part of the hook provides a perfect place to attach dropper flies.
Plus, it’s available in many bright colors and has an orange dot representing the yolk; therefore, it can easily attract trout. The Tungsten bead egg fly contains premium materials; consequently, it can serve you for a very long time. (source)
If peach colored eggs are the trigger color, are the river you’re fishing is fast look for a tungsten beadhead check out Amazon – Tungsten Bead Egg Fly Peach
Specs
- Brand: Region Fishing
- Color: pink
- Style: Chartreuse hook #16
- Material: Tungsten
Pros
- High quality
- You can use it all year round
- Fast sinking
Cons
None
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
5. Tigofly Realistic Nuke Egg Fly – Best Budget
One of the best egg pattern styles in the industry that has taken the fly fishing industry by storm is the Tigofly realistic egg fly. With the nuke eggs pattern, some yarn is left loose, which resembles the skin that hangs resembling real eggs, which guarantees you lots of movements. Tigofly has produced some of the best dry flies in the market that guarantees you movement and this nuke egg fly is no exception.
Another thing that stands out is that it’s available in various color combinations, including cherry & white, white & pink, pink & green, and grey & red, among others. This egg pattern comes with size two hooks and has a diameter of about 1 cm. This package comes with 12 pieces featuring six colors. The Tigofly egg fly can come in handy when fishing for trout and salmon, among other species. (source)
For a great value look at Tigofly Nuke Eggs, sold on Amazon. I love the “veil” around the pattern, it provides a realistic pattern often seen on eggs. Shortcut link to read more 👉
Specs
- Brand: Tigofly
- Target species: salmon, trout
- No of pieces: 12
- Size: 2
Pros
- Available in a wide range of color combinations
- High-quality
- It resembles real eggs
Cons
None
Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5
6. Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Trout /Salmon Egg Patterns – Premium Egg Pattern
Feeder Creek is known for producing some of the best dry fly patterns in the market; therefore, it’s no surprise we have featured another Feeder Creek egg pattern. After all, they’re known for producing a perfect imitation of real eggs, and this salmon/trout egg pattern is no exception. Remember, trout and salmon eggs are very juicy, and trout love them; therefore, with this perfect imitation, you have a high likelihood of the fish striking your bait. (source)
Trout and salmon egg patterns are available in various color combinations, the most common being red, yellow, pink, and orange. Their unique bright colors can attract substantial trout species, bass, and panfishes, among others. This package comes with 12 pieces, including 6 of size 16 and the other 6 of size 14.
Hand-Tied Egg Pattern
Another thing that makes this egg pattern stand out is it is hand-tied. These flies are tied by folks who have done it for over three decades. Therefore, this is a guaranteed high-quality product.
Remember, the main objective of Feeder Creek is to make fly fishing fun; therefore, their products, including this egg pattern, are easy and fun to use. Plus, having a wide range of color combinations is a bonus.
Unlike most egg patterns, this Feeder Creek patter features a high-quality hook that makes landing and hooking fishes more accessible and fun. Its unique features make it ideal for experienced fly anglers and beginners.
Where to get the Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Trout / Salmon Egg Patterns. Look at Amazon for reviews and current prices – Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Trout /Salmon Egg Patterns
Specs
- Brand: Feeder Creek
- Color: multicolor
- Size: 14, 16
- Target species: trout, salmon, panfish, and bass
Pros
- High quality
- Easy to use
- It can attract a wide range of fish species
- Perfect imitation of the salmon/ trout eggs
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- No beadhead
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5
7. ZZWIF Salmon Trout Egg Fly Fishing Lures – Best Egg Pattern for Giant Fish
Another less famous firm known for producing some of the best dry flies in the market is ZZWIF. ZZWIF is known for producing high-quality products at a reasonable price. So if your goal is getting high-quality and budget-friendly gear made using high-end products, then you should go for the ZZWIF Salmon Trout Egg Fly Fishing Lures.
This salmon trout egg uses a carbon steel hook; therefore, this is the best option for dealing with a giant fish. Another thing I love about this pattern is that they use bright colors. The bright color can attract more fish, including colossal trout, panfish, bluegill, and bass.
You can use the ZZWIF egg pattern to fish in various weather conditions, including cloudy days and evenings. In fact, with this package, you will get a dozen eggs in 6 colors; plus, you can use it with other lures. This product can be costly compared to our list’s different egg patterns. Luckily, it is a high-quality product that will guarantee you value for your money. (source)
Specs
- Brand: ZZWIF
- Color: mix
- No of pieces: 12
- Material: high carbon steel
- Size: 12
Pros
- High quality
- You can use it to chase after giant trout species
- You can use it for fishing in a wide range of weather conditions
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Costly
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
8. Creative Angler Hot Glue Egg Fly Fishing Flies – Best Value for Money
If you want to try something new and are tired of the yarn egg pattern, or the other option doesn’t work for you, you should go for this hot glue egg fly. Produced by Creative Angler, this hot glue egg fly is an excellent option for folks looking for fast sinking dry yarn egg flies. Plus, it’s available in 2 colors so that you can attract a wide range of fish species.
This hot glue egg fly is excellent, especially for hungry fish that can consume anything that looks delicious floating in the water. Plus, in some cases, it can be more durable than most yarn egg patterns; therefore, it can serve you for a very long time. (source)
Where to get the Creative Angler Hot Glue Egg Fly Fishing Flies. Look at Amazon for reviews and current prices – Creative Angler Hot Glue Egg Fly Fishing Flies
Specs
- Brand: Creative Angler
- Color: pink, orange
- Size: 12, 10, 8
- Weight: 1 ounce
Pros
- High quality
- Fast sinking capabilities
- Durable
- Lasts longer than yarn egg patterns
Cons
None
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5
Factors to Consider When Picking the Best Egg Pattern for Trout
Just because they consume a wide range of foods doesn’t mean they don’t have their favorite foods. And in most cases, especially during the spawning season, trout prefer a wide range of fish eggs, which are highly nutritious and can help improve their health. Therefore, to attract trout during the spawning season, you need the correct egg pattern for trout.
But with the many options available, picking the right one can be very challenging, especially since some are for a wide range of fish species. So here are a few factors to consider when buying the best egg pattern for trout.
Is it a Perfect Imitation of the Actual Egg?
To attract trout during the other seasons, you need a perfect imitation of the insects they’re feeding on at that point in their lives, which is the case with egg patterns. Therefore, before your fly fishing date starts, you should consider the type of eggs you can find where you plan to fish and get a perfect imitation of those eggs.
You can easily attract trout with the right look alike, so make sure it matches them in shape and color. Remember, rainbow trout eggs are yellowish-orange, while those from Coho salmon and steelheads are translucent eggs, which is why most patterns are bright colored.
Get Different Variations of Colors
Generally, the colors of the eggs vary between light pink and orange; therefore, you need an option that will make them look more realistic. Remember, free-drifting and trapped eggs can remain in the water for a long time, affecting their colors. These eggs can become less vibrant; some can become translucent and even opaque.
Therefore, including cream-colored or off-white egg patterns in your arsenal can be pretty beneficial: after all, they represent the colors of unfertilized eggs.
Are You Fishing in Murky Waters?
You should consider getting an egg cluster pattern when fishing in murky waters. Besides bright colors, a cluster of eggs can be easier to detect than a single one in murky waters.
Sinking Rate
As aforementioned, egg patterns can be very effective in many water bodies. Therefore, when fishing in deeper lakes, you will need a design with a fast sinking rate. After all, trout tend to hide in the lower water columns in lakes.
Therefore, you should find an option with a heavier hook or design to help it sink faster. Luckily, there are numerous options in the market, including Creative Angler Hot Glue Egg Fly fishing flies and Tungsten bead egg fly in peach, chartreuse, or pink.
When Is the Best Time to Fish Trout?
In some lakes, you can fish trout all year round, but you may have to change your tactics; what works in winter won’t necessarily work in summer. Fishes tend to be high in the warmer lower water columns during the cold season, so you should be ready for the season.
Guide PRO Tip: Every angler is wondering WHEN. I’ve got an epic article with years of data counting fish and the time of day I caught them. Read -> When is the best time to fish for trout
And even during the spawning season, when egg patterns work perfectly, the time you cast your line matters. The best time for fishing trout is at dawn and dusk when they’re actively looking for food. But with the darkness, you may need egg patterns with brighter colors that can easily attract the trout.
Final Thoughts
Egg patterns for trout can be pretty effective during the spawning seasons when several free eggs are floating in the water. But this doesn’t mean that there is a one-for-all egg pattern that can work every time; you need a perfect imitation of the eggs laid in the place where you plan on fishing; plus, the brighter the egg, the better. You will likely attract something with the correct pattern every time you cast your line.
From our list, we have concluded that the Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Egg Pattern for Trout; can work in both fast-moving and still water. If you’re working with a tight budget, we recommend you go for Tigofly Realistic Nuke Egg Fly.
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- Best Rod, Reel and Line for Nymph Fishing – All about the equipment to nymph fish.
- How to Tie and Fish a Traditional Nymph Setup – An introduction to rigging up for nymph fishing.
- Nymph Fishing Styles Explained Traditional, Euro and Indicator – An overview of nymph fishing techniques and when to use them.
- Reading the Water for Nymph Fishing – Learn how to recognize the right conditions to fly fish with nymphs.
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Hi David Humphries Owner of Guide Recommended. I love everything to do with fly fishing. Casting, Tying, YouTube, writing about it and even teaching. I’ve got a FREE video workshop teaching how to dry fly fish at this link How to Fly Fish
Sources
- Amazon contributor, Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Egg Pattern, Glo Bug, https://www.amazon.com/Feeder-Creek-Fishing-Trout-Flies/dp/B07V4P4VBV/ Accessed June 19, 2022
- Amazon contributor, The Fly Crate Dotted Glo-Bug Egg Fly Variety Assortment, https://www.amazon.com/Fly-Crate-Glo-Bug-Variety-Assortment/dp/B0B11MBDXP/ Accessed June 19, 2022
- Amazon contributor, Outdoor Planet Trout Egg Pattern, https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Planet-Steelhead-Assotment-Fishing/dp/B07MGP5CSC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=trout%2Begg%2Bpattern&qid=1655793245&sr=8-3&th=1/ Accessed June 19, 2022
- Amazon contributor, Tungsten Bead Egg Fly-in Peach, Chartreuse, or Pink, https://www.amazon.com/Tungsten-Chartreuse-Assorted-Fishing-Signature/dp/B084H3DDBH/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=trout%2Begg%2Bpattern&qid=1655793245&sr=8-6&th=1/ Accessed June 19, 2022
- Amazon contributor, Tigofly Realistic Nuke Egg Fly, https://www.amazon.com/Tigofly-Colors-Realistic-Fishing-Flies/dp/B07ZXS66YH/ref=sr_1_24?keywords=trout+egg+pattern&qid=1655793245&sr=8-24/ Accessed June 19, 2022
- Amazon contributor, Feeder Creek Fly Fishing Trout /Salmon Egg Patterns, https://www.amazon.com/Feeder-Creek-Available-Assortment-Multicolor/dp/B09HJ9H6BV/ref=pb_allspark_dp_sims_pao_desktop_session_based_sccl_2_6/133-9252846-1718843?pd_rd_w=67mCv&content-id=amzn1.sym.6b5008ac-c24a-4aea-a3ea-015a531184f5&pf_rd_p=6b5008ac-c24a-4aea-a3ea-015a531184f5&pf_rd_r=23944QMR559E92FP12SE&pd_rd_wg=zHZi3&pd_rd_r=4ae88bf0-2dba-40ca-acc8-0e1d583996c7&pd_rd_i=B07D23M4DX&th=1/ Accessed June 19, 2022
- Amazon contributor, ZZWIF Salmon Trout Egg Fly Fishing Lures https://www.amazon.com/ZZWIF-Salmon-Steelhead-Fishing-Sturdy/dp/B07VZBL4P5/ref=sr_1_20?crid=1KUN4LWY88CKX&keywords=trout+egg+pattern&qid=1655688200&sprefix=trout+egg+pattern%2Caps%2C544&sr=8-20/ Accessed June 19, 2022
- Amazon contributor, Creative Angler Hot Glue Egg Fly Fishing Flies, https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Angler-Fishing-Flies-Dozen/dp/B07D8PYM1N/ref=sr_1_30_sspa?crid=1KUN4LWY88CKX&keywords=trout%2Begg%2Bpattern&qid=1655688200&sprefix=trout%2Begg%2Bpattern%2Caps%2C544&sr=8-30-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSVRJSlQ3MkhTWk5VJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTAwMDMwMU5LSjNRUkNNTEw1NyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDg3OTU4MVE4VEZWSVE1UjBTVSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1/ Accessed June 19, 2022