October – Stillwater Fly Selection
October stillwater fishing in the UK is shaped by cooler water temperatures, shorter days, and a noticeable shift in fish behaviour toward autumn feeding patterns.
Midges and buzzers come into their own during October and often provide the most consistent sport. As surface temperatures drop, trout frequently feed just below the surface or at mid-depth, making buzzer patterns particularly effective when fished with careful depth control and a restrained retrieve.
At the same time, larger fry are well established on many stillwaters, and trout may actively target them, especially in the margins and shallower areas. When this behaviour is evident, fish can feed aggressively for short periods, making fry imitations an important option to consider.
Surface activity becomes more limited as autumn progresses, but there may still be sporadic hatches of Pond and Lake Olives where conditions suit. These opportunities are typically brief and weather-dependent, often occurring during mild, overcast spells when fish are prepared to rise.
Overall, October success on stillwaters usually comes from adapting to changing conditions and focusing on subsurface patterns, with surface flies used opportunistically rather than as a primary approach.
The flies in this collection have been selected to reflect typical UK October stillwater conditions, focusing on buzzer patterns, fry imitations, and the occasional surface option for those rare but rewarding olive hatches.
If you’re unsure which flies best suit your local stillwater or current conditions, we’re always happy to help.
