Stickleback

SIZE: 50-60 mm (about 2 in)

COLOR: Pale olive with darker back and dark vertical bands on the sides; red tints near gills. Breeding males develop bright red bellies.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS: Dorsal and pelvic spines; large eyes

About Sticklebacks

Sticklebacks are a forage fish for bigger trout, and are worth imitating. Standard fly patterns are hard to find, so you'll probably need to tie your own (see below) or rely on a Woolly Bugger, yellow-green Zonker, or similar streamer. Be sure to capture the deep-bellied appearance of the natural fish.

Use a count-down-and-retrieve presentation. Sticklebacks are not fast swimmers, and tend to be still much of them, or swim in little jerks. They are most active in the afternoon.

Articles About Sticklebacks

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Three-Spine Sticklebacks Sticklebacks are the most important single species of stillwater trout food, espcecially for big, predatory trout such as those in Oregon's Crane Prairie. Here are two new patterns to try out. Jeff Morgan

STAGE

PATTERN

SIZE/
COLOR

PRESENTATION

WHERE

Whitefish

Egg Fly

6-10/Pink, peach, white, purple, many others

Indicator, Tight line

Rivers