As trout fishing kicks into high gear across much of the country, be sure you arm yourself with some of the best flies for big trout. Trout, and big ones, don't always come easily. Whether you are stalking a rising trout in Pennsylvania, float fishing a rugged canyon water in Colorado, or just looking to get away and find some big trout fishing close to home, trout grow big because they eat big meals. From tailwaters to freestones to lakes and ponds, finding big trout near you is only part of the equation for success--you must also serve up the right fly.

Here are some of the Top Flies for Big Trout

Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow. Few flies look as realistic as this when stripped through the water. With ice dubbing in flashy colors and a conehead, the Sparkle Minnow is akin to a Woolly Bugger on a Vegas binge. Best stripped or swung, this pattern is responsible for many personal bests.

Sculpzilla. Aptly named for the season of the monster, this fly imitates injured prey. With an articulated hook, Sculpzilla is best fished single, as the articulation creates havoc for trailing flies tied to the bend of the hook. Created by big-fish-finder Kelly Galloup, this fly should be in your box all season long.

Circus Peanut. Also created by Galloup, this fly is a treat for anglers but a nasty trick for big trout. With articulation, large dumbbell eyes, stinger hooks, and rubber legs, the Circus Peanut has it all and is surely responsible for many damaged egos of hundreds of large brown trout.

Clouser Minnow. Very simple, yet very effective, the Clouser Minnow imitates a variety of baitfish. With oversized eyes and the ability to be tied in several color combinations, the Clouser Minnow often works when other patterns don’t.

Parachute Purple Haze. The lone non-streamer on the list, this dry fly is ideal if large fish switch from predatory mode to forager mode. If you spot a selectively feeding large trout, drift one these across its nose and the take may very well put a spell on you.

Targeting big trout takes a lot of planning, skill, and research. Finding places to fish near home helps because you can maximize your fishing time.

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