Our curated set of Tigerfly patterns is designed to cover a broad range of fishing scenarios for Tigerfish. Here’s a breakdown of each type of fly and its intended use, which can help you make the most of your fly patterns: all expertly tied by FlyzInc for Reel Fly Fishing.
1. Surface Flippers (2 Patterns):
- Purpose: These flies are designed to mimic surface-dwelling prey and create a disturbance on the water’s surface. They are great for eliciting aggressive surface strikes from tigerfish, which often hunt near the top.
- Fishing Technique: Use these flies in calm conditions or when tigerfish are actively feeding on the surface. A steady, rhythmic retrieve or short, sharp strips can create the necessary action to attract attention.
2. Tiger Changers (4 Patterns):
- Purpose: Tiger Changers are likely designed to imitate a range of prey with their versatile profile. These patterns include features that can mimic both smaller baitfish and larger prey, giving you flexibility in your approach. Excellent when fished in the slower calmer waters or when no other fly pattern is producing.
- Fishing Technique: These flies are effective when you need to switch up your tactics. They can be fished with various retrieves, from fast and erratic to slow and deliberate, depending on the feeding behavior of the tigerfish and water conditions.
3. Whistlers (2 Patterns):
- Purpose: Whistlers are designed to push water and create vibrations that attract Tigerfish. One of the best all-round patterns to use.
4. Brush Fly (6 Patterns):
- Purpose: Brush patterns feature a bushy, dense profile made from synthetic or natural fibers. They resemble larger baitfish or other prey and are effective in both attracting attention and holding up under tough conditions and multiple fish.
- Fishing Technique: Brush patterns are ideal for deeper water or areas with strong currents. They can be fished with a variety of retrieves to mimic struggling prey, and their bulk helps them stand out in the water. Fishing brush flys on the sinking tip and intermediate lines is always a good option.
5. Clousers (4 Patterns):
- Purpose: Clousers are classic streamer pattern known for their effectiveness in mimicking small baitfish. They feature weighted heads that allow them to sink quickly and maintain a consistent swimming action. Along with the whistlers these are an essential pattern to have with for any Tiger trip.
- Fishing Technique: Use Clousers for a steady, consistent retrieve to mimic a fleeing baitfish. They work well in both shallow and deep water and are versatile for various water conditions.
Fishing Tips for Your Tiger Fly Patterns:
- Match the Hatch: Observe the local prey species and water conditions to select the most appropriate pattern. For example, if tigerfish are feeding on the surface prey, use the Surface Flippers.
- Adjust Your Retrieve: Depending on the fly pattern and the activity level of the fish, experiment with different retrieves—fast and erratic for aggressive patterns like Whistlers or steady and slow for patterns like Clousers.
- Consider Water Conditions: In clear water, smaller and more subtle patterns might be more effective, while in murky water, larger, flashier patterns or those with hot spots(like Whistlers) can be more successful.
- Depth Control: Use the weight of the fly to control how deep it gets. Brush Patterns and Clousers can be used with sinking lines or fast retrieves to reach deeper feeding zones.
- Be Prepared to Adapt: Tigerfish can be unpredictable. If one pattern isn’t working, switch to another or adjust your retrieve speed and technique to match the fish’s behavior.
20 x tiger fly patterns: 2 x surface flippers | 4 x tiger changers | 2 x whistlers | 6 x brush patterns | 6 x clousers