Damsel & Dragon Flies

When trout key in on larger prey items in lakes, few food sources draw more attention than damsel & dragon flies. These aquatic insects offer a protein-rich meal, and when they’re active, trout often feed with intensity and purpose. Damsel & dragon flies are particularly important in stillwater environments where slow, deliberate presentations often outperform flashier tactics.

Damsel & dragon flies are typically fished with slow retrieves near weed beds, drop-offs, or shallow flats where natural nymphs crawl and swim. Damsel fly nymphs are slim, with lively movement and olive or tan coloration, while dragonfly nymphs are larger and more robust, often tied with materials that mimic their quick, darting motion.

Whether you’re targeting cruising rainbows, stalking brown trout, or even prospecting warmwater species, damsel & dragon flies offer a high-reward option when fish are focused on bigger bites. They’re especially effective during summer months and around aquatic vegetation, where naturals are most active. For anglers serious about stillwater success, a solid selection of damsel & dragon flies is a must-have—these are the flies that turn curious fish into committed eaters.