Streamer Flies
Streamer flies are a go-to choice for targeting aggressive fish like trout, bass, and even the occasional pike or carp. These flies imitate baitfish, leeches, or other swimming prey, triggering instinctive strikes from big predators. At The Missoulian Angler, we have the best selection of streamer flies for sale, featuring everything from articulated patterns to micro streamers, jig-style flies, and classic favorites.
We’ve been helping anglers match flies to local waters since the 1980s, and our streamer collection reflects decades of experience on Montana rivers. Whether you’re stripping streamers on a sink tip or swinging them through deep runs, our flies are tied to help you catch more fish.
Shop premium streamer flies that work for trout, bass, steelhead, and more. You’ll find patterns here you won’t see anywhere else, including exclusive designs only available at The Missoulian Angler. If you have questions or need help building your streamer box, give us a call or reach out online—we’re here to help you fish better.
Best Streamer Flies
SParkle Minnow
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: Daiichi 2461 Size 2-2/0
- Cone: Black sized to Hook
- Thread: Tan 3/0 Danville Flymaster Plus (210D)
- Tail: White marabou under Tan Marabou under Olive Marabou, flanked with Copper Krystal Flash
- Belly: MFC Sparkle Minnow Body Pearlescent, pulled under
- Body: MFC Gold Sparkle Minnow Body, wrapped. Black Stripe colored down back
Sculpzilla
Fly Tying Material List
- Rear Hook: Gamakatsu Octopus Hook Size 2-6
- Thread: Brown 3/0 Danville Fly Master Plus (210D)
- Wing: Natural Rabbit Strip
- Connection: 20# White Backing
- Front Hook: Cheap, Short Shank Ring Eye Hook (Hook point will be cut off, so cheap hooks work)
- Cone: Cross Eyed Cone Silver sized to hook
- Thread: Brown 3/0 Danville Fly Master Plus (210D)
- Under Collar: Red Guinea
- Collar: 4 Pieces Tan Mottled Marabou tied 360 degrees around the shank
Kreelex
The Kreelex Minnow is a flashy, high-action streamer that moves like nothing else in the water. Made with synthetic Krystal Flash and lateral scale, this fly reflects light from every angle, making it deadly in off-color water or low-light conditions. Its simple profile and heavy flash trigger aggressive strikes from trout, bass, and other predatory fish. Fish it on a sink tip or floating line—either way, the Kreelex gets noticed. We carry it in multiple proven color combos.
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: Standard Nymph Hook, size 2
- Thread: Gray Danville Flymaster Plus
- Eye: Daz-L Eye 7/32” Black
- Tail: Bright Silver Kreinik
- Body: Bright Silver Kreinik, wrapped
- Throat: Bright Silver Kreinik
- Wing: Gold Kreinik
Dirty Hippie
Fly Tying Material List
- Hook: 3XL Size 4
- Cone: ¼” Copper
- Weight: .030 Lead Wire wrapped through Zap-A-Gap and coated with Zap-A-Gap
- Hackle: Yellow and Brown Marabou, folded and wrapped
- Over hackle: 2 Strands each Red and Gold Flash-A-Bou
- Collar: cheap Pale Orange Craft Fur under sparse cheap Brown Craft Fur, barred w/ Black magic marker. Why cheap? Because it’s short and coarse.
- Head: Pearlescent Ice Wing Fiber, Loop dubbed
- Eyes: 5mm Stick On Eyes
Showing 37–39 of 39 results
More Resources and Reading for Streamers
Everything You’ve Ever Needed to Know About Streamer Fishing
13 Must-Know Tips for Streamer Fishing
Beginners Guide to Streamer Fishing
Streamer Fishing in Missoula
FAQ's
What is a streamer fly?
Streamers come in many shapes and sizes, often featuring materials like marabou, flash, and rubber legs to create lifelike movement. Anglers fish them with floating or sinking lines, depending on water depth and conditions. Streamer fishing is one of the most effective ways to target larger fish that feed on smaller animals in the water.
How do you tell if a fly is a streamer?
Most streamers have a longer profile and may include weighted heads or bead eyes to help them sink. If the fly is meant to be retrieved or stripped through the water to trigger a reaction strike, it’s a streamer.
What does a streamer fly imitate?
A streamer fly imitates larger, moving prey that fish like to chase and eat. This includes:
- Baitfish (like minnows or sculpins)
- Leeches
- Crayfish
- Small eels or worms
- Dying or injured fish
These flies are designed to trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish, like trout, bass, and pike. The movement, size, and flash of a streamer make it look like a real meal worth chasing.
What is the difference between a wet fly and a streamer?
The main difference between a wet fly and a streamer is what they imitate and how they’re fished.
Wet flies are smaller and imitate insects below the surface, like emerging mayflies or drowned adult bugs. They are usually fished with a dead drift or slow swing and are more subtle in appearance and movement.
Streamers are larger and imitate swimming prey like baitfish, leeches, or crayfish. They’re meant to be stripped or retrieved to create motion that triggers aggressive strikes from predatory fish.
In short, wet flies imitate insects, while streamers imitate bigger food like small fish. Streamers are usually fished with more movement and often target larger, more aggressive fish.
What time of year to fish streamers?
You can fish streamers year-round, but some seasons are better than others.
- Spring: As water warms up, fish become more active and chase bigger meals. Streamers work great during spring runoff or right after.
- Fall: This is one of the best times to fish streamers. Trout become aggressive before winter and will strike big flies, especially during spawning season.
- Winter: Slower fishing, but streamers can still work—especially on warmer days. Use a slower retrieve and smaller patterns.
- Summer: Early mornings, late evenings, or cloudy days are best. Fish may be more active in cooler water or shaded areas.
Streamers are most effective when fish are feeding aggressively or when visibility is low. Adjust your tactics based on water conditions and fish behavior.