Best Spruce Moth Fly Patterns

Below is a list of our favorite Spruce Moth fly patterns in Montana and wherever Spruce Moths are found.

MAngler Moth

Invented by Ron Beck, this is far and away our best performing Spruce Moth fly patterns. Check out our tying video below and see how to tie this killer fly! You might want to take the time to tie some- if the Spruce Moths are on heavily, there’s a line of missoula fly fishing guides at Ron’s tying desk to get these top performers.

Fly Tying Material List

Hook: 1XS Dry Fly Hook Size 10-12
Thread: Tan 136D Uni Thread
Body: Mixed natural, Tan, Gold and Brown Deer Body Hair, spun and clipped to shape
Head/Wing: Bleached Deer Body Hair, Head trimmed to shape

Fly Tying: The Mangler Moth, Spruce Moth Pattern

X Caddis

BUY NOW

This classic design will bring fish to the surface during the Spruce Moth hatch. The Antron tail provides a sparkle that’s unavailable with other material;s, and it looks alive to the fish. This is also a fairly easy fly to sink, if you don’t use floatant, so when the fish are reluctant to come to the surface, tihs fly will go to them.

Fly Tying Material List

Hook: Standard Dry Fly Size 12-16
Thread: Tan 6/0 Uni Thread
Tail: Tan Antron
Body: Hare’s Ear Dubbing
Hackle/Optional: Brown
Wing: Elk Body Hair

[optin-monster-inline slug=”b8dqvgd0s3mp6wvhs6qk”]

Spruce Almighty

The CDC body and wing bring a realism to this Spruce Moth fly. The Elk Body wing helps keep it afloat, but it’s a low floater, and sometimes that’s exactly what the trout want. Make sure to use the proper floatant- Dry Magic or Loon Lochsa- on the CDC, or the feathers will mat down and the fly won’t be effective.