What do Trout Eat? Fly Fishing Basics From the Experts

Master these questions and you will become a successful Fly Angler.

In order to find the trout, you must always first find the food. This is true with many features of the great outdoors. Animals can be simple creatures, you simply find their source of survival, whether that be food, water, or shelter, and you will find the species you desire. There is a reason that these superior members of that species have managed to survive the brutal conditions that is the food chain of life.

Find the food, find the trout.

With this being said, we must first take the time to really learn what it is that trout seek out as food when these creatures are presented throughout the year and then manage to disguise a hook and line to perfectly mimic the presence of these creatures. It is then and only then, that we will master the art of luring in the ever so finicky trout.

Trout are truly a fascinating species of the world as we know it. Finicky, shy, prudent, wary, but at the same time wily and bold. These are the characteristics of this fantastic species that makes the challenge of landing these majestic fish so desirable.

What do Trout Eat

Mayflies: Present in just about every natural stream or river – A must for any fly fisherman. Mayflies follow the below evolutionary progression:
- Egg
- Nymph:
- Dun (pre-adult):
- Spinner:
Caddisflies: At least as many Caddis as Mayflies in just about any trout stream
- Egg
- Larva:
- Pupa
- Adult
Midges: Very small with two wings shorter than the body
- Egg
- Larva
- Pupa
- Adult
Stoneflies: Large body insects, making them a delicacy for trout
- Egg
- Nymph
- Adult
Terrestrials: Land Based Insects that frequently land or fly into the water
- Hoppers
- Beetles
- Ants
- Crickets
- Inchworms
Crustaceans: Non-insect option that can also attract larger trout
- Scud
- Sowbugs
- Crayfish
- Shrimp
Leeches: Popular amongst the wooly bugger patterns
Other fish: Streamers