SCI FLIES TROUT STILLWATER WETS

The SCI FLIES Trout Stillwater Wets Fly Pack is a carefully selected collection of proven wet flies, nymphs, and streamers designed for targeting trout in South African dams and lakes. The selection combines natural imitations with highly visible attractor patterns, giving anglers versatile options for changing water conditions, depth, light levels, and trout feeding behaviour.

From slow-sinking damsel nymphs and searching nymphs to flashy streamers and rabbit-strip baitfish patterns, this pack provides a versatile selection for stillwater trout fishing, including popular trout waters around areas such as Dullstroom.

Key Terms

• BB – Brass Bead: Adds weight to the fly, helping it sink through the water column and reach deeper-feeding trout.

• W – Weighted: Contains additional internal weighting to help the fly sink while maintaining a streamlined profile.

Fly Pack Breakdown

1. Aggravator (BB) – Brown

Type: Attractor / General Nymph

A versatile searching pattern designed to attract trout when they are not focused on a specific food source. The brass bead helps the fly reach deeper water, while a slow figure-of-eight retrieve or short, varied strips can create an enticing presentation.

2. Red Eye Damsel (W) – Black

Type: Damsel Nymph Imitation

A proven stillwater pattern for trout feeding around weed beds and deeper water. The black colour profile is particularly useful in low-light conditions or when fishing darker or slightly discoloured water. Fish it with a very slow retrieve and regular pauses to imitate the natural movement of a damsel nymph.

3. Cold Bead Damsel (BB) – Olive

Type: Natural Damsel Nymph

A natural-looking olive damsel imitation suited to clear water and brighter conditions when trout are feeding on damsel nymphs. The brass bead adds weight to help the fly reach drop-offs and deeper feeding zones. A slow, steady retrieve is ideal.

4. Wooly Bugger (BB) – Red/Peacock

Type: Streamer / Attractor

A versatile Wooly Bugger variation featuring a peacock-coloured body and red trigger elements. The combination creates movement and visual attraction, making it useful when trout are feeding aggressively or responding to moving prey. Retrieve with short strips, pauses, or a more active presentation to imitate baitfish, leeches, or other aquatic prey.

5. Fritz Bugger (BB) – Black

Type: Attractor Streamer

A highly visible attractor pattern featuring a Fritz-style body that produces strong visual appeal and movement in the water. The brass bead helps it reach the desired depth, while the black profile provides excellent contrast in low-light conditions. Particularly useful during early mornings, late afternoons, overcast conditions, or when trout are actively chasing moving flies.

6. Zonker (W) – White

Type: Baitfish Streamer

A highly mobile baitfish imitation tied with a rabbit-fur strip that produces natural movement even at slower retrieve speeds. The white profile provides strong contrast in darker water and can imitate a small baitfish or disoriented prey item. Vary the retrieve from slow, steady pulls to short strips with pauses.

7. Cats Whiskers – Black

Type: Attractor Streamer

A versatile attractor streamer with a strong dark silhouette, making it particularly useful in deeper water, low light, or overcast conditions. Vary the retrieve speed to determine what the trout are responding to, using short bursts followed by controlled pauses and drops.

Fly Selection

Stillwater Fishing Applications

This selection gives anglers options for fishing different parts of the water column:

• Shallow weed beds: Red Eye Damsel and Cold Bead Damsel

• Deeper water: Bead-head patterns such as the Aggravator and Fritz Bugger

• Searching for active trout: Aggravator, Wooly Bugger and Cats Whiskers

• Baitfish activity: White Zonker

• Low light or overcast conditions: Black Fritz Bugger and Black Cats Whiskers

• Clear-water presentations: Olive Cold Bead Damsel and natural-profile patterns