Salmon flies

Fly fishing for salmon, particularly Atlantic salmon, is the ultimate fulfilment of a passion for many fly fishers, but at the same time it is also a challenge.

Not only do you often have to undertake long and frequently expensive journeys to reach the salmon waters, but you also need to have luck on your side.

Particularly in the smaller rivers of England, Ireland and Scotland, the salmon only run up when there is sufficient water – that is the case after a productive rainfall (spate rivers).

Larger rivers and those in Scandinavia or Iceland are only to a limited extent dependent on the weather, but if you are unlucky enough to find the river very low, it can be difficult there too.

There are thousands of salmon fly patterns, ranging from highly complex traditional English patterns, through various hair and dry flies, to tube flies – in every colour and every size.

We sell only a few, but they are the most successful, high-quality salmon flies on reliable hooks, with which I or my colleagues have had good results.

Salmon dry flies

For me, fishing for salmon with a dry fly is the most fascinating method.

Particularly during low water or in slow-flowing sections, you can catch salmon very effectively with a fly cast upstream and drifting downstream, as well as with a fly cast across the current and drifting sideways.

But if a salmon suddenly rises to your fly, you mustn’t make the classic mistake of all trout anglers: don’t strike straight away!

A split second is enough for smaller salmon – for really large salmon, the rule is: say ‘God save the Queen’ as the English have done for decades – then it’s just right.

Salmon Irresistible

Swissflies Salmon Irresistible

One of the best dry flies for salmon, which has landed many salmon for me and my colleagues.

A bomber-style fly tied like the famous Wulff Irresistible.

Tied on a fine yet strong forged low-water salmon hook.

Sizes 6, 8, 10

Grösse/ hameçon/ size

6 CHF 6.20 8 CHF 6.50 10 CHF 6.90

Grey Pompero

Swissflies Gray Pompero

Arguably the most popular dry fly for salmon in the far north of Norway.

Unlike many commercially available patterns, our bomber-style fly uses grey hair instead of the dubbing commonly found in such flies, making it more durable and giving it better floatation.

Tied on a fine yet strong forged low-water salmon hook.

Sizes 6, 8, 10

Grösse/ hameçon/ size

6 CHF 7.20 8 CHF 7.50 10 CHF 7.90