Hornberg
The Hornberg is a versatile trout fly that works as a wet fly, small streamer, and even a waking attractor when stripped near the surface. It is a classic searching pattern for brook trout, cutthroat, and opportunistic browns in rivers, ponds, and mountain lakes.
Imitates: Minnows, wet flies, baitfish, and general attractor food
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #6-12
- Best Season
- Spring through fall
- Best Conditions
- Small streams, ponds, mountain lakes, and brook trout water
- Water Temp
- 44-64°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 4X-5X
How to Rig It
Fish it alone on a floating line or as the point fly in a traditional wet-fly team.
How to Present It
Strip it, twitch it, swing it, or wake it on top. The Hornberg is at its best when you experiment.
Why It Works
Few flies suggest as many different prey items while still looking convincingly alive in the water.
History
Originally created in Wisconsin for trout, the Hornberg earned a reputation as one of the most adaptable old-school flies ever designed.
Pro Tip
If brook trout are chasing but not fully committing, speed up the retrieve slightly and make the Hornberg look like escaping prey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hornberg imitate?+
It can suggest minnows, drowned terrestrials, small baitfish, and even attractor wets depending on how it is fished.
Not sure if Hornberg is right today?
Get a fly recommendation based on live water temp, flow, sky, and time of day for any river in the US.
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