Brett's Klamath Skater Fly

Brett's Klamath Skater Fly is a top-water pattern designed to grab the attention of steelhead looking up. This fly uses a specific foam lip design to create a consistent wake on the surface that triggers aggressive strikes from summer and fall steelhead. It is a must-have in your box because its modest size solves the common problem of fish slapping at a fly without getting hooked. While it was born on the Klamath River, it works on any water where steelhead rise to the surface.

What It Imitates

This pattern mimics adult caddisflies and stoneflies skating across the river surface. The October Caddis color option is specifically designed to match the large orange sedges that hatch in the fall. The movement of the fly imitates an insect struggling to break free from the surface tension.

How To Use It

Fish this fly on a floating line using a tight-line swing. Cast across the current and let the line come tight so the fly drags across the surface. The foam lip will force the fly to plow water and create a V-shaped wake. Do not strip the fly rapidly. Instead, allow the current to push against the foam lip while you maintain tension. It is light enough to cast with a Scandi head or even a single-hand rod. Use this method in tailouts or slick runs where you can see the wake clearly.

When To Use It

This fly shines during the low-light hours of early morning and late evening when steelhead feel safe moving into shallow water. It is an excellent choice during the fall months when October Caddis are present. You should also try it on overcast days or when fishing water with a choppy surface that might drown more delicate dry flies.

Why We Like It

We like this pattern because it is smaller than many other foam skaters on the market. Large skaters often result in missed strikes because the fish pushes the fly away instead of eating it. The compact size of the Klamath Skater allows the fish to fit the entire fly in its mouth, which leads to better hookups. The addition of imitation jungle cock eyes adds a trigger point that many anglers appreciate.

Comparisons

Brett's Klamath Skater vs. Aquaflies Obie Skater: The Obie Skater is essentially the big brother to the Klamath Skater. The Obie is larger and pushes more water, which makes it great for heavy chop or aggressive fish. However, the Klamath Skater is the better choice when fish are refusing the large fly or when you are fishing clearer, thinner water. Choose the Klamath Skater if you are getting boils but no hookups on the Obie.

Brett's Klamath Skater vs. Standard Deer Hair Bomber: A classic Bomber relies entirely on spun deer hair and floatant to stay on top. If a Bomber gets waterlogged, it stops waking and sinks. The Klamath Skater uses a foam lip that guarantees it will wake on every cast without needing constant drying or gel. The Klamath Skater is a lower-maintenance option that stays fishing longer.

Brett's Klamath Skater vs. Bennett's Halo: Both flies are designed to wake on the surface for steelhead. Bennett's Halo uses a plastic hitching system or specific tying method to skate, while the Klamath Skater relies on the foam lip. The Halo tends to have a slimmer profile that is more subtle. The Klamath Skater creates a more distinct V-wake due to the resistance of the foam lip. Choose the Klamath Skater when you want a louder disturbance to draw fish from deeper water.