What are the top 10 flies for Kenai Dolly Varden in August, including size and color?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Fishing for **Dolly Varden** in the Kenai River during August is a thrilling experience, and selecting the right flies is essential for success. Here’s a list of the top 10 flies, specifically chosen for this time and location, along with their ideal sizes and colors:

1. **Egg Sucking Leech**
   - *Size*: 6-10
   - *Color*: Black with a Hot Pink or Chartreuse head
   - *Description*: A versatile pattern, imitating leeches and salmon eggs, making it highly effective during salmon runs.

2. **Bead Head Woolly Bugger**
   - *Size*: 8-12
   - *Color*: Olive or Black
   - *Description*: Mimics a variety of aquatic life, from nymphs to small baitfish, and the bead head adds an enticing jigging action.

3. **Flesh Fly**
   - *Size*: 6-10
   - *Color*: Tan or Off-White
   - *Description*: Imitates decomposing salmon flesh, a significant food source for Dolly Varden in August.

4. **Muddler Minnow**
   - *Size*: 6-10
   - *Color*: Natural (Tan/Gold)
   - *Description*: Resembles small baitfish and sculpins, perfect for aggressive strikes.

5. **Scud Patterns**
   - *Size*: 12-16
   - *Color*: Olive or Gray
   - *Description*: Matches the abundant freshwater shrimp, a staple in Dolly Varden diets.

6. **Bead Egg Patterns**
   - *Size*: 6-10
   - *Color*: Orange, Pink, or Peach
   - *Description*: Effective during salmon spawning, these imitate drifting eggs perfectly.

7. **Zonker Streamer**
   - *Size*: 6-10
   - *Color*: White or Silver
   - *Description*: Mimics small fish, with a lifelike movement in water.

8. **Copper John**
   - *Size*: 10-14
   - *Color*: Copper or Red
   - *Description*: A nymph pattern that sinks quickly, ideal for deep runs.

9. **Glo Bug**
   - *Size*: 10-12
   - *Color*: Bright Orange or Yellow
   - *Description*: Another excellent egg imitation that attracts attention in cloudy water.

10. **Clouser Minnow**
   - *Size*: 6-8
   - *Color*: Chartreuse/White
   - *Description*: Known for its versatility and effectiveness mimicking small baitfish.

### Practical Tip:
For fishing the Kenai River in August, focus on deeper pools and runs where **Dolly Varden** are likely to hold. Use a weighted fly or a sinking line to get your fly into the strike zone.

For more insights, check out this [YouTube video on fly fishing for Dolly Varden](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPHN6WJGYmk) that provides excellent visuals and tips.

Remember, the key to success is matching the fly to the current food sources, so don't hesitate to change patterns if the bite is slow. Tight lines and enjoy the majestic Kenai River!

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