Little McFry Fly

Big fish eat little fish, and the Solitude Little McFry Fly is a perfect snack for hungry predators. This small baitfish pattern is designed to look exactly like a vulnerable baby fish, or "fry," that trout and salmon cannot resist. It features a soft body that feels natural in a fish's mouth, which encourages them to hold on longer before they spit it out. This pattern is a staple for anglers targeting sea-run cutthroat, resident trout, and even salmon in estuaries or rivers.

What It Imitates

The Little McFry imitates a variety of small baitfish, but it specifically mimics salmon fry and minnows. During the spring, millions of baby salmon migrate downstream, and this fly matches their size and profile perfectly. Its translucent body and shimmering materials look just like a real minnow swimming in the current.

How To Use It

Fish this fly with a retrieve that mimics a weak or injured swimmer. A slow, erratic strip-pause retrieve is often the best way to trigger a strike. You can also dead-drift it under an indicator in moving water to look like a stunned baitfish washing downstream. In estuaries or lakes, try a "pop and stop" retrieve where you strip quickly to get the fly moving and then let it pause and suspend in the water column.

When To Use It

This fly shines during the spring months when salmon fry are hatching and migrating to the ocean. It is also an excellent choice for fishing in low light or cloudy conditions when baitfish are most active near the surface. Use the Pearl or Silver colors in clear water to match the natural flash of a minnow.

Why We Like It

We love the Little McFry because of its soft texture and realistic movement. Unlike hard-bodied lures, this fly collapses in a fish's mouth, which feels more like real food to a predator. It is durable enough to withstand multiple strikes but light enough to cast easily on a standard trout rod. It bridges the gap between a flashy attractor and a realistic imitation.

Comparisons

Little McFry Fly vs Lord of the Frys:

The Lord of the Frys is essentially the "big brother" to the Little McFry. If you are fishing water with larger baitfish or need a bigger profile to get noticed in murky water, the Lord of the Frys is the better option. However, the Little McFry is superior when fish are keyed in on very small bait or are being picky in clear water.

Little McFry Fly vs Gummy Minnow:

The Gummy Minnow is made from a soft silicone material that is very realistic but can be difficult to cast due to wind resistance. The Little McFry uses synthetic fibers and foam that shed water easily, making it much lighter and easier to cast all day. While the Gummy Minnow is incredibly lifelike, the Little McFry offers similar movement with better castability.

Little McFry Fly vs Clouser Minnow:

The Clouser Minnow is a heavy pattern with lead eyes designed to sink quickly and jig along the bottom. The Little McFry is unweighted or lightly weighted, allowing it to suspend high in the water column where fry often hang out. Choose the Clouser for deep water and the Little McFry for fishing shallow riffles, shorelines, or near the surface.