Attractors
Attractors
What Are Attractors and How Do They Work?
Attractors are a distinctive category of fishing flies designed to provoke a reaction rather than imitate a specific insect or food source. Unlike traditional imitation patterns, attractor flies rely on bold colours, flashy materials, exaggerated profiles, and movement to grab a fish’s attention. They are widely used in fly fishing for trout, grayling, salmon, and other freshwater species, particularly when fish are not actively feeding or when natural hatches are sparse.
The principle behind attractors is straightforward: stimulate curiosity, territorial instinct, or aggression. Bright hackles, metallic ribs, beads, and contrasting colour combinations create visibility in a range of water conditions, from clear chalk streams to fast, coloured rivers. This makes Attractors a dependable choice for anglers who want versatile flies that perform across seasons and locations.
Whether fished dry, wet, nymph-style, or as part of a multi-fly setup, attractors are often used to locate fish. Once fish are found, anglers may switch to more imitative patterns, but many professionals continue fishing attractors throughout the session due to their consistent effectiveness.
How to Choose the Right Attractors for Your Needs
Selecting the right Attractors depends on several practical factors, including water type, target species, time of year, and personal fishing style. While attractors are inherently versatile, understanding their key characteristics will help you build a more effective fly box.
Colour and visibility are primary considerations. Bright colours such as red, orange, chartreuse, and fluorescent pink excel in stained or fast-moving water, while subtler yet contrasting tones can work well in clear conditions where fish are pressured but still responsive to standout patterns.
Fly size and profile also influence success. Larger attractors with bushy hackles or extended bodies are ideal for searching wide areas of water or fishing at distance. Smaller, more refined patterns suit technical waters where fish are selective but still willing to strike a suggestive fly.
Weighting and presentation should match your fishing method. Beaded or weighted attractors sink quickly and are effective when fishing deeper runs or faster currents. Unweighted patterns work well on or near the surface and are commonly used in dry-dropper rigs.
Durability is another factor, particularly for anglers fishing multiple sessions or targeting strong fish. Well-tied attractors with reinforced heads, quality hooks, and resilient materials maintain their shape and effectiveness after repeated use.
Many anglers pair Attractors with patterns from the Fly Fishing Flies range to cover different feeding levels, or combine them with more natural patterns for adaptable river and stillwater setups.
Top Attractors Brands and Models at Uttings
Uttings stocks a carefully selected range of Attractors suitable for both newcomers and seasoned anglers. Our collection focuses on proven designs that have earned their reputation on UK rivers, reservoirs, and streams.
Classic attractor patterns remain popular due to their reliability and versatility. These flies are trusted by instructors and guides who need patterns that work across varied conditions. Modern variations incorporate updated materials for increased flash, buoyancy, and movement while retaining the core characteristics that make attractors effective.
For anglers interested in customisation or tying their own patterns, Attractors pair naturally with materials from our Fly Tying Materials selection, allowing you to tailor colour, weight, and profile to specific waters.
All attractors at Uttings are chosen for consistent tying quality, sharp hooks, and realistic performance in the water, ensuring confidence whether you are fishing competitively or recreationally.
Attractors Tips and Expert Advice
Attractors are especially useful when fish behaviour is uncertain. Many experienced anglers begin a session with an attractor to assess fish response before refining their approach.
In river fishing, attractors excel when drifted naturally through likely holding water such as seams, pools, and riffles. In stillwaters, they can be retrieved slowly to add movement, often triggering takes from cruising fish.
For beginners, attractors offer a forgiving learning curve. Their visibility makes them easier to track on the water, and their general appeal reduces the pressure of precise insect matching. Professionals, on the other hand, value attractors for their efficiency when guiding clients or fishing unfamiliar venues.
Experimenting with depth and retrieve speed often unlocks their full potential. Subtle changes in presentation can make a significant difference, particularly in pressured waters where fish have seen a wide range of patterns.
Why Buy Attractors at Uttings
Uttings is a family-run business based in Norwich, established in 1976, with decades of experience supporting anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. We stock premium products from the world’s leading brands and carefully select ranges that deliver genuine performance in the field.
With over 45,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, our reputation is built on expert customer service, fast delivery, and a genuine passion for the great outdoors. When you buy Attractors at Uttings, you benefit from knowledgeable advice, trusted quality, and a retailer that understands the needs of both professionals and hobbyists.
Attractors FAQs
What are attractor flies used for?
Attractor flies are used to provoke reaction strikes by standing out visually rather than imitating specific insects.
Are attractors suitable for beginners?
Yes, attractors are easy to fish, highly visible, and effective in many conditions, making them ideal for beginners.
When should I use attractors instead of imitation flies?
They are most effective when fish are not feeding selectively or when you need to locate fish quickly.
Do attractors work in clear water?
They can be very effective, especially when using smaller sizes or more refined colour combinations.
What fish species respond best to attractors?
Trout and grayling are common targets, but attractors can also work for salmon and other freshwater species.
Can attractors be used year-round?
Yes, attractors are versatile and productive throughout the season, especially during low hatch periods.
Are weighted attractors better than unweighted ones?
Weighted attractors are better for deeper or faster water, while unweighted versions suit surface or shallow presentations.
How many attractors should I carry?
A small selection covering different sizes, colours, and weights is usually sufficient for most fishing situations.
Can I fish attractors in a multi-fly setup?
Yes, attractors are commonly used as the point fly to draw attention to more subtle patterns.
Do attractors damage fish more than other flies?
No, when tied on quality hooks and fished responsibly, attractors are no more harmful than other fly patterns.