Ever cast a perfect line, watched your fly drift just right, and then… nothing? You feel a slight tug, maybe a subtle shift in the current, but you can’t be sure if it’s a fish or just a weed. That moment of doubt is frustrating when you’re fly fishing!
Choosing the right strike indicator feels like a puzzle. Should it be bright orange, small and discreet, or maybe one that floats high? The wrong indicator can spook wary trout or, worse, cause you to miss a solid bite because you didn’t see the signal. Many anglers struggle to find the perfect balance between visibility and natural presentation.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best types of strike indicators available today. You will learn how different water conditions demand different indicators, helping you detect those tricky subsurface takes every time. Prepare to boost your hook-up ratio!
Let’s dive into the essential tools that turn a blind cast into a visible strike, starting with the simplest and most common types.
Top Fly Fishing Strike Indicator Recommendations
- Does not kink the line
- Float as much or more weight than the current leading brand.
- Smooth surface developed to repel water and dirt, and create less drag while casting
- Made with a Biodegradable additive that accelerates biodegradation with prolonged exposure in natural environments, not in normal use
- Strike indicator top and bottom colors can be mixed or matched by anglers for optimal visibility
- Does not kink the line
- Float as much or more weight than the current leading brand.
- Smooth surface developed to repel water and dirt, and create less drag while casting
- Made with a Biodegradable additive that accelerates biodegradation with prolonged exposure in natural environments, not in normal use
- Strike indicator top and bottom colors can be mixed or matched by anglers for optimal visibility
- STRIKE INDICATOR TOOL - This innovative, patented tool is the easiest way to attach wool or yarn indicators to your line. It offers the ultimate Adjustable, Knotless, Super Sensitive and Stealthy indicators! This innovative system casts like a dry fly and lets you adjust your indicator so that your nymph is presented exactly in the Trout’s Strike Zone. There are no weaknesses or kinks - our system is 100% knotless. Our indicators are super sensitive and detect the even the most subtle takes!
- 2 FEET OF WOOL INDICATOR YARN - Our indicators cast like a dry fly! Our yarn is made from 100% Pure, Natural and Bio-Degradable New Zealand Wool. We custom dye our New Zealand strike indicator wool yarn. Use Pearly (Stealthy) White - looks like an air bubble when fish are spooky, Bright Fluorescent Green in low light conditions. Once you have made your indicator - go ahead and trim it to the perfect length and add a dab of fly floatant to the wool and it will float all day.
- 12 INCHES OF "PERFECT" - "CUT YOUR OWN" TUBING - This tubing fits our regular size indicator tool with the red handle. It's the highest quality tubing with the exact properties required for demanding conditions. It won't burn or harm the leader - yet holds true when adjusting. It will not slip when casting or landing fish. You can adjust your indicator all day long. Consider upgrading to Pre-Cut Sleeves and Vial with hole in its red cap which makes re-sleeving even easier!
- GUIDE TIPS - Guides are smart! This tip is from a Montana guide. The indicator tool comes pre-loaded with 4mm sleeves - which is the ideal length. Keep one sleeve tucked up by the handle and never use it. When it's time to cut more sleeves - take a section of tubing and align it with the remaining sleeve - then use your nippers to cut the perfect length sleeves. Apply a dab of fly floatant when re-sleeving your tool and the sleeves will slide on easily.
- SCROLL DOWN - For More Comprehensive Product Information - Scroll down to the Product Description section where we provide more information about the New Zealand Strike Indicator System. This Product Description section provides an overview of our products and explains the specific benefits of the system and why you will catch more fish! Please also watch our short instructional videos and you will become an expert at using this system!
- Quality Material: Made of high-quality EVA material, sturdy, lightweight, and compact, convenient to carry with you when going fishing
- Easy to Identify: The clip is sensitive to fish bites and changes in water, easy to identify, and can use multiple floats to achieve the desired buoyancy
- Colorful: Each package includes 24 pieces, and the bright orange color is easy to distinguish, making it an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts
- Multi Scenario Use: Suitable for fly fishing, river fishing, lake fishing, etc., allowing your fishing behavior to no longer be restricted and you can roam in various water areas
- Easy to Use: Peel off the backing sticker, place it on your fishing line and squeeze it. Adjust the number of floats used according to buoyancy requirements
- THE BEST QUALITY: The Trout Magnet E-Z Trout Floats are the ORIGINAL slotted float designed for trout and panfish! These are the perfect bobbers for floating small jigs (1/16th oz or less) or live baits . It's the perfect addition to your tackle box!
- EASY ADJUST: Depth and presentation are very important in trout fishing. That's why we designed the E - Z Trout Float to move up and down the line quickly. These quick adjustments make the difference in not catching anything, and having the best day on the water!
- ULTRA-RESPONSIVE: Without a sensitive float, the smallest hits go undetcected. That's why we made this super responsive strike indicator, so you can see more bites and catch more fish!
- USE IT EVERYWHERE: These bobber are made to work with any small jigs or bait and all Trout Magnet equipment. These are perfect for a huge variety of fish and tackle.
- INCREDIBLE QUALITY: Made with the fisherman in mind, these floats are designed to hold up to the rigors of fisherman day in and day out. This set is affordable and includes 3 neon colors for easy visibility in any condition. Choose from Red, Yellow, or Green!
- 30% Lighter: Easier, more efficient casting and delivery.
- Suspends 25% more weight on the water.
- Stealth: Neutral-colored post is less visible to fish, and the lighter overall weight lands softer on the water.
- Sensitivity: Better strike detection.
- Durability: No more leaks, dents, holes, cracks or pops!
- Perfect Combination of yarn indicators and foam indicators. 12pcs per pack
- GREAT VISIBILITY& ACUTE SENSITIVITY: The vibrant colors makes it very easy to see. Its triangular shape makes it incredibly easy for trout to pull it underwater with very little resistance
- EAST TO CAST LONG DISTANCES: The weight is negligible, which causes your cast to remain as fluid as possible, also results in fewer tangles
- CONVENIENT TO USE: O-ring allows you to easily attach, remove or slide the indicator up and down your leader without cutting it
- DURABLE FOR LONG TIME USE: Made of durable, ultra-buoyant yarn/foam material. Lies on the water with minimal disturbance and is ultra-sensitive
The Angler’s Essential: A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Fly Fishing Strike Indicators
A strike indicator is a simple but vital tool for fly anglers. It helps you see when a fish takes your fly, especially when you are nymphing (fishing subsurface). Choosing the right one makes a big difference in your success. This guide helps you pick the best indicator for your fishing style.
Key Features to Look For
Good strike indicators share a few important traits. These features help you detect subtle bites and keep your setup working correctly.
Visibility
- Bright Colors: Look for indicators in neon orange, bright yellow, or hot pink. These colors stand out against the water surface, even on cloudy days.
- Size Matters: A larger indicator shows a bite more easily, but too large can spook wary fish. Match the size to the size of your fly and the water speed.
Buoyancy (How well it floats)
- The indicator must float your fly setup reliably. If it sinks, you won’t see the strike. Good buoyancy means it handles the weight of your leader, split shot, and fly.
Ease of Use
- You need to adjust the indicator quickly on the water. Indicators that are easy to attach, detach, and slide up or down the leader are best.
Important Materials
The material an indicator is made from affects how it performs in the water and how long it lasts.
Closed-Cell Foam
This is the most common material. It traps air very well, giving it excellent buoyancy. Foam indicators are light and durable. They are easy to see on the water.
Plastic/Rubber (Balloons or “Bags”)
These indicators are filled with air or sometimes a special solution. They offer fantastic buoyancy, even with heavy rigs. They can sometimes be harder to adjust once set.
Wool/Synthetic Yarn
These indicators absorb a little water, which helps them sink slightly when a fish takes the fly. They are very sensitive for detecting light bites. However, they need to be pre-treated with a floatant product to work properly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all indicators perform equally. A few simple details separate the great ones from the frustrating ones.
Quality Enhancers
- Smooth Finish: A smooth surface cuts through the water better and resists tangles during the cast.
- Secure Attachment: The best indicators use a system that grips the line tightly without damaging the nylon or fluorocarbon leader.
Quality Reducers
- Waterlogging: If an indicator absorbs too much water, it loses its ability to float the rig. Cheap foam can sometimes degrade quickly.
- Line Damage: Indicators that require sharp twists or excessive squeezing can weaken your leader, leading to lost fish.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you fish influences which indicator you should choose. Think about where and how you cast.
Fast, Riffled Water
In fast-moving rivers, you need high visibility and maximum buoyancy. Large, brightly colored foam or plastic ball indicators work best here because the surface chop can hide smaller signals.
Slow, Clear Water
When fishing slow streams or ponds where trout are spooky, subtlety is key. Use smaller yarn indicators or small, thin stick indicators. They offer less drag on the water surface, fooling wary fish.
Indicator Type and Setup
Some anglers prefer ‘stick’ indicators (long, thin tubes) because they cast easily. Others like ‘balloon’ or ‘strike putty’ indicators because they can be shaped for specific depths.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fly Fishing Strike Indicators
Q: What is the main purpose of a strike indicator?
A: Its main job is to float on the surface so you can see when a subsurface fly (like a nymph or egg pattern) gets taken by a fish.
Q: Should I use a strike indicator all the time?
A: No. You use them when fishing subsurface flies below the surface. You don’t use them when casting dry flies.
Q: How do I attach a foam strike indicator to my leader?
A: Most foam types use a small plastic or wire loop that you thread your leader through, then cinch it tight by twisting the indicator material around the line.
Q: Can I reuse a strike indicator?
A: Yes, most high-quality foam and plastic indicators are fully reusable if you remove them carefully.
Q: Why did my strike indicator suddenly sink?
A: It likely absorbed too much water, or your fly setup became too heavy for the indicator’s buoyancy rating.
Q: What is the difference between a yarn indicator and a foam indicator?
A: Yarn absorbs water slightly, making it more sensitive to light takes. Foam holds air better and floats higher, making it easier to see.
Q: How far above my fly should I place the indicator?
A: Place it so that your fly hangs at the depth you think the fish are feeding, plus a few extra inches for safety.
Q: Do strike indicators scare fish?
A: They can, especially in very clear, shallow water. Using the smallest, most visible indicator possible helps reduce spooking.
Q: What is ‘strike putty’?
A: Strike putty is a moldable, clay-like material. You pinch a small amount onto your leader to create a custom-sized float.
Q: Is it better to use one large indicator or several small ones?
A: Using several small indicators spread along the leader can sometimes provide better bite detection than one large, heavy indicator.