Fly Tying Patterns

There are about as many fly tying patterns as there are places to fish. The main considerations when filling your tackle box are the conditions you'll be fishing (water and weather) and the fish you'll be targeting.

Fly tying patterns that should be in your tackle box

There are certain fly tying patterns that form the basic of any tackle box. They'll catch fish when nothing else is working and will substitute when you find yourself without a fly that matches the current hatch.

You can tie your own by checking out the instructions online or you can haunt your favorite fly fishing supplies store, online or in person, to purchase ready-made flies.

Attractor fly tying patterns

Royal Wulff is an attractor fly that is highly visible because of its white wings that stand up on the water. It's an attractor that fish find hard to resist.

With proper presentation and a close attention to the take, a Royal Wulff will help you catch your limit most days. Several Royal Wulffs sized 10 - 16 should have a place in
your tackle box.

The unsinkable Molly Brown of the fly fishing world is the Humpy, sometimes called the Goofus Bug. This fly is great for the beginner who has trouble seeing a fly on the water.

If you can see the fly, the fish can see it too. This is not the fly you should start on when beginning fly tying. It's fairly complicated, but it's a great attractor.

Other dry fly tying patterns

The Adams fly is a standard for the basic tackle box. It is arguably the most used dry fly in the business. The
Parachute Adams is more visible than the Adams so I use it more frequently. The Adams imitates several of the mayflies. I have a few of each size 16 - 22. I also use it with some success when nothing else seems to be working.

Elk Hair Caddis flies are a must for the dry fly tackle box. This insect is an important part of the trout's diet and having several replicas in your kit is a good idea.

A Marabou Muddler can be fished as a dry fly or a wet and this baby will tempt some of those big fish that turn their noses up at smaller offerings. Have the Marabou Muddler in your fly box in sizes 4 - 8. Fish
it a little upstream and retrieve it in small jerks that imitate the swimming patterns of minnows.

Fishing wet fly tying patterns

Woolly Buggers in sizes 4 - 8 are another essential for your fly box. I have them in several colors, but the black and dark green have worked best for me. Make sure when you are fishing this monster that it is right
down near the bottom. You can add a small weight if necessary. You might want to use a leader that's a bit thicker (2x or 3x) than you would when fishing the light dries.

If you are into tying your own flies, instructions for the fly tying patterns mentioned here can be found online, in magazines and in fly tying books.

It pays to check with your local fly fishing store for information on what's hot in your area. Your fly fishing
patterns should reflect what is working where you are

Add a couple of 'just because they look good' flies to your tackle box. You might be surprised how successful they are. A trout that has been exposed to the same fly day after day might be tempted by a change in diet.

New fly fishing patterns are being developed daily and you should give some of them a try. I do and will continue to do so, but I still keep the proven basics close at hand. Good fishing.