Fly Fishing Flies

The number of fly fishing flies available today will overwhelm any beginning fly fisherman and veterans as well can remember when they began to fly fish and how they were confused by the vast assortment of fishing flies available in any good tackle shop. One is simply stunned by this array of fur, feather, and steel. If one doesn't become discouraged right at the start, he will buy without the vaguest conception of what he is doing and will usually wind up with many flies he will never use.

The fly fishing flies checklist is a basic list. A great majority of water types and conditions can be met with these patterns and the beginning fly man can still take his fair share of fish.

Down through the ages, the argument will never cease about fly pattern theories. Some veteran anglers believe the pattern or color is what does the trick; while others remark that color or pattern does not mean a thing; it's the size that counts.

Fly fishing flies are divided into four basic categories: dry, wet, nymph, and streamer or bucktail:

Streamer Flies & Bucktails

These flies were originally designed and dressed to imitate small baitfish. They are extremely effective during the early part of the season when waters are high and discolored. The bucktail fly implies just that; it is dressed with a bright tinsel body and topped with bucktail in varying colors. The streamer fly is more gaudily dressed and topped with feathers called hackle. They should be cast quartering a stream and allowed to sweep downward, then retrieved in short, erratic jerks. They are also highly effective when trolling in lakes and ponds.

Nymphs

The most effective trout lure throughout the season and the one that is the most difficult to fish, is the nymph. Fish the nymph in riffles above and below rocks using the same methods as in wet fly fishing.

Wet Flies

Contrary to what the dry fly angler will say, the wet fly is more difficult to fish, but it is a consistent fish taker. The wet fly is dressed to imitate numerous insects, freshwater shrimps, and crustaceans. Wet flies are deadly fish-catchers throughout the season, but are especially effective in the early season, when there is no surface activity. The wet fly should be cast slightly upstream, quartering the current, and allowed to drift downstream naturally. When the fly begins to drag in the current, start the retrieve by gently twitching the rod tip. Vary the retrieve speed as well until you find the combination that triggers strikes.

Dry Flies

Nothing is more thrilling than dry fly fishing. For here the angler presents a bait to the rising and feeding trout. He gently drops his delicate fly imitation several feet ahead of the feeding fish and allows it to pass over the fish. Trout take the dry fly by either sucking it off the surface or boiling out of the water in one violent surge. Fish the dry fly upstream, retrieving line as it floats downstream.