Favorite Flies

[Brandon]

Since I'm new to the sport, I've been looking at all the different varieties of files. I know that the type of presentation often depends on the lake or stream and time of year as to which fly you tie on. My question is there certain patterns or sizes that I should have on me at all times no matter when or where I'm fishing? What do you usually look for when choosing a pattern when there is no hatch?

Thanks!
B.

[Alaskanguide]

The flies listed below are in my box whenever I fish Arizona. These flies will work on any lake or stream in Arizona. Best of luck to you Brandon.

Pheasantail and Beadhead Pheasanttail size 14-18
Prince Nymph and Beadhead Prince Nymph size 12-16
Hares Ear and Beadhead Hares Ear size 12-18
Black, Olive and Brown Wolly Buggers size 8-12
Royal Wolff size 12-16
Adams and Parachute Adams 12-16
Hoppers size 10-12

[fshfanatic]

Leeches / buggers assorted sizes and colors. If you cant catch a fish on a bugger, sell your flyrod.

[WMF]

In addition to the above i would add:
semi seal leach 8-12
Sunrise special(az)
Peacock lady. 8-12
Beadhead Pheasanttail size 14-18 with flashback.
Elk hair caddis 14-18 brown and tan....
BWO(blue wing olive) 16-18.
As for presentation. I almost always rig a double nymph, meaning i have a small nymph trailling a bugger or leach.
I like hoppers, and a small dropper nymph as well.
hope this helps

[Brandon]

Thanks for all the advice!!

[fshfanatic]

Brandon, come on over for a beer or six and I will show you my boxes. More than you will ever need.

[rdf1212]

Leeches / buggers assorted sizes and colors. If you cant catch a fish on a bugger, sell your flyrod.
That makes me sad;I have never caught one on a leech or bugger, and I always start out with them. The peacock lady or the Prince Nymph have caught the most for me though.

[fshfanatic]

Keep trying. There isnt a fish on the planet that cant be caught on these flies.

[Alaskanguide]

Fshfanatic aint kidding on that. I have caught panfish, bass, pike, all 5 species of salmon, several different types of trout and even a couple of walleyes on leech patterns. Keep working them and you will get them.

[WhtMtn_FlyFisherman]

My question is there certain patterns or sizes that I should have on me at all times no matter when or where I'm fishing? What do you usually look for when choosing a pattern when there is no hatch?


I fish primarily streams up here in the Whites, there aren't a whole lot of hatches available, so I fish nymphs and buggers in the Spring and Terrestrials in the Summer/Fall. Winter the dang fly keeps bouncing off the ice :D . That's also why the hatches are non-existent (run-off coupled with 10' snow @ Sheep's Crossing). One of these Springs, Seldom and Chip are going to let me in on the "super secret" snow-less back road to the upper LC so I can hit the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch just like on the Green :;;

Anyway, Spring is usually Prince Nymph, Copper John, or Sow Bug with a Black or Olive Bugger (take your pick on the bugger...semi, crystal, etc.). For late Spring/early Summer ask TRT and he'll tell you I'm a Beetle Maniac llcoolj those things will get a Brown up from Hades here in the Whites. In Summer/Fall I alternate between Beetles, Hoppers, Blk EHC's and Crickets. Haven't had much luck with ants on the Streams up here. I know Chief loves 'em for lakes though. Oh, I get rid of the dropper on my dry's for Summer/Fall, why spend all that time untangling when you can be fishin' :rolleyes:

Hope this helps.

[Seldomseen]

One of these Springs, Seldom and Chip are going to let me in on the "super secret" snow-less back road to the upper LC so I can hit the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch just like on the Green :;;

Only if you wear a blindfold. :;;

[Seldomseen]

Here is one of "Original" threads on a White Mountain flybox:

http://www.azflyandtie.com/flyforum/showthread.php?t=63

[Brandon]

Thanks again for all the advice!

[Bighand]

I love them old woolly worms and soft hackle flies.

[WMF]

I have never fished a soft hackle, but got a friend who says they are his secret weapon........ I need to look into them and poach a couple out of his fly box...