Flies are tied in sizes, colors, and patterns that correspond to local insects and baitfish. That is, the best trout flies are those that imitate terrestrial and aquatic insects that your local trout enjoy eating. Fishing flies that "match the hatch" will always be the best.


BEST FISHING FLIES 

Many anglers will tell you that selecting the best fly fishing flies is an art. Fly fishing flies are made to look like immature and adult insects, as well as baitfish, leeches, and worms. However, keep in mind that there are over tens of thousands of insect species in the United States alone, so it should come as no surprise that the diets of local fish may vary slightly depending on the local aquatic and terrestrial insect populations available.

As a result, in order to make the best matches, always consult a fly fishing flies guide to match the exact variations of insects, from larvae to adult stage, for making the best dry flies - and when said insects enter the various phases - for your specific area. Only then can you be certain of creating the best fishing flies for your needs. To that end, the majority of flies fall into one of six categories:


1. DRY FLIES

Dry flies and other surface flies represent adult aquatic insects emerging from the water. They also represent other food sources that have fallen into the water, such as grasshoppers or mice. Dry flies are effective for trout, panfish, and bass. Plus, nothing beats watching a fish break the surface to take your fly. Classic dry fly patterns can be found in the chart below.

2. NYMPHS

Nymphs are aquatic imitations of young insects in their larval form. Nymphs are very effective for trout, panfish, salmon, and steelhead when fished on or near the bottom of lakes and rivers. Classic nymph patterns are shown in the chart below.

3. STREAMERS

Streamers are imitations of baitfish, leeches, and crayfish, all of which are primary food sources for fish. In both rivers and lakes, streamers are fished throughout the water column. A streamer can be used to catch almost any species of fish.

4. WET FLIES

As they swim to the surface, wet flies imitate aquatic insects. They are extremely effective for trout, panfish, bass, salmon, and steelhead.

5. SALMON FLIES

Salmon flies cater to both Pacific and Atlantic salmon, as well as steelhead. These flies frequently do not imitate anything in nature but are designed to elicit an aggressive response.

6. SALTWATER FLIES

Saltwater flies represent the various food sources found in the ocean. These patterns can catch everything from bonefish to tarpon, ranging from baitfish to crab and even shrimp.



THE BASIC BOX

This chart shows fly patterns that will work well for all types of freshwater fishing, including bass, trout, and panfish. You may have difficulty "matching the hatch" at times because freshwater fish focus on one abundant water-born insect and become so picky that they will only take a close imitation; however, these flies can catch most fish most of the time.