Winter is the time many trout anglers spend tying flies for next season. Stocking up on flies during the off-season ensures more time can be spent on the water, during the fishing season.
There are literally thousands of patterns of flies that can be used for trout, but there are a few patterns that have a long track record of consistently taking fish. Here are 10 flies that you should be tying this winter.
Of course you will probably want to tie many other patterns this winter, but with these 10 flies in your box, you will be prepared to catch fish under a wide range of conditions next season.
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Trout Flies
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Hare’s Ear nymph
Unquestionably one of the best all-around nymphs. The hare’s ear catches fish all season long, especially during the quiet times, when no hatches are occurring. It vaguely resembles a variety of nymphs trout frequently see, as well as caddis pupa. Tie it with a bead head for best results. Best sizes are 12-16.
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Pheasant tail nymph
Like the hare’s ear, the pheasant tail nymph is a great go-to fly throughout the season. It also works well when mayflies are hatching. Try tying it with a soft hackle for deadly results. Can be tied in sizes 10-16.
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Prince nymph
Even in the slowest times, the prince nymph can take fish. It carries a strong reputation as one of the best all-around nymph patterns. Tie it in sizes 12-16.
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Adams
Without question, the Adams is the most effective all-around dry fly. It can raise fish when there is little or no surface activity. It works especially well in mayfly season. It can be tied in sizes 10-18.
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Elk Hair Caddis
When caddis are hatching there is no better fly to have in your fly box. This is definitely the best all-around caddis fly. It can also work well when stone flies are hatching. Can be tied in sizes 10-18.
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Griffith’s Gnat
This is the quintessential midge imitation, with a long history of producing fish. It is especially effective in the early season or winter, when big hatches are still weeks or months away. Tie it in sizes 16-20.
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Muddler Minnow
It is meant to resemble a sculpin, but the muddler minnow takes fish, even where sculpin are not present. It can also be fished dry as a grasshopper imitation. It is an exceptional all-around fly that every angler should have in the fly box. Tie it in sizes 4-10.
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Woolly Bugger
For an all-around streamer, the woolly bugger is hard to beat. It vaguely resembles a variety of aquatic life, from leeches to minnows. Tie in sizes 4-10.
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San Juan Worm
Trout love worms and the San Juan worm is a proven fly fishing version. Another great fly that can produce when nothing else seems to be working. Tie in sizes 6-12.
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Soft Hackle
Simple yet deadly. Similarities can be drawn between its effectiveness as a wet fly, and the effectiveness of the Adams as a dry fly. Tie in sizes 14-20.
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