When you’re new to fly fishing – and sometimes even when you’re not so new – the subject of trout flies can be a confusing one. For instance, the word “entomology” (the scientific study of insects) seems to crop up everywhere you turn. Latin words are bandied about like volleyballs. You might be thinking you need a Ph.D. in biology just to catch a trout or two. Think again.

Learning about trout flies – and the life forms they represent – doesn’t have to be complicated. Sure, it can be complicated. And some people really enjoy learning the hard science of it all. But if you want to learn the basics without having to decipher a word of Latin, you’ve come to the right place.

Ring That Dinner Bell: Characteristics of a Successful Fly

A stream is like a conveyor belt for food. A trout will find a comfortable place to hole up and let his food come to him. A lake, on the other hand, is more like a smorgasbord. A trout cruises around and snaps up whatever looks appealing. As an angler, it’s your job to determine the fly du jour, the fly that most closely matches – in size, color and shape – whatever’s on the day’s menu. When you do this, you’ll optimize your chances for success.

Fishing Show: Trout Fishing Techniques – Angler’s View

How Do I Decide Which Fly to Use?

When you first arrive at your fishing destination, you’ll want to do 2 things:

First, Observe the Water

If you see jumping fish, there’s a good chance that they’re feeding on insects on or above the water’s surface. Likewise, dimples on the water indicate surface-feeding fish. Porpoising fish are usually feeding on insects on the surface or in the surface film. Swirling fish are generally feeding on emerging nymphs or pupae beneath the water’s surface. The more time you spend on the water, the better you’ll become at recognizing these signs.

Next, Observe the Insects

After checking out the water, you’ll need to figure out what kinds of insects are around. This is best accomplished by catching an insect and inspecting it carefully (some anglers even carry magnifying glasses with them for this task). Visible insects can be captured in any number of ways. You can dip a small aquarium net into the water and let the current push insects into the net. Or, you can catch a flying bug with your bare hands (easier than it sounds when the bugs are thick).

If no insects are visible, pick up a few underwater rocks and look at the undersides. Nymphs will often be clinging there for dear life. Or hold your aquarium net under the surface and kick up the bottom a little. Anything swimming away will get caught in the mesh. Once the specimen is in hand, give it a good, long look – then find the fly in your fly box that most closely matches it. You’re ready to start fishing.

No Bugs? Try Attractor Flies

When fishing an unfamiliar body of water, or when insect activity is minimal to nonexistent, give an attractor fly a try. Whereas many artificial flies are the colors of nature – tan, olive, brown, black – attractor flies employ bright colors to get the attention of fish. These flies don’t resemble any single specific food form, but they look “buggy” (and apparently tasty!) to trout. Popular attractors include the Humpy in various colors, and the Royal Wulff.

Learning More About Trout Flies

One of the best ways to learn about good local fly patterns is to join a local fly club. In a year’s time, you will likely accrue more information on trout flies (and where to fish them) than you could learn on your own in a decade.

Another great way to learn about flies is to fish with a friend. Two anglers trying to find the right fly on the same water will do it in half the time. Besides, it’s just plain old fun to share the outdoors with a friend.

If you are traveling to fish a new area, never underestimate the value of local knowledge. If an old-timer tells you to use Uncle Albert’s Old Irish Iron Blue Dun for the local rainbow trout, then by all means find out where you can get your hands on a couple of these flies.

While on the water, don’t be afraid to ask another fly fisher for advice – especially if he or is she is doing better than you. Most anglers are willing to help another angler, but only if you ask. Internet chat rooms and bulletin boards are also good places to ask about local fly patterns.

Finally, when it comes to fly selection, remember that there are no hard-and-fast rules. If you’re not having any luck with one fly, try another. Finding the right one through experimentation is one of the subtle rewards of fly fishing. Fly selection will vary, depending on location, time of year, etc. Insects emerge at different times and rates across our country. Fly fishing is one of the rare sports that allows lifelong learning and refinement. No two days are the same, and seldom do you make a trip without learning something.

Incoming search terms:

• what trout flies to use
• what flies to use for trout
• what flys do you use for trout
• What fly do you use for trout
• want to look at trout flys