How to Think About a First Fly Box
Trout flies come in thousands of patterns (if you are new to the sport, start with starting fly fishing), but most anglers do well with a small, versatile selection. A common way to organize a first box is by three categories: dry flies that float on the surface, nymphs that drift underwater, and streamers that imitate small fish or other large prey. Carrying a few proven patterns in each category, in a few sizes, usually covers more situations than a large pile of look-alikes.
Local conditions matter. A fly shop near the water you plan to fish can tell you which insects are active and which patterns are working, and that advice should outweigh any generic list, including this one.
Dry Flies Worth Carrying
Dry flies are the most visible way to fish, and they work when trout are rising to insects on the surface.
- Adams (often tied as a parachute): a general-purpose mayfly imitation that is popular across many regions.
- Elk Hair Caddis: a buoyant caddis imitation that is easy to see and floats well in riffles.
- Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) pattern: small mayflies appear in many rivers during cool or overcast weather.
- Stimulator or a similar large attractor: useful in faster water and as a visible fly to support a small dropper.
Nymphs Worth Carrying
Trout feed underwater much of the time, so nymphs are often the most productive flies in the box.
- Pheasant Tail Nymph: a slim mayfly imitation that is a staple in many boxes.
- Hare’s Ear Nymph: a buggy, general-purpose pattern that can pass for several insects.
- Prince Nymph: a classic attractor-style nymph with a bit of flash.
- Zebra Midge: a simple, slim pattern for small insects; see our guide to midge fly fishing.
- Stonefly nymph or rubber-legged pattern: useful in rocky, faster water.
Beaded versions sink faster, which helps in deeper or quicker runs. Unbeaded versions can be useful in shallow, slower water.
Streamers Worth Carrying
Streamers imitate baitfish, sculpins, leeches and similar prey, and they can attract larger trout.
- Woolly Bugger: probably the most widely recommended streamer. It can look like a leech, a baitfish or a large nymph depending on how it is fished.
- Sculpin-style pattern: a good choice for rivers where sculpins live.
- Small baitfish pattern: a good match where trout feed on minnows.
For more on baitfish imitations and how to fish them, see minnow fly patterns for trout.
Sizes and Quantities
A reasonable approach is to carry each pattern in a couple of sizes rather than one; the fly hook size chart explains the numbering. As a rough guide, dries and nymphs are often fished somewhere between size 12 and size 20, midge patterns smaller, and Woolly Buggers larger. Exact sizes depend on the insects and the water you fish. Buy several of each fly, since you will lose some to snags and trees.
What Are Trout Eating Right Now?
The best answer comes from looking at the water. Watch for rises, check for insects on streamside vegetation or in the air, and, where it is allowed and practical, check the water’s insects with a small net or by turning over rocks. If you see no feeding activity, a nymph under an indicator or a streamer is often a sensible starting point.
Season also influences choices. Our guides to spring flies for trout and the best trout flies for autumn cover how patterns change through the year.
The 60/20/20 Rule and the “Holy Grail” Question
You may see a “60/20/20” rule mentioned in fly fishing. It is not an official standard, and versions vary, so treat it as informal advice from whoever is quoting it. Likewise, the “holy grail” of fly fishing means different things to different people, from a particular species to a perfect day on the water. Neither changes the basic advice here: carry a balanced selection and adapt to what the fish are doing.
Where to Go Next
Once you have a basic box, add patterns for the conditions you fish most, and pair it with a suitable trout rod. Small flies for winter and picky fish are covered in midge fly fishing, and larger prey imitations in minnow fly patterns for trout.
FAQ
What type of fly is best for trout?
No single type is best. Nymphs are often the most consistent, dries are fun when fish are rising, and streamers can appeal to larger fish.
How many flies do I need to start?
A dozen or so patterns, in a few sizes each, is a common starting point.
What attracts trout the most?
Food that looks natural and is presented in a natural way, in a spot where trout hold. Pattern is often less important than drift and location.