Flys

[EatSleepFish]

Fishing a small creek, wondering what flys to use on opener

[-Marc V-]

Some good universal nymphs are pheasant tails, hare's ears and prince nymphs (size 12 down to 20). Beaded-headed obviously will sink a little fast and maybe better to use in faster water or deeper holes.

The Pink Squirrel is a big hit lately. I have yet to try it, but from what I've been reading online, they're supposed to be good. Some say only use size 12, but I'd go smaller too. Tied some up last night and hope to try them in the stream this weekend.

If you want to carry some dries I'd recommend Elk Hair Caddis' (12 to 18) and small Blue Wing olive's (usually use size 16 to 20, sometimes smaller). Usually good to have if there's a hatch going on.

I'm kind of curious to find out what other people consider their go-to flies.

Good luck opener!

[WxGuy]

Marc, you pretty much hit the nail on the head.

I mainly use size 16 & 18 PTs, but have size 14 handy in PTs and Hare's Ear. I use bead-head PTs mostly, but some without beads I use as trailers behind an ice-dubbed orange scud (size 12 or 14) or BH Prince in size 12 , 14 or occasionally size 16.

So far I've had the best luck with those orange scuds fished with some lead (about 8-10 inches above the scud) to get down deep if the stream permits...and most good pools are deep enough to need some lead. I always try to get a PT behind the scud about 12".

The opener might be a little early for caddis, but they're usually good dries to make sure you have in your box and will come in handy very soon. I've heard good reports of BWO's over the last 2 days, so make sure you've got some (size 18 or 20) in case you run into a hatch.

Good luck!

[Quickstrike]

i already posted this in the fly-fishing forum but i'll post it here again anyways.

with cool temps and limited hatches there are a couple different options i ussually stick to when fly fishing trout early in the year. the first method i try is sticking with your basic small nymph patterns. i ussually start with a pheasant tail, prince, or hare's ear around size 14 and then downsize from a 16-20 if i need to. also if there is a lot of run-off clouding up the rivers try a flashback wingcase rather then the traditional feather case. i have also had good luck throwing small streamers such as a mickey finn when if the water is high and muddy. if you are targeting brookies, it sounds strange but i have also had early season luck swinging small royal wulffs with a little weight right below the surface. hope this helps.

[Lynno62]

Were can a person get some of these fly's that you all are talking about? I have never fly fished going try it this year.I know nothing about flytie'g(sp).

Thanks. Lynn

[-Marc V-]

I'd check out local fly shops first. I like the fly shops because they usually give you an idea of what flies have been working recently in the streams.

Otherwise, Gander Mountain stores have a large selection of flies.

[JP Z]

Lynno,

If you are around I would hit up the Great Waters Fly Expo. It will be a wealth of knowledge. Much Like Trout Day. But it is coming up this weekend April 1, 2 and 3, 2005, at the Sheraton Bloomington South Hotel Minneapolis South