True-Fly Patterns

Leech Selection

Found in ponds, reservoirs, creeks, and rivers at every elevation and in all 50 states, leeches are a must-have pattern for the fly fisher who loves to catch big fish!  Most commonly found swimming along the bottom of the lake or river, retrieving...

Black Caddis Selection

Several caddis species share the common moniker "Black Caddis" (or "Mother's Day Caddis"), and can be found hatching throughout spring and summer.  While some western states such as Montana and Idaho have been blessed with black caddis hatches of...

Callibaetis Mayfly Selection

Found in nearly every roadside ditch, pond, lake and reservoir in the central and western United States, the Callibaetis mayfly is one of the most important stillwater food sources for trout.  While the nymphs of the callibaetis are available to...

Pale Morning Dun / Pale Evening Dun Fly Selection

While the Pale Morning Dun and Pale Evening Dun mayflies are members of different families, they are largely similar in size and profile, allowing them to be matched by many of the same fly patterns.  Both families can be found in streams and rivers...

Trico Mayfly Selection

What the Trico mayflies lack in size, they make up in quantity!  This mayfly family comes off in late summer to fall, and is renowned for its' "Blanket Hatches" that cover the rivers and streams they inhabit.  While the small dark nymphs can be...

Blue Winged Olive Mayfly Selection

The Blue Winged Olive Mayfly is one of the most prolific mayfly families in the United States and can be found on rivers and streams at every elevation and in almost every state.  This mayfly family will often have two generations per year, with...

Sow Bug Selection

Cousins of scud and freshwater shrimp, these crustaceans are best described as underwater roly polys.  While these tasty trout treats are common in a number of lakes and rivers across the country, their numbers can reach epic proportions in waters...

Scud Selection

Though often confused with fresh water shrimp, scud are among a family of "side swimmers" and are a key staple in the diet of trophy trout in both lakes and rivers. Varying in color from olive to pink, these protein-packed crustaceans try to stay close...

Damselfly Selection

The smaller cousin to the dragonfly, Damselflies are commonLY found in lakes and backwaters at every elevation.  Hatching throughout the summer, the adults can produce explosive strikes, while stripping the nymphs next to weedbeds or along the...

Terrestrial Insect Selection

The broadest definition of a "Terrestrial" is any land-born animal or insect.  As far as food sources for trout are concerned, this selection covers the big 5 terrestrial food groups of ants, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and cicadas.   When...