Stephen D

The Metal Detector 2.0 is the fly you need to find chrome. Designed as a summer steelhead fly it makes a great base pattern to modify to your needs. Shank or cut hook

The Sound Searcher is a very cool upgrade to the classic gurgler. It makes a great searching pattern for sea trout and also a super effective wounded bait imitation

A versatile attractor dry fly that can imitate a variety of insects- A grasshopper in larger sizes or maybe a golden stone fly in smaller sizes, the Madam X is a proven classic. The Madam X sits higher in the water column, and its buoyant nature makes it an excellent pattern to drop a nymph off.

The Sucker Spawn is a quick-to-tie, effective pattern that requires a few sparse ingredients. Incredibly effective during the sucker spawn when trout are gorging on sucker eggs, the Sucker Spawn also acts as a general attractor that successfully imitates a cluster of eggs. We’re tying it with red thread and chartreuse Mcflyfoam, but alter the color, size, and weight to best suit your local environment.

Black gnats and midges are prolific on most streams and play a significant part in a trout’s diet. As David Klausemeyer, Editor-In-Chief of Fly Tyer Magazine, matter-of-factly points out, “Show me a piece of trout water that does not have its share of little black insects fluttering across its surface, and I’ll show you a stream not worth fishing.” Several versions of this fly are out there, but this is our favorite. Follow along as Karl gives step-by-step instructions on how to tie the Black Gnat pattern.

Bees are one of those terrestrials that are just about everywhere, and while they may not have the popularity of ants, hoppers, and beetles, there are days when catching fish relies on matching them. This Bumblebee Fly does an excellent job at imitating all species of bees, and whether you're chasing trout or panfish, this fly is an excellent choice. Made with durable floating foam, this fly rides high and makes a great choice when fishing a dry-dropper rig. Carry it in your box spring through fall, and you'll be shocked at how often this fly gets sucked down.

Taking a strong influence from the classic Clouser Minnow, this Full-Dressed version offers a little bit more realism and a whole lot more movement. Maintaining that classic minnow profile, you can use this fly to match things like silversides, juvenile herring, sandeels, or just use it as a general attractor, as its ostrich herl wing adds movement whether your fly is resting on the bottom or getting stripped back to you. A solid choice in both fresh and saltwater situations that can be tied in any color scheme you like, it's hard to go wrong with this version of a must-have streamer.

The Clouser Minnow is one of the most effective streamers ever designed. The Clouser was initially created by Bob Clouser for catching smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River in the year 1987, but since then, it's become a staple for pretty much every species of fish that eats other fish. The Clouser has a deadly jigging action and rides hook point up, and you can use it to imitate a wide range of baitfish.

Drawing on Bob Clouser's famous Clouser Minnow, this Synthetic version of the Clouser offers a bit more translucency while being considerably more durable. With a flexible spine, this fly won't foul on you, while an SF Blend body reflects light, offers a little different movement than bucktail, and comes in a million colors. This fly is easy to tie, and one that you can count on anytime you're blind casting into a saltwater environment, however, it's an equally great fly for catching things like bass, pickerel, and pike. Tie the Synthetic Clouser in any color scheme that you like, or get more imitative and use this fly to match baits like sand eels, spearing, or bay anchovies.

Your sense of self-worth and dignity are too high to fish with a tenkara rod, but you cannot stand the thought of seeing trout rise to an evening spinner fall without a fly rod in hand. Redington’s brand new Trailblazer is designed for this scenario, the hike-to-fish crowd looking for a compact, backpack-friendly rod. Breaking down to six pieces, the Trailblazer meets this requirement, but how does it perform? You will not want to skip this review if you are looking for a new rod to take on your next hike-to-fish adventure.