A streamer that’s simple and can imitate a wide range of baitfish, the Bendback should always be in the box. Whether you’re matching saltwater species like spearing and bay anchovies or freshwater baitfish like dace and emerald shiners, the Bendback can imitate them all.
One of those flies that gets an opinion out of almost every fly angler around, the Squirmy Wormy, may be controversial to some, but it flat out catches fish. An easy one to stock a whole box within just a night or two, this fly is packed with movement and does an excellent job at matching both terrestrial and aquatic worms. From farm pond bluegill to wild trout, this fly will fool them all.
Picking up where the Prince Nymph left off, the Psycho Prince brings an extra dose of flash to this effective nymph. One of those bugs that you can tie in a ton of different colors, all of which can be effective, the Psycho Prince Nymph is an excellent attractor pattern whether you are after wild brookies, stocked fish, or some fresh steelhead.
Gartside’s Soft Hackle Streamer is an essential pattern anywhere you go. You can rely on this fly to catch anything from freshwater species like trout and carp to saltwater fish like striped bass, snook, and jack. The Soft Hackle Streamer is an easy baitfish pattern to tie and can be constructed in just about any color scheme you can dream up. Swing it in a current, strip it back to you, or just dead drift it. The Soft Hackle Streamer has a natural movement that entices any predatory fish around
The Pheasant Tail is an essential fly you can turn to anytime fish are feeding on subsurface mayfly nymphs. The Pheasant Tail works as a general searching pattern and can imitate specific mayfly species, as well. It’s particularly deadly when swinging through riffles before a hatch.
Straight from Pop Fleyes’ book, the Semper Fleye will catch any species that eats other fish. The pattern swims well, has excellent movement, and is easy to tie. You will not want to leave the house without the Semper Fleye on your next striper outing.
The Muddler Minnow was first tied in 1936 by Don Gapen and is still a popular choice for anglers worldwide. Renowned for its versatility, this iconic streamer pattern imitates various prey, including sculpins, chubs, suckers, and even grasshoppers.
The Blue Wing Olive is one of the most iconic mayflies in North American trout streams. Due to their small size, they can produce up to three generations each year. They make excellent dry-fly insects because they hatch in large numbers, and the duns ride the water for a long time before taking flight. Follow along as Levi shows the step-by-step directions needed to tie this effective pattern.
Quill Gordons are one of the first significant mayfly hatches on the east coast each year. They offer excellent early-season dry fly opportunities due to their relatively large size and prominence on the water. Theodore Gordon’s Quill Gordon Dry Fly has been catching fish for over a century, and we’re going to show you how to tie this classic Catskill-style dry.
The Prince Nymph is an essential pattern regardless of where you are fishing. Designed by Doug Prince, this fly sinks well, has just enough flash, and fools trout all over. The Prince Nymph is particularly effective in moving water and streams with large stonefly populations. Break out the Peacock Herl and get ready to tie this indispensable bug.
