Fly Fishing Factoid #1: Flies - keep it simple.

For beginners, selecting the proper fly can be a headache. I like to keep things simple - but effective!

In freshwater (species: trout, bass - smallies and large-mouth, pan fish) use one of these two flies:

1. Adams Parachute (size 14)
2. Woolly Bugger, Olive (size 12)

The Adams is a dry fly (floats atop the water) that is tied to a specific recipe, there is no color selection - all Adams have a grayish body, with brownish tails. For trout, the Adams is often deadly - it is the go to fly for many experienced fly fishers, so why not start off with it. Simple.

So it is with the Olive Woolly Bugger. Fished sub-surface, the Woolly Bugger is a great fly for all freshwater species. Bass in particular love this fly for its action under the surface, but I've caught trout and pan fish on this fly as well. Many experienced fly anglers will agree that this is another great fly to use.

In saltwater (species: striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, spotted trout, ladyfish, redfish, bonefish) try both of these flies:

1. Lefty's Deceiver (all white - size 1/0)
2. Clouser Minnow (chartreuse/white - size 0)

These flies imitate the baitfish that saltwater species feed on. Lefty's Deceiver can be tied in a variety of styles and is widely available. It is my favorite Striper fly. All of the species I've mentioned will take a Lefty's Deceiver.

The Clouser Minnow is effective due to it's jigging type action in the water, and it's imitative qualities as well. I remember hearing the designer of the fly, Bob Clouser, had caught over 27 species on his amazing fly! Try it - simple.

These are the flies that I recommend in our free online fly fishing lessons, why not let us know about your "can't miss" fly! You can do that by commenting below...


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