As a guide, I am often asked what flies I like best. Tough question for some folks, but not me. I have 3 favorities that I use year around. All three are durable and versatile, and I’ve caught a lot of fish on these 3 flies:
1) Woolly Bugger: My all-time best fly! I’ve caught everything from trout and bass to northerns and stripers on a woolly bugger. My favorite for fishing in VT and NH is a black, bead head, size 8. Although sometimes I’ll tie on an olive, conehead (just to change things up a bit).
2) Hare’s Ear Nymph: 80% of a trout’s diet is sub-surface, so this is my go to nymph. Maybe I’m old-fashioned because I haven’t switched over to a Copper John like the rest of the world. I tie my Hare’s Ear nymphs with a bead head, a soft hackle and a flashback. Imitates almost any mayfly.
3) Elk-Hair Caddis: Caddis are everywhere in this neck of the woods. They hatch in almost every month of the fishing season. I use all colors; black, olive, tan, brown and grey. Very durable and water-resistant (you can float them through some rather rough water without having to change flies every few casts). Not that hard to tie either. Best dry fly in my book.
So if you aren’t sure what flies to use on your next outing, try these. I can’t guarantee that you will catch fish, but it is a good place to start. I would love to hear your thoughts and your favorite flies.
- Ron Rhodes, head guide, Hanover Outdoors
USGS Streamflow Map
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I second the Bead Head Hare’s Ear (with soft hackle). This nymph is all I carry, in varying sizes. Works wonders everywhere I’ve tried it.