As I’ve written previously, I want to be an open book about flies and techniques. So many great folks have helped me out over the years. Glad to pay it forward.

So, I wanted to write about the flies that have been working for me thus far. I think newly-stocked trout are attracted to bright flies. As the season progresses, I think they’ll be more choosy, and, on a river like the Swift, for example, will go for smaller flies.

But, right now, the trout rookies aren’t that selective.

Some fly recipes below.

I. HARE’S EAR

• Hook: jig nymph, #8 to #14
• Wire underneath thorax: non-lead
• Bead: tungsten
• Tail: Coq de Leon
• Body: rabbit fur picked from a hare’s mask (used a dubbing loop)
• Ribbing: crystal flash
• Wing case: peacock herl
• Thorax: more rabbit fur, but I picked out longer hairs (used a second dubbing loop)

Note: I used to tie Hare’s Ears with pre-cut dubbing–now, I actually pick fur from a real hare’s mask. It looks much more buggy. No comparison.

II. BRASSIE

• Hook: #16 emerger
• Bead: tungsten
• Body: chartreuse wire (red and copper work well, too)
• Thorax: peacock herl

III. SOFT-HACKLE FRENCHIE

• Hook: jig nymph, #8 to #14
• Bead: tungsten
• Wire underneath thorax: non-lead
• Tail: Coq de Leon
• Body: pheasant tail
• Ribbing: gold wire
• Thorax: pink ice dub
• Thread collar: pink
• Hackle: partridge

Tight lines, everyone!