The best fly fishing flies are quite simply the ones that catch the fish you’re looking for. Finding the best flies is more about picking the most appropriate flies for the circumstances. There is simply no one right answer; instead it’s a highly subjective choice. Despite this, there are some guiding principles that will help you to begin.

First of all, do your research. You should know when you are going to fish, where you are going to fish, and what you are trying to catch. This will allow you to find out what your quarry eats. All flies are designed to mimic the food sources of fish; this is what prompts them to take the bait. Try talking to other fishermen and finding out what their favorite flies are and why. Every fisherman has a secret fly. Next, know your flies. There are five basic types: the wet, the dry, the nymph, streamers and buck tails, and terrestrials. Dry flies are meant to be used above water, wet below. Nymphs mimic immature insects underwater. Streamers and buck tails mimic small fish used for bait while terrestrials mimic land insects trapped by the water.

Finally, observe your fishing environment. If there are no fish feeding on the surface, select a wet fly. Choose a dry fly if there is a lot of insect activity in the air or on the surface of the water. Remember that choosing your fly is part of the fun and experiment.