The coming weeks are perhaps the best of the year for catching trout on dry flies, so be sure to have some of the following patterns in your vest or pack, or stuck in your ball cap.
Chubby Chernobyl, or variations such as the Super Chubby or Fat Frank. Created to imitate a large stonefly or grasshopper, this foam-bodied fly floats high and is easy to see. Many anglers will use this fly as an attractor dry fly – in other words, one that can be seen – and tie a smaller dry fly behind it as a floating dropper.
Blooms HiVis Parachute Caddis. This fly has eclipsed the Goddard in popularity for a fast-water caddis. It floats well and its parachute post is tied in a variety of colors, which makes it easy to see in low-light conditions.
RS2 emerger in PMD or yellow. As our rivers drop and clear, Pale Morning Duns will hatch and this summer-season mayfly inhabits shallow, riffle-run water. A must-have for any tailwater or spring creek angler.
Rubberleg Stimulator or Stimi-Chew Toy. These two patterns’ roots lie in Randall Kaufmann’s original Stimulator. Tied to mostly imitate golden stoneflies and yellow sally stoneflies, the Stimi-Chew Toy in size 14 and 16 is ideal for mimicking a caddis or yellow sally.
Parachute Adams. Perhaps the most time-tested dry fly ever tied – imitating a mayfly dun – the Parachute Adams is a must-have.
Spruce moth patterns. On many of our local rivers, especially the Gallatin and Upper Madison between Windy Point and Pine Butte, anglers are noting an increase in spruce moths. Be sure your dry-fly box has plenty of spruce moths.
LaFontaine’s Emergent Sparkle Pupa. A list without a Gary LaFontaine pattern? This might be the best caddis pattern ever—it covers a wide range of the caddis life cycle.
