When I first started fly fishing for trout with a fly rod I struggled with many things, but none more than fly selection. We fly fishermen tend to make things very complicated at times, and this can be intimidating to a new (or experianced) fisherman. So what I have done is come up what I believe are the most productive flies for MOST streams in SE MN. This is a list of 14 flies that I consistently use. There are more flies that are productive – this is just a list of flies that I personally have had success with. I hope this info is helpful.
Nymphs:
Gold Ribbed Hares ear #16-18
Pheasant Tail (tan) #16-18
Pheasant tail (black) #18-20
Prince Nymph #16-18
Scud #14-16
Streamers:
Wooly Bugger (olive and black) #2-4 & #10-12
Dry Flies:
Adams #14-16
Parachute Adams #20
Royal Wulff #14-16
Light Cahill #14-16
Maddam X #8
Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
Griffith’s Gnat #20
Grasshopper Imitation (I prefer Henry’s Fork Hopper #8-10)
Todd Olson
The Fly Guys Guide Service
EFN Field Staff
[email protected]