By Author John Olsen
I started fly fishing around 38 years ago, fishing in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. In that time, my fly box has gone from a handful of tried and true to a massive library of flies. It's incredible that with all these flies, I have a hand full of tried and true flies that produce. I've narrowed it down to 10 flies that are a must-have in any box when fishing in the western U.S.
10. The Renegade
The renegade doesn't imitate a particular bug but is more of a generic fly that can look like many different bugs depending on what's around. It is the original stimulator fly and is a must for your everyday box.
9. Sculpin Pattern
The Sculpin Pattern can be found in many different fly styles, and everyone has their favorite. The western US rivers are filled with these small fish, which are a staple food for large fish. The Sculpin pattern is best with a heavier fly set like a 7-weight rod. As streamers go, this is the king, no matter how old it is.
8. Parachute Adams:
A type of Adams has been around as long as there have been fly fishermen, and it is still catching fish. It can vary in color from very white to olive green, and I like to keep an assortment of colors, but this is a tried and true fly. It can imitate any small fly hatch from midge, may fly, or caddis. It’s the Swiss army knife of dry flies and a must on any river.
7. Leech pattern
Leech is another tried and true fly and a must for your box. Often when there is no hatch or heavy representation of a hatch, a leech pattern will catch fish. Leeches are always around, and fish eat them as a high-protein feast. Olive or brown is all you need to keep in your box.
6. Wooly Bugger.
The Wooly Bugger is the first fly I learned to tie. In fact, my dad would only let me move on once I could tie a perfect Wolly Bugger. The Wolly Bugger is again an old but true fly. It simulates any caterpillar that may have fallen into the river or used as a streamer will look like a leech.
5. Zebra Midge
The Zebra Midge is an excellent midge for any small to midsize Midge prehatch in spring. It mimics many different prehatch midges. Easy to tie and perfectly balanced, this pattern is a must-have for all spring streams.
4. Hopper pattern.
In late summer and early fall, there is nothing better than a hopper pattern for Trout. There are many different patterns, and foam has become the staple; however, I still prefer a good Deer Hair hopper. The hooper is a killer in the Western states on the first of Aug.
3. Royal Coachman
This pattern is great for a wet fly, dry fly, or streamer. It's an excellent mimic of many bugs or flies.
The Royal Coachman is a tried and true pattern for streams or reservoirs.
2. Egg Pattern
The Egg pattern is as old as they come. It's a simple yet effective fly year around. As Trout of different species spawn at different times of the year, Trout will pick up a loose egg at any time. It's a high-protein item they can’t refuse
1. Partridge and Orange
The Partridge and Orange is probably the oldest fly pattern ever. The Partridge and Orange have been found in literature as far back as the 1800s. When used as a trailer behind your favorite dry fly, it can produce year around but is best in fall. It's been known to turn Trout when no other pattern will.
Honorable Mention; Cricket Pattern
Cricket Pattern is excellent in the warm of summer. I have also used a Cricket Pattern when any giant black bug works like a Cicatia.
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