In no particular order other than style, here are 20 fly patterns to have/consider/create if you are fishing in Oregon over the next few weeks.
Go Deep! “Highish” “Coldish” water means it pays to get your flies down in the water column. The “Go Deep” trend is likely to last for a while.
McKee’s Girdle Bug – Excellent all around stonefly pattern that does the job getting to the bottom quickly.
Double Bead Peacock Nymph – Another dense nymph double beads get down, peacock catches fish.
Tungsten Trout Retriever – This stonefly pattern has been great this spring on the Middle Fork of the Willamette.
Lex’s Improved Golden Stone – Not as heavy as the previously mentioned patterns but very effective.
The following patterns work well deep but are also effective in the “mid water column” as well. They can even be swung and are deadly as they drift near the bottom and then rise towards the surface.
Possie Bugger – Hall of fame trout fly, you need several sizes in your box wherever you are.
Mega Prince – An absolute favorite in high water, as well as water with a bit of color.
Jigged 20 Incher – Deadly quick sinking pattern that works well all over the west.
Jigged Pheasant Tail – Like the 20 Incher this one gets down for it’s size and is very effective in clear water.
Montana Prince Nymph – An excellent small stonefly imitator this one can be fished off of a larger dry.
Moving towards the surface….. Soft hackles and emergers are deadly this time of year particularly on cloudy rainy days. A down and across swing method, or a short dropper off of a dry fly are effective tactics to fish the following patterns. Soft hackles are one of the oldest, easiest, and most effective fly patterns around!
Beadhead March Brown Emerger – The March Brown emergence has stalled a bit on the bright days of late but will most likely improve as the clouds develop.
Soft Hackle Hares Ear – One of the best all around soft hackle patterns.
Soft Hackle Peacock – Another classic emerger that works pre-hatch, during the hatch and when it’s so dark you can’t see your dry.
Dry flies for Trout –
Parachute Adams – Caddis hatch, March Brown hatch, Blue Winged Olive hatch you name it the Parachute Adams is a must have.
Parachute Caddis – Numerous species of caddis will be emerging from now on, this pattern is a couple of sizes/colors will have you covered.
Carlson’s Copper Haze – A high vis March Brown imitator – good all around mayfly pattern.
Bear’s Hi-Vis Parachute Blue Winged Olive – When cooler temps bring on the smaller mayflies try this one.
Deer Hair Flying Ant – An excellent searching pattern or a match the hatch on a hot spring day.
Morrish’s May Day – High vis but sparse enough for flat water and picky fish. It’s a new favorite.
CDC Green McKenzie Caddis – Very effective on both the McKenzie and Willamette in late April-June.
Gould’s Half Down Golden Stone – One of our favorite Golden Stone adult patterns, and an excellent big dry to hold up dropper nymphs.
CD
