Fly Fishing Flies
The use of Fly fishing flies generally differ from location to location, being that that the techniques and flies you use on stream and rivers will differ to that on a lake or reservoir. The nature of the water dictates the feeding methods of trout which in turn dictates the method of fishing and trout fishing flies you will use.
In all situations a variety of fly fishing tackle is used and in most instances each method requires a different fly line, and though not as important a different fly rod as well. For instance if you are lake fishing and trying to get maximum distance with a large fishing tackle fly you would need to use a heavy fly rod of about an 8 weight and upwards, and a 8 weight fly line to match.
Where as fishing small streams with a small trout fishing fly you would be better to use a light rod around 4-5 weight and a line to match also.
Dry Flies, nymphs, streamer, and wet flies
Wet Flies
Butcher, Claret and mallard, Coachman, Hardys favorite, Invicta, Jock scott, Matukas, Muddler minnow, Steamers, Bucktails... Wet flies are imitations of small fish and submerged insects
The main method of using wet flies involves using a sinking line and casting across a stream or river, allowing the fly to float downstream until the line becomes taught and fishing the wet fly across stream in a large arc. To fish deeper cast further upstream and across to allow the fly to sink deeper, beware of casting to far upstream as this can cause your fly line to "belly" and you will loose contact with the fly, making it difficult to tighten on any fish that takes. When the line has straightened the fly is held in the current for a moment or two allowing the fly to swim, then retrieve the fly towards you for a few feet, giving the fly movement with the rod tip, then allow the fly to drift back to its original position. Retrieve again and re cast, (unless you catch something!).
Dry Flies
Black gnat, Spinners, Mayfly,Blue dunn, The coch-y-bondhu, March brown, Royal coachman, Tups indispensable, The whitcraft, Grasshopper, Whiling dun.... Dry flies are imitations of insects that are hatching on the surface, air bourn insects that are laying eggs such as the mayfly, and those insects that have landed on or fallen from trees into the stream, beetles, flys, grasshoppers, spiders, etc..
When dry fly fishing only a few basic principles apply. The first is not to be seen and concealment from your quarry plays a major role in his capture. Keep still as trout detect movement quicker than anything else, so move slowly and step quietly. Wear clothing that blend with your background, browns, greens and darkish greys are best. Beware of your shadow also that of your rod and line.
Once you are in position behind the fish make your first cast count as it is your best chance of success. The fly should land delicately above the feeding fish and made to float naturally over or slightly to the side of his lie.
Streamer flies
Imitations of small fish and minnows, Bucktails, Smelt flies, Matukas, Tube flys,
Streamer flies have long hackles made from a variety of materials, feathers from birds such as turkey, swan and geese, synthetics are more popular today with many new products giving the fly a natural fish like movement.
Streamers are flyfishing flies imitating a small fish and should be presented in this manner. They can be fished in rivers and streams, lakes and reservoirs, day or night.
Nymphs
Imitations of underwater insects in various stages of development. Hare & copper, Pheasant tail, Black nymph, Seals fur nymph, Caddis, Stonefly...
Nymph fishing is arguably the most difficult method of taking trout, but when mastered the most deadly. Nymph fly representation needs to be a much closer copy to the natural insect especially in still water such as lakes and ponds. Usually the natural nymph has little ability to swim as they are rising from the bed of lake or river to the surface where they hatch. However there are some that are free swimmers such as dragonfly nymphs, but the majority move only with the current.
Fishing trout flies is not something learned over night and for me is an ongoing process of learning and testing, I have seen many times where a particular fly will work on one day and not the next even though the conditions were the same on both days. I have also caught willing fish in a stretch of water then encountered one that although feeding eagerly would not take a single offering from my fly box. Memorable days all the same and the fickle nature of fly fishing flies.