The Kurrent

Utilized in both fresh and saltwater, the Clouser Minnow is one of the most effective flies for all species. Created in 1987 by the famous, Bob Clouser, this baitfish imitation has caught millions of fish around the world, but is most synonymous with salt anglers and warm water fly fishermen.

Tied in a multitude of fashions, the Woolly Bugger has the ability to imitate a baitfish, crustacean, large insects and more. That said, the fly makes for a great option in stillwater fishing (both cold and warm water), river fishing (small and large flows) and even in saltwater applications.

If a river has been harassed by a fly fisherman, it’s likely that a Parachute Adams has been floated through its waters. With the ability to imitate a range of insects, this dry fly should be one of the first you reach for in your box of size 12-20 dry flies.

The 1950’s offered Striped Bass populations in the Chesapeake Bay that are unheard of today. While targeting these giants on the fly, the author and angler, Lefty Kreh invented the perfect fly: Lefty’s Deceiver. The fly casts well, rarely fouls and mimics all types of bait fish—the recipe for a great streamer.

Stoneflies, Salmonflies, hoppers, ants, caddis…. There’s not much a Chubby can’t imitate. Fished in various sizes and colors, as a solo dry fly or as the hopper (of a hopper-dropper), we may or may not have an entire box of chubbies.

The Copper John drops into the fish’s zone quickly and has a flashy look that can entice most any trout. Known as one of the most popular fly fishing nymphs, this fly can be used on most any river and any time of the year. Fish it on a double nymph rig or under a hopper—it’s a must-have.

An innovation unlike many others in the fly fishing world, the Game Changer is one of the most realistic baitfish patterns available. It has multiple joints built into the fly for maximum movement and the action can only be compared to that of a swimbait fished on conventional tackle.

Used primarily for trout and steelhead fishing, the Elk Hair Caddis has been at the top of fly boxes around the world for over 60 years. The fly sits high in the water, is easily visible by anglers and quite often irresistible to fish.

The Pat’s Rubber Legs fly is one of the best stonefly imitations available. It’s an extremely easy tie with just a few simple steps and is an effective nymph. Use them with minimal worry of losing them; but make sure your box is packed with a few variations in size and color.