Fountains of Youth – Classic trout flies that have withstood the test of time … flies that remain “forever young”

by Rusty Dunn

Which is more important when fishing dry flies to ris­ing trout:  A good presentation?  Or, a fly that imi­tates prevailing insects?  The correct answer is “A”, a good presentation.  Quality presentations are more important than everything else combined when it comes to fooling trout.  Fly size, pattern, and color are important, but excellent presentations will al­ways bring trout to hand, even with flies that look nothing like the insects du jour. On the other hand, you’ll rarely catch trout when your fly drags or floats unnaturally, no matter how perfect the imitation.  Read More

Fountains of Youth – Classic trout flies that have withstood the test of time … flies that remain “forever young”

by Rusty Dunn

If someone hands you a Pheasant Tail Nymph and asks what it imitates, you’ll likely say “mayfly nymph”.  Receive an Elk Hair Caddis, and you might say “adult caddisfly, probably an egg-laying female”.  One of the many hopper patterns?  You reply without hesitation, “grasshopper … no doubt about it”.  But if you’re handed a Prince Nymph, you might be stumped.  “Uhh … umm … I’m not sure … maybe an earring?”

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