When it comes to fly fishing, having a well-stocked fly box is essential for success on the water. With countless fly patterns to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are indispensable. Over the course of these five articles, we will present the top 50 trout flies that will cover you for every occasion, each with its own unique origin, as well as information on why it works and how to fish it.

At the end of this series we will get our staff together and produce a ‘Guide’s best dozen’ list. We will also get you to vote on your favourite 12 to create a list of our readers favourite patterns.

So enjoy the read, and hope we can introduce you to a few gems along the way. Welcome to our list of top 50 trout flies.

Top Flies Every Fly Angler Should Have – Numbers 1-10 of 50

1. The Royal Wulff: A Classic Attractor Fly
   

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   Originator: The Royal Wulff is a cherished legacy from the prolific fly tyer, Lee Wulff, who worked in the Catskill Mountains of New York. His ingenuity brought forth a pattern that has won the hearts of anglers around the globe. The Royal Wulff is an enchanting blend of form and function, incorporating elements of traditional patterns with ingenious design considerations to make a true masterpiece.

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   Why it Works:

   The genius of the Royal Wulff lies in its versatility and visibility, hallmarks that make it an effective attractor pattern. It doesn’t specifically imitate one insect but rather, it vaguely suggests a variety of them. Key attributes include:

   • Attractor Design: The Royal Wulff’s alluring design hints at a plethora of aquatic and terrestrial food sources, sparking curiosity in the fish and enticing them to strike.
   • High Visibility: The large, white wings, typically tied with calf tail or synthetic materials, contrast well against the water, making the Royal Wulff easy for both the angler and the fish to spot.
   • Buoyancy: The fly’s structure and material selection ensure that it stays afloat, even in the roughest of waters, making it a reliable choice for varying conditions.
     

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   How to Fish it: The Royal Wulff can be fished successfully in various conditions, thanks to its appealing design and buoyant nature. Here are some tips to maximise its potential:

   • Searching Strategy: The Royal Wulff is a fantastic searching fly when fish are not visibly rising. Cast it upstream and let it drift down naturally, mimicking the behaviour of insects on the water. Scale up in size and fish a beadhead nymph beneath it, or scale down when fish are sipping.
   • Varied Conditions: Whether you’re fishing a slow stream or a rushing river, the Royal Wulff can handle it all. Its buoyant design enables it to stay afloat, making it a versatile choice no matter what sort of river you are fishing.
   • Seasonal Success: It can be a particularly successful fly during summer months when terrestrial insects become more abundant. However, it’s versatility makes it effective year-round.
     

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   Other Interesting Notes:

   • The Royal Wulff is considered a ‘royal’ pattern due to its peacock herl body section, a characteristic it shares with other ‘royal’ flies. It also draws its name from its originator, Lee Wulff.
   • It comes in a variety of sizes, making it adaptable to many situations and types of fish. From small brook trout to larger river species, the Royal Wulff can be an angler’s trusty companion.
   • Despite its origins in the Catskill Mountains, the Royal Wulff has become a favourite among Australian and kiwi anglers for its reliability and universal appeal.
     

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   In conclusion, the Royal Wulff, with its versatile design and exceptional visibility, is a timeless fly that continually proves its worth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this is one fly that should always have a place in your fly box and is definitely one of our top 50 trout flies.

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2. The Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph: A Detailed Overview
   

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   Originator: Frank Sawyer, a river keeper from England, originally designed the Pheasant Tail Nymph. His intention was to mimic a variety of mayfly nymphs, and his design has indeed proved versatile and effective over the years. The Beadhead Flashback variation adds a modern touch to this classic design, contributing a shiny attraction factor and additional weight for deeper fishing.
   

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   Why it works:

   • Versatile Imitation: The Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph is a near-perfect imitation of a wide range of mayfly species. Its pheasant tail fibres mimic the nymph’s segmented body, capturing the insects’ natural colour and look.
   • Attractor Factor: The shiny beadhead and flashback create an irresistible allure, catching the eye of fish from some distance away. They offer a tempting visual stimulus that can turn a curious fish into a sure catch.
   • Weight and Depth: The beadhead adds extra weight, allowing the fly to sink faster and reach greater depths. This is crucial when fishing in deeper pools or faster currents where mayfly nymphs often reside.
     

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   How to fish it:

   1. Dead Drift: Cast the nymph upstream and allow it to drift naturally with the current, just like a real nymph would do.
   2. Indicator Nymphing: Use an indicator to track the nymph’s progress underwater, setting the hook when you see the indicator dip or pause.
   3. Tandem Rig: Pair the Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph with a dry fly on a tandem rig. The nymph serves as a dropper beneath the dry fly, appealing to fish at various depths.
      

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   Other interesting notes:

   • It’s always a good idea to carry different sizes of this nymph to match the mayfly nymphs in your local waters.
   • While it’s known for its ability to mimic mayflies, the Pheasant Tail Nymph can also resemble other aquatic insects, increasing its versatility.
   • The Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph isn’t just for cloudy days or discerning fish. It’s a solid all-around nymph that belongs in every fly angler’s box.

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   The Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph is a testament to how a well-designed fly, rooted in an understanding of the natural world, can stand the test of time. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest designs are the most effective ones. A must have for anyone’s collection of top 50 trout flies.

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3. The Chernobyl Ant: A Detailed Overview
   

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   Originator:

   The Chernobyl Ant is the brainchild of American fly-fishing enthusiasts. It first made its appearance in the early 1990s and quickly gained popularity for its unique design and notable success, particularly in the trout-rich rivers of the Western United States. Versions of this fly would be in most guide’s list of top 50 trout flies.

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   Why it works:

   • Striking Appearance: The Chernobyl Ant is not a subtle or understated fly. Its bold, foam-based design and strong, contrasting colours ensure that it stands out on the water. It attracts attention, triggers curiosity, and provokes eats from all trout species.
   • Versatile Imitation: While its name might suggest an ant, the Chernobyl Ant is a superb general attractor pattern. It can imitate a variety of larger terrestrial insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and even cicadas.
   • Durability and Buoyancy: Crafted primarily from foam, this fly is highly buoyant and durable. It can float in turbulent waters and withstand repeated strikes without losing its effectiveness.
     

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   How to fish it:

   1. Surface Fishing: Thanks to its buoyancy, the Chernobyl Ant is an excellent choice for surface fishing. Cast it near likely hiding spots and let it drift naturally.
   2. Hopper Dropper Rig: Use the Chernobyl Ant as the dry fly in a hopper dropper rig. Its buoyancy can support a weighted nymph beneath it, covering multiple water columns simultaneously.
   3. Twitch and pause: The Chernobyl Ant is the perfect fly to throw into cover and twitch back out. Cast it into undercut banks, deep into shade under trees, or across glides, then work it back out with pops of the rod tip and regular pauses.
      

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   Other interesting notes:

   • Variations of the Chernobyl Ant have been developed to imitate specific terrestrial insects more accurately. For instance, the ‘Chubby Chernobyl’ has added features to mimic a grasshopper or a stonefly.
   • Despite its original success with trout, don’t limit the Chernobyl Ant to only these species. It has proven to be a successful fly for a variety of warmwater species as well, including bass.
   • The Chernobyl Ant is an excellent fly choice for windy conditions. Its size and weight allow for more accurate casting when lighter flies might prove challenging.
     

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   The Chernobyl Ant, with its bold design and versatile capabilities, is not just a fly—it’s an entire fishing strategy. Add it to your fly box and witness the revolutionary results it can yield on the water. Remember, sometimes the key to great fly fishing is not to mimic nature perfectly, but to trigger the predatory instincts of the fish.

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4. Parachute Adams: A Fly Fishing Staple
   

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   Originator:

   The Parachute Adams is a creation of American fly tyer Leonard Halladay, who designed the original Adams fly in the early 1920s. The ‘Parachute’ variation, featuring a distinct horizontal hackle wrapped around a wing post, emerged later and swiftly gained popularity for its enhanced visibility, floatation, and ability to always land right way up.

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   Why it works:

   • Versatile Imitation: The Parachute Adams doesn’t pinpoint a specific species, but rather mimics a broad spectrum of mayflies, making it incredibly versatile. Its grey body and grizzly hackle mimic the colours of many mayflies.
   • Superior Visibility: The distinctive white or brightly coloured parachute post at the top of this fly is easy to spot, even at a distance or in low-light conditions. This enhanced visibility allows anglers to track their fly efficiently.
   • Effective Floatation: The horizontal hackle of the Parachute Adams creates a broader footprint on the water, enabling it to float effectively, even in rough water.
     

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   How to fish it:

   1. Dry Fly Fishing: The Parachute Adams is perfect for dry fly fishing techniques. Cast it upstream and let it drift downstream naturally, mimicking an insect floating on the surface.
   2. Match the Hatch: Use the Parachute Adams during a mayfly hatch. Its design and colours are versatile enough to fit any hatch situation.
      

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   Other interesting notes:

   • The Parachute Adams is available in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of different fishing situations. Smaller sizes (18-24) can be used to match small mayflies, while larger ones (10-16) work well for bigger mayflies.
   • Despite being a dry fly, the Parachute Adams can also work wonders in slightly sub-surface fishing due to its unique design, mimicking an emerging or drowned mayfly.
   • Over time, anglers have added a variety of twists to the original Parachute Adams, using different colours and materials, but the classic grey body and grizzly hackle remain the favourite. A bight orange or pink wingpost can be a lifesaver on a dull, rainy day.
     

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   The Parachute Adams is a classic, versatile, and dependable fly that should be a staple in any angler’s fly box. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice fly fisher, you can trust the Parachute Adams to deliver results when other flies fall short. After all, its time-tested design and consistent performance have earned it a place among the greatest fly fishing patterns of all time, and so it makes our list of top 50 trout flies.

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5. Bubbleback Pupa: A Must-Have for Your Fly Box
   

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   Originator:

   The Bubbleback Pupa is a brainchild of the legendary Rene Harrop, a revered fly tier and fly fishing guide who has been integral to the evolution of the sport. Known for his sophisticated, detailed, and effective creations, designed for use on the legendary Ranch section of the Henry’s Fork, Harrop’s flies have brought a nuanced understanding to the art of fly fishing and no list of top 50 trout flies would be complete without one or two his creations being included.

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   Why it works:

   • Unmistakable Imitation: The Bubbleback Pupa is designed to imitate a specific stage in an insect’s lifecycle, the pupal stage, just as the insect is about to emerge. The glossy “bubble” at the back of the fly successfully mimics the gas bubble that forms on the pupa during this stage.
   • Highly Visible: The unique bubbleback design of this fly makes it extremely visible under water, drawing the attention of the fish and increasing your chances of an eat.
   • Strategic Colour Scheme: Harrop’s design often uses an olive or brown body, effectively imitating the natural colours of various caddis pupae, a favourite food of many trout species.
     

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   How to fish it:

   1. Nymph Fishing: The Bubbleback Pupa is best suited for nymph fishing techniques. It’s typically fished subsurface and can be presented alone or as part of a nymphing rig.
   2. Emergence Mimicry: Try casting it upstream and letting it drift down naturally to fish eating caddis emergers stuck below the surface. This technique mimics a pupa rising to the surface to hatch, often triggering an aggressive response from feeding trout.
      

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   Other interesting notes:

   • The Bubbleback Pupa can be tied in various sizes to match different species of caddisflies. You can adapt to the hatch you’re experiencing by simply adjusting the size and colour of the Bubbleback Pupa you’re using.
   • Rene Harrop’s designs, including the Bubbleback Pupa, are recognised for their attention to detail and biologically accurate imitations. This level of realism often makes the difference when trout are particularly selective.
   • The Bubbleback Pupa’s design is a great example of how understanding insect life cycles can translate into more effective fly designs. It embodies Harrop’s philosophy of observing nature closely and replicating its processes as faithfully as possible.
     

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   In the realm of fly fishing, the Bubbleback Pupa has earned its stripes as a trusted and effective fly. Its thoughtful design and keen imitation of nature make it a strong contender when you’re trying to match the hatch and convince a wary trout to eat. Add the Bubbleback Pupa to your fly box, and experience the genius of Rene Harrop on your next fly fishing adventure. Another lock in our list of top 50 trout flies.

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6. Beadhead Copper John: A Shining Star in the Nymph Category
   

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   Originator:
   
   The Beadhead Copper John is a masterstroke from John Barr, a renowned Colorado fly tier. His designs are guided by a deep understanding of entomology and a dash of innovation, bringing to life lures that truly capture the attention of fish.

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   Why it works:

   • Unique Design: The Beadhead Copper John stands out with its heavily weighted copper wire body, which gives it a unique look and attractive shine underwater. This feature, combined with the bead head, ensures the fly sinks quickly into the feeding zone of the fish.
   • Versatility: The Copper John is a highly versatile fly that effectively mimics a wide range of nymphs, particularly mayflies and stoneflies, making it a reliable choice regardless of the hatch.
   • High Visibility: The bead head and bright coloured thorax (often red or green) contribute to the fly’s visibility, enhancing its attractiveness to fish.
     

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   How to fish it:

   1. Nymphing Techniques: Given its weight and design, the Beadhead Copper John is ideally suited for nymphing techniques. Whether you’re tight line nymphing or using an indicator, this fly gets down to depth quickly.
   2. Dropper Rig: The Beadhead Copper John is an excellent choice for the point fly in a dropper rig because of its ability to sink rapidly.
      

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   Other interesting notes:

   • The Beadhead Copper John can be tied in a range of sizes and colours, allowing for imitation of various types of nymphs.
   • It is one of the most popular nymph patterns worldwide due to its versatility and effectiveness, making it a must-have in any fly box.
   • Its durability is another plus point; the heavy wire body stands up to catching numerous fish.The Beadhead Copper John’s success lies in its ability to grab the attention of fish and keep it, thanks to its unique design and striking visibility. By including it in your fly box, you’ll equip yourself with a versatile and dependable fly that’s ready to deliver, irrespective of the fishing conditions or targeted species. Definitely one of our top 50 trout flies.

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7. Klinkhammer: The King of Emergers
   

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   Originator:

   The Klinkhammer, a remarkable emerger pattern, was first tied by Dutch angler Hans van Klinken in the early 1980s. His aim was to design a fly that excelled in imitating the vulnerable stage of an insect’s life – when it is transitioning from a nymph to a flying insect, otherwise known as the emerger stage. This fly is would be in anyone’s top 10 patterns, much less a lost of top 50 trout flies.

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   Why it works:

   • Innovative Design: The Klinkhammer is crafted with a unique parachute post design on a curved hook that makes two-thirds of the fly hang below the surface, thus effectively imitating an emerging insect. The abdomen of the Klinkhammer sinks into the water, while the thorax and wing post remain above, creating a perfect illusion of an emerging insect.
   • Versatility: The Klinkhammer is versatile and can represent various aquatic insects, particularly midges, mayflies, and caddisflies. This wide range of imitation makes it a go-to fly in many situations.
   • Visibility: Its high-visibility parachute post not only aids in flotation but also allows anglers to keep track of the fly even in choppy water or poor light conditions.
     

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   How to fish it:

   • Use During Hatch: The Klinkhammer is most effective when fished during a hatch when fish are feeding on emergers.
   • Dead Drift Technique: Like most dry flies, the Klinkhammer is best fished using the dead drift technique, which simulates the natural drift of an insect on the water’s surface.
     

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   Other interesting notes:

   • The Klinkhammer can be tied in a variety of sizes and colours to match the prevalent hatch. Traditional versions often have a grey body and wing post, but other popular variations include olive, brown, and black bodies.
   • While the Klinkhammer is primarily used in freshwater streams and rivers, it can also be effective in still water environments where midges and caddis are emerging.

   In the realm of fly fishing, the Klinkhammer has carved out a place of honour for its ability to skillfully imitate the vulnerable emerger stage of insects. Its unique design and high versatility make it an invaluable addition to any fly angler’s collection. So, gear up with Klinkhammer, and you’re sure to see your success rate soar.

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8. Parachute Caddis: The Classic Surface Specialist
   

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   Originator:The origin of the Parachute Caddis is not explicitly attributed to a specific tier, but this versatile and highly effective pattern has been a staple in fly boxes for decades, representing a universal adaptation of the caddis fly, a favourite meal for many fish species.

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   Why it works:

   • Insect Imitation: The Parachute Caddis, as the name suggests, is designed to closely mimic caddis flies, one of the most common forms of aquatic insect life and a vital food source for trout. This makes it a highly productive fly in many fishing scenarios.
   • Visibility and Presentation: The parachute design allows for a more delicate and realistic landing on the water surface, akin to a natural caddis settling on the water. The unique hackle wrapping around the upright post provides excellent visibility to the angler while maintaining a low, natural profile to the fish.
   • Versatility: The Parachute Caddis can be tied in different sizes and colours to match various species of caddis flies, enhancing its effectiveness and appeal to a broad range of fish.
     

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   How to fish it:

   • Dry Fly Presentation: Fish the Parachute Caddis as you would any dry fly. Cast upstream and allow it to drift naturally with the current over likely holding areas.
   • Caddis Hatch: This pattern excels during a caddis hatch. However, its high visibility and resemblance to a universal food source can make it effective even when caddis aren’t actively hatching.
     

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   Other interesting notes:

   • Consider carrying a variety of Parachute Caddis flies in different colours and sizes in your fly box. Popular variations include tan, olive, black, and brown bodies to match different types of caddis flies. It is also popular in the same grey as a Parachute Adams.
   • Although the Parachute Caddis is a dry fly, it can occasionally be used as an emerger pattern during a caddis hatch. Applying floatant to the body but allowing the hackle to become waterlogged can give the illusion of a caddis in the process of emerging.
     

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   Unassuming yet highly effective, the Parachute Caddis has earned its reputation as a must-have fly for any angler. Its combination of visibility, realistic presentation, and versatility make it a tried-and-true performer on streams and rivers worldwide. Equip yourself with the Parachute Caddis, and watch as the magic unfolds on the water.

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9. Royal Stimulator: The Throne Holder of Attractor Flies
   

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   Originator:

   The Royal Stimulator, a variant of the classic Stimulator pattern, was developed by Randall Kaufmann. This enticing fly ingeniously combines the vibrant appeal of the Royal Coachman with the irresistible design of the Stimulator. It was conceived to provoke aggressive strikes from fish even in the absence of a hatch. This one would make every guide’s top 50 trout flies.

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   Why it works:

   • Versatile Imitation: The Royal Stimulator doesn’t replicate a specific insect but instead exhibits the characteristics of several potential prey, including caddisflies and stoneflies. Its shape, movement, and buoyancy attract fish that are opportunistically feeding.
   • Visibility: The Royal Stimulator features a bushy hackle and a buoyant design, allowing it to float high on the water. Its bright colours and conspicuous silhouette make it highly visible to both fish and anglers, even in low-light conditions.
   • Stimulation: This fly lives up to its name, stimulating predatory instincts in fish. The Royal Stimulator’s flashy colour scheme and irresistible silhouette make it an effective attractor fly, inciting aggressive strikes.
     

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   How to fish it:

   • Dry Fly Tactics: The Royal Stimulator is typically fished on the surface as a dry fly. Casting it upstream and allowing it to drift naturally downstream over feeding lanes is a conventional approach.
   • Skating: You can also use the Royal Stimulator to “skate” across the surface of the water, imitating a hatching or egg-laying caddisfly. This technique involves casting across the current and using the rod tip to guide the fly in a twitching, skittering action across the surface.
   • Dry Dropper: The Royal Stimulator sits among the very best of flies under which to suspend a nymph. It is especially effective in fast, broken water – and is perhaps the first choice when fishing heavy pocket water or high-country small streams.
     

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   Other interesting notes:

   • Size Variation: The Royal Stimulator can be tied in a variety of sizes to represent different food items. Larger versions effectively imitate stoneflies, while smaller ones can mimic caddisflies.
   • Multifunctional: Due to its high visibility, the Royal Stimulator is often used as an indicator fly in a dry-dropper rig, providing the dual functions of attracting fish and indicating strikes on the subsurface nymph.
     

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   The Royal Stimulator is a dynamic, versatile fly that doesn’t rely on a specific hatch to be effective. Instead, it capitalises on the opportunistic nature of fish, leading to exciting strikes and unforgettable fly fishing experiences. It’s a true standout in the world of attractor flies – a jewel on the water that proves irresistible to fish.

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10. Bushy’s Emerger: A Masterful Interpretation by a Fly Fishing Legend
    

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    Originator:

    The Bushy’s Emerger was created by Kaj ‘Bushy’ Busch, a highly regarded Australian angler known for his fishing acumen and innovative fly designs. Rather than being a true emerger pattern, this fly is more of an ingenious reinterpretation of the classic Parachute Adams. Its subtle modifications make it a compelling choice during discerning mayfly hatches.

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    Why it works:

    • Realistic Appearance: Bushy’s Emerger bears an uncanny resemblance to the newly emerged mayfly dun. Its dull, dappled wing provides a lifelike impression that is often irresistible to trout, especially during a hatch.
    • Versatile Presentation: Similar to the Parachute Adams, Bushy’s Emerger can be deliberately modified to sit just below, on, or in the surface film. This makes it effective whether the mayflies are emerging, hatched, or spent.
    • Subtle Allure: The subdued colours of Bushy’s Emerger offer a more natural and less conspicuous profile compared to some other dun patterns that offer more visibility. This muted appeal can be crucial when trout are being particularly selective.
      

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    How to fish it:

    • Drift Tactics: Just like other dry flies, the Bushy’s Emerger is typically fished on the surface with a natural drift. Cast it upstream and allow it to float downstream over likely holding spots or directly over rising trout.
    • Match the Hatch: Use Bushy’s Emerger during a mayfly hatch when trout are actively feeding on the surface. Adjust the size of your fly to match the size of the natural insects as closely as possible.
      

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    Other interesting notes:

    • Timing is Everything: While Bushy’s Emerger can be effective throughout the year while blind fishing, it tends to be especially effective during a mayfly hatch. This is when the fly’s lifelike appearance and subtle presentation truly shine.
    • Consider the Conditions: Bushy’s Emerger can be particularly effective in clear water conditions, where its natural profile can outperform flashier flies. It is also useful in overcast conditions where its silhouette stands out against the grey sky.
    • Fine-tuning: Like all imitative flies, the effectiveness of Bushy’s Emerger can often be improved with slight adjustments. Try altering the size, presentation, or even the tippet size to entice stubborn trout.
      

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    Bushy’s Emerger is a testament to Kaj Busch’s profound understanding of trout behaviour and his mastery of fly design. Its uncanny ability to mimic multiple life stages of mayflies and its natural presentation make it a valuable addition to any fly box and puts it as the first Australian pattern in our list of top 50 trout flies. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned pro, Bushy’s Emerger is a fly that can make all the difference when fishing to picky trout during a mayfly hatch.

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Conclusion:

With these 10 flies in your fly box, you’ll be well-prepared for almost any fly fishing occasion. From attractor dry flies to versatile nymphs, these patterns cover a wide range of imitations, ensuring you have the right fly for most situations.

Next week we will bring you flies number 11-20 in our list of top 50 fly patterns for trout fishing Australia and New Zealand.

Tight lines and happy fishing!