During the summer, fishing conditions can become technical making fly selection even more important. The patterns listed below are six of my summer go-to’s.

1. Beetles– Japanese Beetles are starting to gather on the bushes and will fall in the water providing the trout an easy meal. As pictured above, patterns with an orange dot on the back are much more visible on the water. 

2. Ants- Sink them or fish them on the surface, ants are around in large numbers and are a great food choice for an opportunistic trout. I carry sunken or floating ants in several styles ranging in sizes 12-18.

3. Stimulators- A great searching dry fly pattern or a great tool for fishing dry-dropper rigs. Stimulators in sizes 8-14 and colors such as Yellow or Tan can be a great choice during the summer, especially if there are Stoneflies around.

4. Zebra Midges- A great small  pattern (sizes 18-22) for replicating bugs such as Tricos, Midges and Paraleps that are often prevalent in the summer. Reserve a spot in your box for Zebra Midges in colors such as Black, Brown, Olive, or Red.

5. Flashback Pheasant Tails– For good reason, pheasant tails are one of the most productive patterns for trout day in and day out. In the summer, I like carrying Flashback Pheasant Tails in sizes such as 18 and 20.

6. Trico Spinners- The Trico spinner fall is notable for surface activity during the summer in our area. Carrying Trico Spinners in sizes 22-24 will keep you well prepared for this situation on the water that takes place during the morning.

By carrying these “6 Fly Patterns for Summer“, you will help set yourself up for success during your next day spent on the water. Tight lines!