The Complete Reference

Trout Fly Library

162 proven patterns — dry flies, nymphs, streamers, emergers, and more. Every pattern includes sizes, materials, tying videos, and where to fish it.

Essential Patterns

Nymph

Hare's Ear Nymph

Sizes 10–18

Hare's Ear Nymph fly pattern

The Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ear is the buggiest, most imitative general nymph ever devised. The rough, spiky dubbing of hare'

mayfly nymphscaddis larvaestonefly nymphs
Nymph

Silver Bullet Baetis

Sizes 14–18

Nymph

A slim, drab-toned, resin-coated mayfly nymph designed for picky tailwater fish. No hot spot, no flash — just silhouette

baetis nymphmayfly nymph
Dry Fly

Elk Hair Caddis

Sizes 12–18

Elk Hair Caddis fly pattern

Al Troth's Elk Hair Caddis is the definitive adult caddis imitation. The palmered hackle body and tent-shaped elk hair w

adult caddisOctober caddisGrannom
Midge

Zebra Midge

Sizes 16–16

Zebra Midge fly pattern

The Zebra Midge is the simplest and most effective midge pattern ever designed. A thread body with wire rib and a small

midge pupaemidge larvaeChironomids
Dry Fly

Parachute Adams

Sizes 12–12

Parachute Adams fly pattern

The Parachute Adams is arguably the most effective all-around dry fly in existence. Its gray body and mixed grizzly-brow

mayfliesBWOsPMDs
Nymph

Pheasant Tail Nymph

Sizes 12–20

Pheasant Tail Nymph fly pattern

Frank Sawyer's Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of the most widely fished subsurface patterns in the world. The natural pheasa

mayfly nymphsBWO nymphsPMD nymphs