Fly fisherman advice needed

[eastfork]

My boy is looking to get into fly fishing.  We have 2 streams on our property, both hold trout. He was looking at buying the bulk Flies from Amazon.  Anyone have any experience with these?

[Platensek-po]

My boy is looking to get into fly fishing.  We have 2 streams on our property, both hold trout. He was looking at buying the bulk Flies from Amazon.  Anyone have any experience with these?

I don’t buy my flies from Amazon. There are other sites to buy flies from that are better quality. That said if there is a local fly shop I would take him there. They can give advice on what flies to use and when. The quality of flies at fly shops tends to be better than what you get online. This is the site I use to purchase flies from occasionally.

https://www.flyshack.com/

[jackelope]

I agree go to a fly shop. The problem with bulk flies if you ask me is you won’t use most of them. I’d go to your local fly shop and talk to the guys behind the counter. Let the kid do the talking(and learning). All those guys are always helpful. Get some elk hair caddis flies as they’ll be the ticket towards the evenings. Maybe some hoppers or stimulators or something for the summer. They’ll tell you best at the shop.

[JeffRaines]

Listen to jackelope.

I will say bulk flies can be helpful if you know which ones work. I also prefer using local shops when I can, the prices aren’t that much more if you don’t tie your own and you’re helping to support a small business. I know you mentioned having streams on your property - but if you end up fishing elsewhere they’re usually pretty awesome about sharing what works, and even access points and good spots.

[jackelope]

Bugs are bugs for the most part. Caddis are hatching this time of year pretty much all over the place. I would buy caddis flies right now. Elk hairs, Goddard caddis, that sort of thing.





If you see some grasshoppers around, the fish will key on them as easy pickins in some places. Worth a try. Dave’s hopper type flies if he wants to use more traditional patterns  or you can go foam which are a lot harder to screw up.





Blue winged olives and pale morning duns are a go to stream fly. BWO’s are probably done for the summer but the PMD’s should be getting good soon.







I’d get some PMD’s in parachute form and the dry version(above)




I’d also get an assortment of nymphs. Stoneflies, caddis nymphs, etc. I think it’s easier fishing nymphs personally but everyone’s different.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Size 14 caddis for dry flies.   Size 14 pheasant tail nymphs,  and some size 10 olive wooly buggers.   That will cover the fish on top or below.

Also check out lots of you tube vids.  Those three flies will cover most situations for trout in this state.

If he goes down the rabbit hole like I did after college but before kids,  he'll have 100s of patterns to try,  techniques to use,  etc.   But these basics always deliver and create a smile on my face.

[eastfork]

Thanks so much for all the input!! Can't wait to get out there with him!

[huntnphool]

 I had good luck with with a couple guys on eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/usr/greatflies?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

https://www.ebay.com/usr/absolutebest?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

Reasonable prices and quality was good.

[nwwanderer]

Do not over think things, this little stimulator caught 15-20 rainbow in less than two hours this weekend. three to fifteen plus inches, all catch and release.  Stream fishing, simple little one weight rod.

[spadebit]

I made the mistake of buying bulk flies online when I was younger, those second hand fly production companies generally use subpar hooks and materials as others stated.   
One day your kid may want to tie his own, makes it a different ballgame when you catch them on something you've made. 

[phildobaggins]

Size 14 caddis for dry flies.   Size 14 pheasant tail nymphs,  and some size 10 olive wooly buggers.   That will cover the fish on top or below.

Also check out lots of you tube vids.  Those three flies will cover most situations for trout in this state.

If he goes down the rabbit hole like I did after college but before kids,  he'll have 100s of patterns to try,  techniques to use,  etc.   But these basics always deliver and create a smile on my face.

 

I was zinging trout on Friday using size 14 pale morning duns and elk hair caddis. Two weeks ago, couldn't get off the midges.