summer trout flies question

[uplandhunter870]

im really new to fly fishing, as in ive taught myself how to cast in the back yard but havent actually fly fished any waters yet.

i did a search and didnt really come up with what i was looking for so what are good entry level trout flies. i will mainly be fishing mountain lakes and streams. i have an 8' 6" rod thats rated for 6/7wt line, currently i have a 6wt weight forward floating line on the spool.

im have tenative plans to hike into mertle lake up the entiat over memorial day weekend to fish the lake and the entiat headwaters if they are both open, this will be my first fly fishing adventure.

thanks in advance
uplander

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Back when I started fly-fishing, my go-to fly was an Adams irresistable, deer hair body fly that was easy to keep floating, caught everything on that from Pumkinseed sunfish to brown trout.
I pretty much used the Adams, Pink Lady, and Mosquito mostly (always had to keep extras in box)
Other than those,
There are 2 basic types of flies every beginner should have,
Imitation Patterns - Most dry fly patterns will try to imitate the fly based on shape, size, and color. These flies are usually mayfly, stonefly, and caddis fly patterns. Dark color flies are used in cooler weather (dark color absorbs more sunlight for heat) while lighter color flies are used in the heat. The most common imitation dry flies are:
Elk Hair Caddis
Parachute Adams
Stone Fly
May Fly
Grasshoppers
Ants

Attractor Patterns – Attractor patterns do not necessary try to imitate a specific insect. They are generic patterns that have similar size, shape, and colors of various insects. Attractor patterns can be very affective.
The most common attractor dry flies are:
Stimulator
Royal Wulffs
Royal Coachman

[JLS]

You have a very good list to start with, and I would add a few nymphs.  Sometimes lake fish just won't take off the top.  Try some bead head Hare's Ear Nymphs and some bead head Prince Nymphs in various sizes.

When I was going to school in Wyoming, I used to flyfish all the time.  A green bead head Hare's Ear was my go to fly.  If i couldn't catch them on that, I went home.

Memorial Day would probably be in the time frame for Caddis hatches.  Also, for high lakes don't overlook the Chironomids or "midges".  A Griffith's Gnat would be a good pattern to have.

The Parachute Adams is one of my all time favorite dry flies.  I've tied them in sizes from 10 to 18 for all sorts of waters.

Your setup sounds fine.  For lakes, make sure you use a little longer leader with a 5x tippet.  I'll even go 6x or 7x depending on the conditions.

Good luck!

[wapiti hunter2]

There are 2 basic types of flies every beginner should have,
Imitation Patterns - Most dry fly patterns will try to imitate the fly based on shape, size, and color. These flies are usually mayfly, stonefly, and caddis fly patterns. Dark color flies are used in cooler weather (dark color absorbs more sunlight for heat) while lighter color flies are used in the heat. The most common imitation dry flies are:
Elk Hair Caddis
Parachute Adams
Stone Fly
May Fly
Grasshoppers
Ants

Attractor Patterns – Attractor patterns do not necessary try to imitate a specific insect. They are generic patterns that have similar size, shape, and colors of various insects. Attractor patterns can be very affective.
The most common attractor dry flies are:
Stimulator
Royal Wulffs
Royal Coachman

 

Take at least a dozen each of the Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams in sizes 14-16.  They are true killers.  Also I really like to carry some nymphs.  Particularly, pheasant tails,hare's ear and flash backs in the same sizes. 

With a heavy rod like that, keep your tippets as light as you can control.

[JKEEN33]

I personally think 6 is on the heavy side for any trout. I haul in a lot of silvers with my 6, but it will work. All the flies listed are good, but the more area you fish the more flies you are going to find you need. Seems like every area I fish has a favorite spring, summer, fall fly. I didn't see any leeches listed above. That is definitely a must have. Throw in a couple San Juan worms also. When you are hauling in the fish, just tell everyone it is a pink chironomid. 

[JLS]

I personally think 6 is on the heavy side for any trout. I haul in a lot of silvers with my 6, but it will work. All the flies listed are good, but the more area you fish the more flies you are going to find you need. Seems like every area I fish has a favorite spring, summer, fall fly. I didn't see any leeches listed above. That is definitely a must have. Throw in a couple San Juan worms also. When you are hauling in the fish, just tell everyone it is a pink chironomid. 

I agree a 6 is heavy.  I use anywhere from 3 to 5 wts, but if it's what he has?

Since you mentioned leeches, he should have at least a few black or olive Wooly Buggers.

[uplandhunter870]

wow, thanks everyone for the great info sounds like im going to be in need of a few more gear boxes

the 6wt is all i have right now, the rod and reel were one of my dads that he gave to me its an old garcia conolon, figure being a bit heavy isnt as bad as being light

thanks again everyone!
uplander

[Buckmark]

All really good  advise so far, also add some wooly buggers in your box, they are a must have..

[ribka]

As mentioned caddis, parachute adams, griffiths gnat, hares ear and I really like soft hackles when fishing mountain lakes

[JLS]

As mentioned caddis, parachute adams, griffiths gnat, hares ear and I really like soft hackles when fishing mountain lakes

A quickie I tie is a peacock herl body and a partridge soft hackle.  GREAT high mountain lake fly...

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

If you can find a small frog pattern it can be deadly on those mountain lakes also. 
Which brings to mind, I dont know if you are a "Trout Snob" or not, but a 6 weight can be fun for Bass fishing.

[uplandhunter870]

Thanks again everyone!

Which brings to mind, I dont know if you are a "Trout Snob" or not, but a 6 weight can be fun for Bass fishing.

I am by no means a snob of any sort if it has fins, gills and lives in freshwater odds are ive fished for it and caught it, besides sturgeon i do not own a dinosaur rod. i just limited this post to trout cause gear fishing can be complex enough...fly fishing oow boy, lets just say im taking one step at a time.