Flies in the Box

DOUBLE WING (×3/×6)
A legendary attractor fly from the mind of legendary fisherman, Gary Lafontaine. The Double Wing was developed on the idea that by matching the ambient light quality, you can increase a fly’s visibility to the trout. Cloudy day? Go with the grey/blue variant. Bright day? Yellow is an excellent match. Colors: Bright Day, Dark Day, and Night variants.

Note from Brian: I tested this over the wary fish of the Delaware river last year and man did it prove just how powerful this concept could be!

MOLE FLY (×3/×6)
Those that know Brian know this fly. A brainchild of Charlie Craven, the Mole is a do-it-all mayfly emerger pattern. (Yes, it works for caddis as well!) Grease the wing, trail it behind a larger, more visible fly and you’ll soon agree! The smaller olives of spring and the larger hatches are covered with one size and color of the same fly. THIS IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND. Color: Brown

HE HYDROPSYCHE (×2/×4)
Tan caddis are prolific along the Housy. This fly is by far one of the most productive flies Brian’s fished: pattern has a great silhouette and color hits the nail right on the head! Dredge it deep through a pool or hang it off of a dry in faster riffles. It will serve you well. Color: Tan

BLOWTORCH JIG NYMPH (×2/×4)
A confidence fly for the many, the blowtorch employs flash and movement in a heavy little package. Rarely is this fly not part of Brian’s Czech Nymphing rig. Great as a single nymph or a point fly in a czech nymph rig, this fly will certainly become one of your next confidence flies. Color: Peacock

SHEPPARD’S MINI LEECH (×2/×4)
Brian’s first streamer-caught trout was on the Housy. “I prefer to swing this fly unweighted through shallow riffles or add weight to the line and get it flush to the bottom where sculpin can be found,” Brian suggests. This streamer’s got excellent movement, a little touch of bling, and a trailer hook enhancing your ability to hold on to that hungry trout. Fish them in summer too and watch the smallmouth go nuts! Color: Olive/Tan

Brian’s Advice

Spring ushers in challenging conditions. The angler is often presented with cold, muddy flows that look like chocolate milk. On days with these high flows, target the softer areas. Fish close to shore in those cushions and seams created by the faster deluges. I love to hang a Mole Fly 10-12 inches behind a larger attractor fly and fish in close seams. Also be sure to try swinging a dark streamer ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK. Hell! Swing two! Higher flows dislodge caddis giving you a great excuse to fish a Hydropysche behind a large, flashy Blowtorch. Most of all? Be safe.