10 Best Dry Flies For Trout: Must-Have Trout Flies, Hatch Picks, And Sizes Guide

You’re trying to figure out which dry flies actually work for trout, but the 100+ options in a fly shop can be too much. But don’t worry, you only need the 10 best patterns that cover mayfly hatches, terrestrial activity, and midge appearances all season long.

To provide you with the best choices, we’ve tested these flies on small spring creeks and big western rivers. We'll share with you how well they work, including our seasonal tricks you can use, so you’ll get more bites on every cast.

Let's get right into it.

Stocking your fly box with the best dry flies makes it easier to catch even the pickiest trout. Here's a closer look at the 12 patterns we recommend the most:

As you try any of those fly types, watch closely what the fish are eating that day. At times, what works in the morning might not work in the afternoon. There are even days when a little midge fly catches more trout than your large hopper, so don't be scared to change things up.

Let’s go through how you can do it.

From July to September, fish like to eat near the banks instead of midstream. Use these top 3 terrestrial flies because they closely mimic grasshoppers, ants, and beetles:

Ants are everywhere in summer. And when they fall in the water, trout sip them down without thinking twice. The Black Foam Ant sits right on the water’s surface, just like a real ant, which makes it deadly on clear and spring creeks where trout spook the most.

Here’s what we love the most about using this fly:

• Fish it in sizes 12-18, depending on the water and current.
• Make soft, gentle casts on calm pools (trout refuse a hard splash).
• Let it drift naturally along banks or through grassy edges.

Once it's in the water, let it float or “dead drift” for 3-5 minutes. Trout take it confidently because it looks exactly like what they've been eating all afternoon.

Now let's talk about the most fun terrestrial pattern to fish. Dave's Hopper imitates grasshoppers on windy summer days. Unlike other insects, trout see hoppers as an easy meal. They'll go a long way to eat one, even coming up from deep holes you didn't know were there.

So when mid-July through September comes, it’s your hint to use this pattern since there are many grasshoppers along riverbanks. Sounds easy? Well, there’s a catch.

Instead of casting it gently, slap it down on the water near the bank. That awkward “splat” imitates a real hopper falling in. Trout usually expect that splat and react quickly to it.

Mayflies are the most reliable insects to imitate for dry fly fishing. These aquatic insects hatch throughout spring and summer, and when they do, trout feed aggressively on the surface.

Why is that so? Let’s find out about these mayfly patterns.

Pale Morning Duns are light yellow to tan mayflies that hatch from late spring through summer, usually in the morning or early afternoon. You can use it often on western tailwaters and freestone rivers because they bring up trout that can be downright picky.

But here’s the challenge: PMDs are tough to match the exact size and color. To get it right, use sizes 16-18, with a pale yellow or cream body and light dun wings.

Additional Tip: Use a 6X tippet with long nylon tapered leaders (10-12feet) to avoid spooking fish. It’s invisible on water, which works best when trout are picky about your fly color and size.

The Royal Wulff doesn't imitate anything specific, and that's exactly why it works. This attractor pattern has a peacock herl body, white wings, and a red floss band.

Why does this fly catch fish? Here’s why:

• Its high-floating design and bushy hackle work in choppy riffles.
• Triggers aggressive strikes from trout that ignore realistic patterns.
• Works in sizes 12-16 when exploring new water.

Like many other patterns, cast it with a fly fishing rod into trout-holding spots, such as behind boulders or in turbulent pockets. Trout go for it because it rides naturally with the current, thinking it’s an insect struggling on the surface.

Some midges include the Zebra Midge, Mop Fly, and Copper John. Since fly fishing in cold weather is tougher than in other seasons, we decided to tighten our options here. You can instead go through our full review of the other winter flies we use most.

Now, let’s go to our best pick winter fly: the Griffith's Gnat.

Love it or hate it, the Griffith's Gnat is our best pick because it imitates a cluster of midges stuck together on the water. Trout can’t resist them when solo midges are too tiny to bother with. With peacock herl body and grizzly hackle, trout can easily think it’s an insect buffet.

We usually fish sizes 18-24 in slower pools and tailouts. Just be sure to pair it with a long leader (12 ft.) and a 6X or 7X tippet, so you don’t spook fish in clear winter water. But when surface action slows, switch to using these nymphs to fish deeper water.

Got questions? Read our A+ guide on fly fishing with dry flies to learn more!

You’ve learned the patterns; now it’s time to see results.

True skill comes from casting, so pick 3-5 from these collections of premium dry flies to start with, get on the water, and observe how trout react to them.

Our complete beginner's guide to fly fishing will make sure you have everything you need to catch more trout. Don’t forget to bring your fly fishing gear and select the right fly that matches your local waters and seasonal hatches.