Every angler has their trusted flies—the ones we instinctively turn to because they’ve earned our confidence on the water. But here’s the truth: my confidence flies are better than yours—for me. And yours are better than mine—for you. That’s because confidence flies aren’t just about the patterns themselves; they’re about the unique process we go through to trust them. They’re shaped by our individual experiences, successes, and even failures. What one angler swears by, another might dismiss entirely—and that’s what makes confidence flies so deeply personal.
What elevates certain flies to the status of “confidence flies”? It’s not about adhering to rules or discovering the perfect formula. The stories, memories, and successes connected to those patterns build our trust over time. In this post, I’ve created a few categories to share how I approach my confidence flies—not as a universal guide, but as a way to reflect on why these patterns hold such personal significance.
As you read, I hope you reflect on your journey. Do your confidence flies fit into similar categories, or do you see them differently? (Let me know in the comments).
The beauty of this idea is that it’s deeply personal. Your confidence flies reflect your experiences as an angler. That makes them the best flies—for you.
The Categories
Category 1: The Old Reliables
The “Old Reliables” are the workhorses of my fly box—patterns I know will work no matter where I’m fishing. These aren’t the flashy, trendy flies that make waves on social media, nor are they designed to imitate one specific insect. Instead, they’re timeless, representational patterns that cover a wide range of aquatic insects. What makes them special is their consistency—they’ve proven themselves over decades, not just in my experience, but for countless anglers worldwide.
The “Old Reliable” Walt’s Worm
For me, the quintessential old reliable is a simple Walt’s Worm. When I tie one on, I have confidence that I’m showing trout something they’ll eat. (Or at least not be afraid of.)
A Walt’s Worm won’t always be the perfect fit for the conditions, but I trust it will eventually deliver results. Walt’s Worms and other “Old Reliables” are the flies I often reach for first when I’m on unfamiliar water. They help me gather information—where the fish are holding, the depth they’re feeding, and how actively they’re eating. I might not fish a Walt’s Worm all day, but I’ll keep it on long enough to get a sense of the river.
While flies in this category don’t always have a memorable story, they earn their place by consistently catching fish. They’re staples in my box, patterns I rely on year-round. The Walt’s Worm is a perfect example. I don’t have a standout moment tied to it, but its reliability has earned my trust through countless days on the water.
Stand the Test of Time
Other examples of “Old Reliables”*- include classics like the Hare’s Ear and the Pheasant Tail. These patterns aren’t tied for one specific scenario but are incredibly effective across a variety of conditions. They’ve stood the test of time and inspired countless variations, each offering its own subtle twist on a proven design. While they might not be the flashiest flies in my box, I trust them completely—and that’s what makes them confidence flies.
Category 2: Flies With a Story to Tell
Some confidence flies come with a rich history—a story that binds an angler to the pattern in a deeply personal way. This connection became especially meaningful when my uncle, my fly-fishing mentor, gave me his entire collection of flies. When he could no longer fish, he handed over his fly boxes, each packed with the patterns that had defined his years on the water.
The “World Famous”
This wasn’t just about passing along tackle; it was much deeper. As he handed me each box, he walked me through the stories behind specific patterns—why they worked, where he had fished them, and the memories tied to each fly. There was one fly he called his “World Famous,” a bi-visible pattern he tied in his unique way, with a signature flair I could never replicate. To him, this fly was the ultimate confidence pattern.
While my uncle’s “World Famous” fly was steeped in history and significance for him, it didn’t immediately become a confidence fly for me. I didn’t have his decades of experience with it, nor the memories of success tied to it. Confidence flies aren’t something you inherit; they’re something you develop through your own time on the water. Once I experienced success with the “World Famous,” I shared my Uncle’s confidence.
My History with the Thread Frenchie
One fly that holds a special place for me is the Thread Frenchie. It’s such a simple pattern and was the first nymph I mastered at the vise. It was also the first fly I remember catching fish when learning tightline nymphing. Over the years, it has been the key to some unforgettable fishing days. On one memorable day, I landed over 30 wild browns on the same Thread Frenchie. By the end of that day, its pink ice-dubbed collar was worn away, but otherwise, the fly withstood the punishment. Experiences like that solidify a fly’s place in your mind. While there have certainly been days when the Thread Frenchie didn’t perform as well, I still have complete confidence in its potential. Given its history, it remains a constant in my rotation.
Other examples I place in this category are the Rainbow Warrior, Higa’s SOS, and most recently, Roza’s Pink Pheasant Tail. I can specifically recall days in which fish were keyed in on these patterns. The connection to a confidence fly, whether it’s one you inherited or discovered yourself, is deeply personal—it’s built on stories, successes, and the relationship you develop with it over time.
Category 3: I Just Know How to Fish ‘Em
For some flies, confidence comes from my ability to fish them effectively. These patterns reward time spent learning their quirks and mastering the techniques that make them effective. This category may even contain styles of flies over a specific pattern.
Elk Hair Caddis
The Elk Hair Caddis is my favorite example. It’s my go-to dry fly for dry-dropper setups, and I’ve developed techniques with it that consistently trigger strikes. One of my favorite moves is to pull the Elk Hair Caddis under the surface and let it pop back up, mimicking an emerging caddis. This subtle bit of animation often entices trout to strike, and that familiarity gives me absolute trust in the fly.
Black Jig Streamer
Another pattern that fits this category for me is the Black Jig Streamer. While some anglers might place it in the “old reliable” category, my confidence comes from knowing how to fish it effectively. I start by casting it upstream and letting it dead drift naturally through the current. Once the fly begins sinking, I add a slight jigging motion to give it some life. More gullible stocked trout will hit it on the swing as it lifts across the current. It’s a simple streamer pattern that produces when you focus on depth, speed, and movement. Fish it with purpose, and it becomes highly effective. My experience with this presentation has taught me to trust the Black Jig Streamer as a go-to.
Build Your Own Relationship
I’ve seen this same connection between skill and confidence with my uncle. So many of the flies he relied on fell into this category—not because they were universally effective patterns, but because he just knew how to fish them. He had developed such a deep understanding of how to present each fly that it seemed like he could make anything work. That kind of knowledge, though, is hard to pass on. He couldn’t simply hand me his flies and expect them to work for me the way they had for him. What he passed on instead was the lesson that time on the water and hands-on experience are what truly make a fly a confidence pattern.
Experiment and Refine
This is why giving yourself the freedom to experiment, refine, and learn is so important. Confidence in a fly doesn’t come overnight—it comes through fishing it, seeing what works, and building a relationship with the pattern. Over time, as you discover how to make a fly effective in different situations, it starts to earn its place in your box. Whether it’s a dry fly, a streamer, or a nymph, the confidence isn’t just in the pattern—it’s in your ability to bring it to life. That connection you can only develop through time on the water is one of the most rewarding parts of fly fishing.
Category 4: Seasonal Confidence Flies
Some confidence flies are tied for specific seasons or conditions. These aren’t necessarily hatch-specific flies but patterns that inspire confidence because they match the seasonal behavior of trout or excel in the unique challenges of certain times of the year.
Eggstacy Eggs
For me, the Eggstasy Egg is a prime example. While it can be effective year-round, it becomes a seasonal favorite in late fall and early winter when trout are keying in on eggs. During this time, I trust it not just because trout eat eggs but because of its tactical properties. The Eggstasy Egg hugs the bottom of the river, where trout are likely holding during colder months. Its simplicity, durability, and ability to get into the strike zone make it an essential part of my winter rotation. There are days in late fall when I don’t tie on anything else.
Olive Soft Hackle
Another seasonal favorite for me is the Olive Soft Hackle. While I don’t fish it much in the colder months, it becomes a go-to in the spring. I trust it during caddis hatches, but not because it’s an exact imitation of a single insect. Instead, it’s because the fly’s movement and ability to stay suspended in the water column perfectly match what trout are looking for during this time of year. When trout are feeding higher in the column or chasing emerging insects, the Olive Soft Hackle shines.
Seasonal Challenges
Seasonal confidence flies extend beyond just a few key patterns. I think of my flies in terms of summer flies, winter flies, and everything in between. Each season brings its own challenges—water temperature, trout behavior, available food sources—and certain flies naturally rise to the top because they perform so well in those conditions. For instance, in the summer, I might lean on terrestrial patterns like beetles and hoppers, not only because they mimic abundant food sources but also because their buoyancy makes them perfect for dry-dropper setups when fishing shallow riffles or pocket water.
These seasonal flies gain my trust not just because they work, but because they match the moment of the season. They help me adapt to trout behavior as the year progresses, whether hugging the bottom with an Eggstasy Egg in the winter or swinging a soft hackle just under the surface in late spring. While some of these patterns fade from my rotation as the seasons change, they remain critical tools during peak times. Adjusting my fly selection by season keeps fly fishing dynamic and exciting—and it’s a big part of how I continue to build confidence in the patterns I fish.
Category 5: Wannabe Confidence Flies
Every angler has those flies that feel like they’re on the cusp of greatness—the “wannabe confidence flies.” And I don’t mean “wannabe” in a negative way. These are patterns that have all the right qualities: great design, proven effectiveness, and even a solid reputation among other anglers. I truly want to trust them, and I genuinely believe they’re worthy of becoming confidence flies. They just haven’t had that defining moment for me yet.
These are the flies I carry in my box, even if they’re not always my first choice. They’re the ones I turn to when my trusted patterns aren’t working or when I want to experiment. I know they have potential, and I keep fishing them because I want them to succeed. But for whatever reason—whether it’s timing, conditions, or just bad luck—we haven’t quite “clicked” yet.
Roza’s Dark Neon (Tag Files)
Like Devin Olsen’s blowtorch, Roza’s Dark Neon is a tag fly. It’s a pattern I’ve tied often and carry with me on almost every trip. It’s a proven fish-catcher for many anglers, and I have occasionally caught fish with it. But I haven’t yet had the kind of standout experience that would elevate it to the same level as my Thread Frenchie or Walt’s Worm. I know the Dark Neon and other tag flies catch fish, and I believe in their design. But, I am waiting for the right circumstances to have a breakout moment with them to earn a permanent spot in my confidence fly rotation.
Lance Egan’s Iron Lotus
Another example is the Iron Lotus, a beautifully crafted nymph with a versatile color palette and a strong track record among other anglers. It’s everything I want in a fly, but I haven’t quite found my rhythm with it. It’s not that the fly doesn’t work—I know it does. I just haven’t yet figured out the nuances of how to fish it in a way that builds my confidence.
Unlocked Potential
That’s what makes these “wannabe confidence flies” so interesting. They stay in my box, waiting for their moment. Each time I tie one on, I get closer to unlocking its full potential. It’s a process of learning—figuring out how to present them, when to fish them, and how to trust them.
For some anglers, these flies might quickly become go-to patterns. For others, like me, it takes a little more time and patience. But the potential is always there, and that’s what keeps me coming back. With each cast, I’m one step closer to the kind of experience that turns these wannabes into confidence flies—patterns I reach for without hesitation because I’ve built that trust through time on the water.
My Confidence Flies (Not Yours)
Before diving into the rundown of my current confidence flies, let me remind you—this isn’t a universal list. It’s my list, shaped by my experiences and subject to change at any moment. One great day on the water or a discovery could easily alter it. I know some anglers simply want a list of flies to use, but I encourage you to let the process unfold naturally. Maybe some of the patterns I mention will make it into your “wannabe” category, but it’s your time on the water, your successes, and even your failures that will determine which flies earn the title of confidence fly. Trust the process—it’s what makes the journey so rewarding.
Old Reliables
| Fly | Description |
|---|---|
| Walt’s Worm | Simple yet effective, works year-round with natural dubbing. Ideal for unfamiliar waters or when learning fish behavior. |
| Hare’s Ear | A classic, buggy fly that imitates a variety of insects. Durable and versatile, it’s a reliable choice when unsure what fish are feeding on—mayflies to caddis. |
| Pheasant Tail | Versatile imitation of aquatic insects, especially mayflies. Slim profile and natural color inspire confidence in all conditions, effective solo or in a rig. |
Flies with a Story to Tell
| Fly | Description |
|---|---|
| Thread Frenchie | Trusted for wild trout, with a slim profile, peacock herl, and bright thread collar. Consistent success in fast water and deep pools, perfect for both stocked and wild fish. |
| Rainbow Warrior | Bright colors, flashy ribbing, and tungsten bead make it stand out in murky or fast flows. Excels in clear water, triggering strikes when other patterns fail. |
| Flash Perdigon | Slim, weighted body for quick sinking and natural drift. A staple for targeting fish in deeper currents, effective in technical and standard nymphing rigs. |
| Higa’s S.O.S. | A versatile fly with a slim, dark profile and subtle flash that imitates emerging midges or mayflies. Perfect for pressured fish and low-clear water conditions where subtlety is key. |
| Roza’s Pink Pheasant Tail | A modern twist on the classic pheasant tail, this fly combines natural tones with a touch of pink for added attraction. Proven to produce, it’s a confidence fly for me during both tough and productive conditions. |
I Just Know How to Fish ‘Em
| Fly | Description |
|---|---|
| Elk Hair Caddis | Go-to dry fly for dry-dropper rigs and caddis hatches. Buoyant elk hair wing and natural profile work well in calm or turbulent water. Pairs beautifully with a nymph dropper. |
| Wooly Buggers & Jig Streamers | Deadly when fished with proper streamer tactics. Designed to sink quickly and stay close to the bottom, their enticing swimming action provokes strikes even in tough conditions. |
Seasonal Confidence Flies
| Fly | Description |
|---|---|
| Eggstasy Egg | Go-to in late fall and early winter during spawning seasons. Bright color imitates eggs and attracts hungry trout. Reliable alone or in a nymph rig when fish focus on eggs in colder months. |
| Olive Soft Hackle | Perfect for spring hatches and emergers. Mimics natural insect movement with subtle flash. Excels during mayfly and caddis hatches, with soft hackle adding lifelike motion to attract fish. |
Wannabe Confidence Flies
| Fly | Description |
|---|---|
| Roza’s Dark Neon | Euro-nymphing favorite with vivid color, flashy rib, and tungsten bead. Still waiting for its breakout moment as I experiment with presentations. Close to earning its place as a confidence pattern. |
| Iron Lotus | Modern, sleek nymph with a streamlined design and subtle flash. Though not yet a staple, its durability and versatility give it strong potential once I find the right rhythm for it. |
Developing Your Own Confidence Flies
Confidence flies are deeply personal. What works for one angler might not work for another. These categories are fluid, and flies can shift between them over time as your experiences evolve. An old reliable might fall out of favor, while a fly with potential might rise to prominence after a standout day on the water.
The key is to keep experimenting and learning. Pay attention to the flies you trust and why. Tie them, fish them, and build your own history with them. Confidence on the water often starts with the flies in your box.
What are your confidence flies? Share your thoughts in the comments or explore more tying tutorials and tips on Troutstrike.com.
Spend more time on the water!
Have a great day!
Jeff Smecker
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