Suggested flies for Minnesota

Since every fly shop has an overwhelming assortment of flies, I thought I would list a basic selection that will serve beginners well. It's also a good start toward that one "Go-to" fly box that stays in the back of the car or the pickup - with a four-piece fly rod, hip boots and some tippet material, just in case. I will be second-guessed by every experienced fly angler, and they are all correct.

However, to be easy on your wallet, you can start with these.

Dry Flies

• #14, # 16, #18, #20 Adams Parachute
• #16, #18, #20, #22 Blue-winged Olive (Parachute)
• #14 Dark Hendrickson
• #16, #18 Sulfur or Light Hendrickson
• #18, #20 Griffith's Gnat
• #14, #16, #18, Tan Elk Hair Caddis
• #18 Black Elk Hair Caddis
• #14, #16, #18 Royal Wulff
• #20, #22, #24 Trico Spinners
  (if you really want to humble yourself)

Nymphs

• #14, #16, #18 Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear
• #14, #16, #18 Pheasant Tail
• #16, #18, #20 Black Pheasant Tail
• #12, #14, #16 Bead-Head Prince
• #12, #14, #16 Copper John
• #14, #16 Olive Scud
• #12, #14, #16 Pink Squirrel

Streamers

• #8, #10, #12 Mickey Finn
• #8, #10, #12 Pass Lake Streamer
• #6, #8, #10 Wooly Bugger
  (Olive/Black/Brown)

Terrestrials

• #16, #18 Black Foam Beetle
• #16, #18, #20 Black Ant
• #12 Black Cricket
• Hopper Patterns in #8, #10, #12
  (Dave's Hopper, Joe's Hopper,
  Henry's Fork Hopper, Clod Hopper,
  Foam Hoppers and others)