Flies we fish
every day

Tried and tested

Over the years, we’ve developed fly patterns through trial and error. These flies are reliable, so they’ll always have a place in our fly boxes. Some, like the Emulator, work for many species all year. Others fill a niche, like the Grapefruit Leech in winter, fished on a heavy sink tip and an intermediate belly.

The best source for flies is always your local fly shop, and we also sell selections of premium, locally tied flies at SwingaBigFly.com.

Featured pattern: the Inside Bender

A true guide pattern, quick and dirty, and one of Kevin’s favorite winter flies. It’s usually swung, but it also works bounced along the bottom and swung out at the end of the drift.

• Hook: small shank
• Eyes: lead eyes
• Loop: 20–50 lb Power Pro
• Tail: brown or olive grizzly hen hackle
• Flash: cranberry holographic flashabou
• Head: peacock eye Ice Dub