Throwing a dry-dropper rig, be it on a modern nymphing leader or tossed on a floater, is by far my #1 most used and favorite method of fishing! This style of fishing can be as technical or as simple as you want it to be.
Focusing on the simple side of dry-dropping, this assortment is built around a varied selection of high vis dry flies, all tied with increased buoyancy in mind. In general color schemes and sizes, these patterns suit a wide range of insects from mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials.
For the 'nymph' portion I stuck to basic patterns which, like the aforementioned dry flies, mimic a wide range of insects (and baitfish/ crayfish).
Notes:
- The over all nymph sizes are kept small. My experience has shown that other than prolific activity, small flies work regardless of whether the [currently available] insects, as there are nearly always small bugs and/ or crustaceans and/ or baitfish present. These smaller patterns also excel when waters become pressured.
- Regarding the Cdc Leech, this is probably my favorite dropper fly! Small streamers are incredibly undervalued despite being some of the best all purpose flies mimicking everything mayflies, stoneflies, crayfish, and small baitfish. Veering away from the traditional dead drift approach, this pattern makes the most of an active presentation. Small strips, swinging the flies, or bouncing the rig, provides both a suspended streamer in all the traditional retrieves as well as offering the dry in a multitude of presentations. The takes on these retrieves can be absolutely explosive!
Dry-Dropper: 32 Flies
- 20/20 Caddis(#12), Bloodshot Hopper(#10), Tabanas(#14)
- Grey Squirrel High Vis F-fly(#16), Klinkhammer(#12)Parachute(#18)
- Pink Bead Hare and Partridge(#18/2.5mm), Hare and Partridge(#18/2.5mm), UV Walts Worm(#18/3mm), Brown Walts Worm(#18/2.5mm), Cdc Jig Leech(UV Olive & UV Black)(#12/3.5mm)
- Hot Tag France Fly(#16/3mm), Simple Pheasant Tail(#18/2.5mm), Light Olive France Fly(#18/2.5mm), Jig Cdc Zebra Nymph Black(#18/2.5mm), Jig Cdc Zebra Nymph Watery Olive(#18/2.5mm)