Six Great Lures For A First Time Fly Fisherman

Fly fishing is the same as casting a bobber with a worm on it as you’d do at the local lake but it can be a little overwhelming for beginners.

One of the first questions novice fishers ask is what kind of lures they should use. There’s no such thing as a perfect lure, but there are certainly some options that are better for beginners than others.

Whether you’re heading out to the waters for the first time or enjoying yet another relaxing trip, here are six great lures you can enjoy.

1. Pheasant Tail Nymph

The pheasant tail nymph is the quintessential mayfly lure. It’s slim in shape and comes in a dark brown color that mimics the larval stage of insects, which will attract a host of different fish. What makes this such a great lure for beginners is that it’s easy to tie at home or along the riverbank.

The pheasant tail nymph may not be a flashy lure, but it matches a wide variety of bait species. That means you can use it on almost any fishing trip.

2. Wooly Bugger

If you’re fishing for trout or other cold-water fish, your lure collection isn’t complete without the old favorite wooly bugger. You can purchase this lure in a host of sizes and colors. It can be tied with a couple of strands of tinsel or with a heavier metal cone head.

This lure stands out because of its unique pulsating action that attracts all kinds of different fish.

3. Parachute Adams

One of the most versatile and easy-to-use lures around today is the parachute adams. It has a bright white post and dark body that makes it easy to spot in both the bright sun and darkening dusk. It has the right weight to make it rise quickly.

This lure is especially popular when you’re not sure what’s working or what the fish prefer that day. Because it can imitate small mayflies and larger Caddisflies, it makes a great option for first-time fishermen. Even veterans love how this lure helps in new areas or changing conditions.

4. Bead Head Hare’s Ear Nymph

Beginner fishermen love lures that can imitate a large variety of insects. That means you don’t have to have as much experience in a particular location or fish species to get a few bites on the line. It’s made out of dyed hair and synthetic fibers, which allows it to replicate anything you desire.

This lure is most often best on calmer waters but isn’t completely useless when things are a little rougher.

5. Eggs

Some fisherman might argue that using egg patterns don’t offer the versatility beginners need. Nothing could be further from the truth during steelhead spawning season or when you’re hoping to grab a couple of trout or salmon.

Egg lures are amazing because they fit right in with the various other loose eggs in the water. Fish are naturally attracted to eat eggs because this food offers tons of protein and other necessary nutrients. Eggs floating in the water don’t resist being eaten, so fish won’t think twice about taking a bite.

Egg lures are easily tied with simple yarn or impaling beads. Just sit back and rake in the trophies with some of these in your tackle box.

6. Prince Nymph

Prince nymphs are great for any level of fisherman, not just beginners. Some see this lure as a relic into the past, but it’s one of the more effective options out there. It has a classic trout pattern that perfectly imitates stoneflies and mayflies.

When something this simple works this well, why replace it with something more flashy. As any experienced fly fisherman will tell you, stick with what works. The prince nymph definitely fits the bill.