i picked up a flyrod setup and would like to know the basic summer run flies.

whats the 10 flies i should have, and what size hooks?

thanks.

Hi Drifter,
I think if you go to your local fly shot they should be able to set you up. Lots of patterns work, getting your swinging or skating fly in front of the fish will matter more than what particular pattern. John Shewy (a famous fly tier) says in his book "Steelhead Flies" says: "fly color seems more attuned to the whims of fashion than to any particular preference of the fish...I've yet to find a color that fish deem inappropriate"

Bottom line, pattern/color dont much matter. How the fly fishes and your confidence in the fly does matter. So pick ones that you believe in and fish them like you believe in them. If you are looking for some pattern to have confidence in, John S says he catches 80% of his summer fish on a Shewey's Spawning Purple and a Purple Matuka...he also says these are the two flies he fishes 80% of the time LOL...

Sizes 2 through 8 are a good bet. I like the larger ones but that's just a personal preference.

Good luck on the water!

Kk forgot to add he likes to fish in a camo bikini. It really helps turn the fish on or so he thinks.

You never have been able to pass up a GIFL, even one that spawned me...there's no accounting for taste, and with you I use that word loosely! Say hey to ma.

Summerruns=big feeding trout=trout flies...

For the early summer while the water is up with spring runoff, add a #2 black marabou streamer to your fly box. Use it until the water drops to its summer low, then use a #6 Spade. Add a Muddler Minnow and stone fly nymph for difficult fish. And a Grease Liner or other waking fly for late summer and fall if you want to take them on the surface.

Sg

Just to second Salmo g's choice of the Spade as one of the outstanding low-water summer run flies. I usually tie mine with a dubbed black body and a couple of turns of brightly-colored dubbing for a butt. Fluorescent green and kingfisher blue have been particularly effective.

I've been fly fishing for a few years, but am still new to steelheading on a fly. Sometimes I would get confused as to when to use certain flies. Here's a link that I've found helpful in helping me decide how to use an assortment of flies in different conditions.

http://www.flyfishsteelhead.com/stories/flies.htm

Good Luck,

Devin