Help me fill my flybox

[Stubble&Sage]

I'm a novice flyfisherman. I have enjoyed the sport for many years, but haven't gotten in too deep yet. I plan to fish some willamette valley and central oregon stillwater this spring. I have been reading up on techniques, hatches and fly selection. But I still have a hard time figuring out which flies to pick out when I make into the store. Can some of you suggest a short list of go-to flies that can be found on the shelf in the Portland area?

Thanks in advance.

S&S

[Steeliefly]

Suggest that you head over to River City Fly Shop and talk to Don. He knows his stuff and has everything you'll need. Best fly shop in the entire area.

[Newbs]

Don is good man. He knows what he is talking about, loves the sport and will not sell you what you don't need. Plus they have a great selection. Not the cheapest place in town but absolutley one of the best.

[Switch]

Cant go wrong with prince nymphs in sizes 12-16 both bead head and non are killers on all willamette valley streams. Id also say the San Juan worm is a great often overlooked pattern. With a few parachute adams and elk hair caddis all you need to get started for dries. If you dont know how to set up a nymph rig go to a flyshop and dont leave till you do. That will be yoru day in day out producer. One guided day can shorten teh learning curve by years too. Find a friend and split the cost if you can.

[Stubble&Sage]

Thanks your each of your suggestions - especially the PM's. Great forum!

S&S

[rockthief]

soft hackles sizes 10, 12, 14
wooly buggers in olive and also black in sizes 8, 10, 12
chronomids sizes 12-20
stonefly in sizes 8 & 10 will do

have fun

[Moe]

If you're fishing Crane Prairie don't overlook the dragon fly nymphs. Most people talk about Helgramites but they're dragon fly nymphs. A poor man's pattern would be a size 6 Hare's Ear Nymph.

Prince, Bird's Nest, Hare's Ear, Zug Bug nymphs all catch fish.

For dries the Callibaetis is common on both sides of the mountains. Size 16 on the west side and 14 on the east side. Oregon Callibaetis flies are a but darker than California and Washington so I tie my own but you can still catch them on an Adams. I use a died dun turkey flat for the wing and tie them parachute style.

Black or Olive Woolly Bugger works everywhere it's tried. It's shameful, I know, but when I get lazy, which these days is quite often, it's all I use and I catch lots of fish. Don't overlook the smaller soft hackles. They can save the day.

[Catch 22]

Great advice already and some of this was previously mentioned.
IMHO, any trout fly box should have an assortment of:

Beadhead Prince Nymphs
Copper Johns
Hare's Ears
X Caddis
Flashbacks


These are must haves! After these have found a home in you're box, try some flies that local shops and anglers suggest. Learn about local hatches and their times. Very soon you will have an arsenal!!

Remember that this advice is worth what you paid for it and there is no warranty suggested or implied! Good luck!