Our selection of flies really is a reflection of the type of fishing we do here in western Montana.

A majority of our fishing is done with a dry fly. Wapiti Waters has created some very effective patterns that match the specific species of mayflies, caddis, stoneflies and certain terrestrials.

These flies must pass three criteria: visibility, floatability, and fishability.

Innovation is the key to successful fly tying. We were some of the first tiers in the west to use antron and/or colored wool yarn for trico wings to really enhance the visibility of these tiny insects. This has become standard wing material for mayfly and parachute dries. When there are multiple hatches on our rivers the patterns that Wapiti Waters has created, like the buoyant parachute caddis, have proven to be a very effective for the most educated trout. Wapiti Waters has patterns that have evolved from our local hatches and help our fishermen enjoy their day on the water, at no extra charge I might add.

Fly selection is where the “rubber meets the road.” Good guides have good flies, in addition, there are many decent shop flies that will imitate one of the many species of grasshoppers, an extra large stonefly and a variety of nymphs and streamers.