The majority of the fish's diet is composed of the various types of fly fishing insects. Some of the most common species that can be found in the U.S. streams and lakes are the mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and the midges.

FLY FISHING INSECT HATCHES & MATCHES

When it comes to identifying the various types of fly fishing insects that are commonly used in the sport, it is very important that you can quickly distinguish them from one another. Due to the short time that most fly fishing insects have to develop, it is usually not feasible to try several patterns in a row.

Before you can start fishing for fish, it's important that you know how to choose the right fly for the right bite. This will allow you to catch the fish that are feeding on the right insects.

A good guide to the various kinds of fly fishing insects will also provide you with information about the locations where these insects can be found. This will help you get a better idea of when and how these insects hatch.

MAYFLIES

    Mayfly nymph                                                 Killer Mayfly Nymph

One of the most important types of trout-stream insects is the mayfly. All of them have large and upright wings, and most have small hind wings. These insects look similar to sailboats that are floating in the current. They are the only ones with these wings that have a life cycle that consists of egg, spinner, dun, and nymph.

CADDISFLIES

    Caddisfly larva                                          JC’s Electric Caddis

Another important type of fly fishing insect is the caddis fly. In some areas, they are more abundant than mayflies. These insects have large and upright wings and are usually carried in an inverted V or tent. They are usually small to medium-sized and have no tails. There are over a thousand known species of this fly fishing insect on the continent.

MIDGES

    Midge emerging from pupa                               CDC yellow midge emerger

A type of fly fishing insect known as the midges have only two short wings. These are located flat on the body, and they have no tail. They are usually small to medium-sized and are usually found in an inverted V. During the life cycle of the creature, it develops an egg, a pupa, and an adult. After the pupa leaves the nest, it drifts to the surface, where it will continue to fly away.

A stillborn artificial or pupa is usually an effective choice during the hatch. A hackled adult can be used later on.

STONEFLIES

  Adult Golden Stonefly                              Kaufmann’s Stimulator Golden Stone

Although this order is usually not important in slow waters, stoneflies are known to provide the biggest flies in some streams, such as the Big Hole in Montana and the Madison in Oregon. These insects can vary in size and are typically held flat on the back when they're not flying. In addition to having long wings, adult stoneflies also have shiny, veined, and hard bodies.

OTHER FOOD ITEMS

Besides the four major orders, freshwater gamefish also feed on other food items. These other orders are important when they're abundant, and you should pack a few flies that represent imitations of these kinds, such as the leafhoppers, true bugs, Dobsonflies, damselflies, and grasshoppers. Some other notable imitations of terrestrial and semi-aquatic forms include the fish flies, Dobsonflies, true bugs, and aquatic wasps.

Article refer:
1.Choosing the Best Fly Fishing Flies
2.Fly Fishing with Ant Patterns (Setup, Flies and More)
3.Complete Guide to Fly Fishing with the Elk Hair Caddis
4.Complete Guide to Fly Fishing with the Beaded Caddis Nymph
5.Fly Fish for Bass with Poppers
6.Complete Guide to Fly Fishing with the Zebra Midge (Simple to Tie)
7.Complete Guide to Fishing and Tying the Griffith's Gnat
8.15 Best Flies for Cutthroat Trout (These Flies Work!)
9.Aquatic Fly Fishing Insects
10.Fly Fishing Starter Flies