The Simple Soft Hackle covers a multitude of aquatic insects. In smaller sizes, it’s a great midge and baetis imitation, while larger sizes can pass as a caddis or smaller stonefly. This fly’s magic is derived from it being rather absent of any flashy materials. It’s simple, as the name suggests, with a generous amount of brushed dubbing to create a buggy appearance paired with some standard feathers. 

As you’ve come to expect, this fly is paired with a tungsten bead. Our preference is to fish this pattern in smaller sizes at tailwaters and larger sizes in freestones. Think of this pattern as one of those kitchen sink flies—it pretty much covers all the bug life and is a pattern that’s always stocked in our box.

Our favorite ways to fish it: 

• As the top fly in a dry-dropper setup

• As the top nymph with a smaller weighted or unweighted natural imitation below, or as the bottom nymph below a larger weighted nymph like a stonefly.

Type of Water: Rivers, Creeks, Stillwater, High Alpine Lakes 

Imitates: Mayfly, Midge, Chironomid, Caddis, Stonefly

Target Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout 

Insect Life Stage: Emerger

Pair it with:  Chimera, Purple Reign, Soft Hackle Purple Reign, Funky P, Crackleback Midge, Opal Annelid, Little Leech—Weighted