I've always followed the 'size, shape, color' mantra as a guide for tying flies in decreasing importance. Does color matter? To me, yes, but less so than size and shape. To the fish? who knows for sure but nature wouldn't have such an array of insect colors if it didn't. I don't throw an orange Stimulator if golden stones are out but I do when the October caddis hatch is on. This past week I couldn't buy a fish if it wasn't tied in cinnamon caddis. Go figure.

Do I account for color change when the fly is wet? Not usually, but it is an interesting question.