Talking about dries

[Poke 'Em]

I fish 10s to 18s typically, with 14 and 16 being the most common, and 12s right behind.

[billhouk]

12 and 14 In most cases. Getting where I can't see the smaller ones...

[scuba steve]

rocket,
I usually fish dries when the trout are rising to them. that given it depens on the time of year. early season I will use size 18 blue winged olives, size 18 grey caddis, and size 14 quill gordons. when the hendricksons are hatching i will use 12-14 hendricksons and red quills. later on I will use sz 14 pale evning duns, 12-14 ligth cahills, size 16-20 sulphurs with size 14-18 caddis thrown in for good measure. in the summer smaller summer goddesses sz 18-22 yellow quills and 22 nedhemi and tricos in the fall mostly 18-22 blues winded olives. the fly type and size will change as the hatches do. now you can catch fish on one or two patterns as has been proven by some but if you give them a close match to what is on the water you will get far more takers. if they ain't risen I am fishing west and nymphs.

Steve

[Rocketfish]

Thank you guys. Very interesting answers!
RF

[ScottP]

For caddis, anywhere from #12-18, mostly 16s, and a few big Octobers (#8-10); mayflies #10-24; stoneflies (including some of those big foam monsters) #4-16.

Regards,
Scott

[dogsnfish]

During winter I tie as small as 20 and 22's for BWO and midges at a nearby spring creek. During summer in N ID and W MT I will use caddis 12-14, mayflies 14-18, stoneflies 8-10 (14 or 6 for sallies).

[NJTroutbum]

Caddis for me mostly 14-16. Mayfly hatches 14-18. Midges 18-22.

[bgreer]

If I see fish rising to bugs, I will try to match the bug to size and shape, especially on unfamiliar water.

On waters that I usually fish, I have a better clue as what to use. For caddis, 9 times out of 10, I'll use a #16 tan EHC.
For BWO's, I'll start with a #18 parachute BWO. If that's not working I will work down in size from there down to a #24.
Rarely will I go up in size....only if I see lots of big bugs.

If I see the tiny midges flying around, I'll use a #22 or #24 dry in various colors to try to match them.
Sometimes I will see other types of mayflies in the air. For those I'll use a #14 to #18.