Effective East Lake Flies

I haven’t fished any lakes yet this year, but hopefully that will change this week. I think East Lake will be my fishing destination in a couple of days. I thought I’d use my own resources to refresh my memory for a few effective East Lake flies I need in my fly box. I created a separate fly box for East Lake called…you guessed it, East Lake Fly Box. In addition, I looked in the Lake Flies box to see if I missed anything.

I can’t wait to get back up there. It’s a very peaceful place when the wind isn’t blowing.

If you are a regular RiverKeeper Flies reader, you might remember my post entitled Fishing East Lake a couple of years ago. I talked about the flies I needed there as well and which flies worked for us.

Be sure to check out all the flies in the East Lake Fly Box, but here are a few favorites. I think these flies will work on just about any lake.

First up is Beetle Bailey. I’ve heard that ants are working well and this fly can be used to imitate beetles OR ants. It worked well last year.

Callibaetis mayflies are beginning to hatch and this is my go-to fly, the RiverKeeper Callibaetis Emerger.

I like Denny’s Callibaetis Nymph too.

For more information about the Callibaetis mayfly life-cycle, be sure to read the Callibaetis Mayflies post.

Chironomids are always good to have in the lake fly box. Here are a few color options. I’ll start with an olive Zebra Midge. Be sure to have a few in black as well.

I couldn’t forget the East Lake Chironomid, taught to me by my friend Jeff Perin, owner of The Fly Fisher’s Place. Jeff guides that lake and if you need someone to show you the lake and have a great time, contact the fly shop for a guided trip.

I’ve always liked Denny’s Stillwater Nymph, especially with the burnt orange tail and back. This fly just catches fish for me.

Lastly, I need to tie up a couple buggers. I like the black/purple combo. Hope I can get to them before I head for the lake.

The flies I’ve highlighted aren’t the only ones I carry. For more effective East Lake flies, check out the East Lake Fly Box and Lake Flies.

And these flies aren’t just for East Lake. I’m pretty sure they will work most anywhere.

Enjoy…go fish!