I found that the ticket to catching wild trout here in the White Mountains floating attractor dry flies in every place that can hold a fish. I had multiple double-digit days. My go-to fly was a “Royal Wulff” in size 14. Why? Because I had a bunch in my box. Probably a gift for somebody or they came free with something else I bought. I know I didn’t tie them. I was sitting at my tying desk thinking about what I was going to tie. I have not been very skilled at calf hair wings and I have not tied many flies with a banded body as found in the Royal family of fly patterns. I like to put a spin on things So I decided to tie the “Patriot” a pattern originated by Charlie Meck from Pennsylvania. It uses the same skill as a Royal Wulff. I like that it is highly visible on the water even in choppy broken water. It’s a little rough, but I did okay on the wings the most difficult part for me.
Practice makes perfect. After I tie a couple of dozen of these it will be my go-to fly next season.