What are some fly patterns you recommend for catching copper nose bluegill in NE Texas on a fly rod? Assume I know very little about fly fishing.

Thanks!

I do not fly-fish however I do fish with some great ones. They love to match the hatch. They change out flies a lot while fishing. Hope some of them will respond.

Briminator's, Llano bugs, woolly buggers

Plus 1, these are the best.

Rubber legged dragons too

I like to use Carp flies, they catch bigger Sunnies.

One exception is when I come across a pair of Longear, when that happens, I'll down-size to a size 10 hammerhead and mess up their day for my enjoyment.

You guys are wonderful.

Next question....

Favorite online fly store? aka.... Tackle Warehouse equivalent?

Those would all be good summer flies. When they're biting it really doesn't matter what you throw. In colder water, or when they're being uncooperative, try a smaller nymph like a copper john or pheasant tail.

Fly shack has very cheap flies, but I've found them to be of poor quality as well.

Match the hatch!

Gosh, which fly to use? The age old question most every fly caster has been asking forever. Especially those who tie there own. Every time I think I have found the secret fly, I go home and tie 1/2 dozen, only to never again catch fish on "my secret pattern". Although I have been known to carry approx 50 different patterns, I usually only use about 3 before giving up with the excuse that they just ain't biting. I've caught 10 inch Rios on size 20 midges and 2 inch Bluegills on size 12 top water Gurgle Pops. This year it seems like a size 14 1 inch tan rubber worm (sometimes pink); or a bright yellow (sometimes black) size 14 Hackle less woolly bugger, (known in England as a Tadpole fly), meets my needs. However, I do throw a yellow Llano bug for fun and a Brimmorater formally known as a Horse Fly, to get down deep when needed. Which fly to use... oh my goodness.

Too funny. You guys answered my questions beautifully. And I just dropped $85 at the discount online fly doohickey and see the "lure" to start tying your own.

That is what I like about the Bluegill Section. You can learn a lot form these guys!

All of the flies suggested on this thread work great. I would like to also add Wilson's Bully Bluegill Spider. It is a slow sinking fly that has rubber legs to add action. Simple to tie if you begin tying and easy to find in stores if you don't tie.

Before I started tying a few years ago I bought flies from some of the discount online fly shops. For the most part, the flies from each of the places were junk. They would start to fall apart after just a few fish, with some of them coming on hooks with no eyes or on hooks that broke very easily.

After my last post I thought of another fly that works great for sunfish and bass, the Llanolope. I know you can find it at some Orvis stores (though not online) and at Living Waters in Round Rock. The ones you find in stores are often commercially tied by Matt Bennett (aka Fly Geek) but he doesn't seem to have them on his website at the moment.

Matt Bennett is the man! His flies are the best patterns for the clear waters of Central Texas and even though they cost a bit more, he ties on solid hooks with premium materials and keeps durability in mind. If you see something on on his website that's not listed online like the llanolope, saltwater flies, or hill country clouser, just shoot him an e-mail. He will spin them up for you (although it may take a bit of time).

A big reason I started tying flies was to be able to get patterns that aren't readily available everywhere else (mostly carp flies). It's really not too difficult once you get the basics, especially since there are some great tutorials that walk you through the steps.

There are lots of great flies already mentioned on this thread. The only thing I will add is that I usually size up my bluegill flies. Since they are so aggressive in the waters I fish, using a little larger fly keeps them from inhaling them and prevents having to perform minor surgery while unhooking and releasing fish.

PM me your address and I'll send you a few good ones that I've caught a lot of bream on. Free.