IMAGE: Weekender Media — *IMAGE:* *Weekender Media*

Alpine season goes by in a flash. Depending on the lake’s elevation, geographic positioning, and the weather on any given year, anglers get roughly 3-4 months to explore the West’s high altitude fisheries. That’s more than enough time to cash in on some phenomenal dry fly action.

Considering these lakes are frozen for at least half a year, the trout that inhabit them are pure opportunists. While big fish in the high-trafficked lakes may snub your gaudier dry flies, usually they’ll at least come investigate it. Trailing a second dry, a small emerger, or a little midge off the back of any of the bugs below just might capitalize on that attention.

#1 Amy’s Ant

Red or Olive; #8 - #14

The quintessential jack of all trades dry fly. The Amy’s Ant is a consistent producer in the highcountry, even on the worst of days. Make sure you have at least one of each color in every size you can get - they’ll definitely get used.

#2 Stimulator

Orange, Yellow Ginger, Olive; #8 - #14

Stimulators are essentially elk hair caddis on steroids and just a splash of cocaine. If you need to match a caddis hatch, use the ginger or olive in a smaller size. If you want to get the attention of cruising fish, use the orange or yellow in a larger size. Rubberleg Stimulator variations are OK too, but just don’t seem to float quite as well.

#3 Chubby Chernobyl

Tan, Gold, Purple, Black/Tan, Red; #8 - #14

The Chubby may be the best terrestrial pattern ever invented. Use the smaller sizes to imitate hoppers blown into the lake by the wind. Use the larger ones as indicators and drop a couple of nymphs off the bend of the hook.

#4 Hippie Stomper

Red, Purple, Irresistible, Orange; #12 - #16

Combine the best aspects of an Amy’s Ant and a Chubby Chernobyl and you’ve got the Hippie Stomper. It looks like a big ant, a small grasshopper, or even a beetle. Just call this bug a jack of all trades terrestrial.

#5 Flying Ant

Black; #14 - #18

This bug is meant to match the hatch. Flying ants can be found scattered all throughout the highcountry during the summer months - especially in areas with strong winds. Finding a variation with an orange or pink piece of sighter foam on the back can make a huge difference with visibility.

5 Must-Have Dry Flies for Fishing Alpine Lakes (Vol. 1)