The technical spring creeks of Wisconsin's Driftless Area and Central Sands can challenge even the most experienced trout angler. These innovative patterns, tied by central Wisconsin fly tier Rich Mlodzik, are tried and true, and sure to give you an edge on these tiny-brained fish that are so inexplicably difficult to catch. Rich's tying skills are on full display here - well proportioned, pleasing to the eye, very visible on the water, and irresistible to fish - and these 4 patterns and 24 flies represent some of the most important food sources to Wisconsin trout: caddisflies, stoneflies, crickets, and ants. Heck, you could even fool a bluegill or bass or two with them.

• RM Cricket (#14): Works well summer and fall mornings. Makes a great hopper pattern on breezy afternoons. Also a great Bluegill fly.


• Pass Lake (#16): Wisconsin original. A searching pattern for everyone's fly box.


• Foam Butt Ant (#16): Go-to terrestrial pattern. Perfect for breezy afternoons, especially after a downpour. When trout are taking ants, they are TAKING ANTS. This pattern is a critical addition to any spring creek trouter's fly box.


• Black Caddis (#16): A fantastic imitation of the little black caddis, a welcome hatch that arrives around Mother's Day each year, and really gets the fish excited. This can be some of the best dry fly action of the season.