March Madness of Fly Fishing

Submitted by Editor on March 30, 2012

What if there were an NCAA Tournament-like bracket of the best fly patterns in fly fishing?

Well, for those who have forgotten, we held a 64-fly tournament last year at this time, with Elk Hair Caddis finishing on top like classic dry fly does.

Elk Hair held off Hare's Ear to win About.com's first Tournament of Fly Fishing Patterns with 80% of the reader vote in the tournament finale.

For a look back at the final bracket, click the image at right or visit http://challonge.com/flyfishing.

The Final Four from the tournament are listed below:

Champion: Elk Hair Caddis

Runner-up: Hare's Ear

3rd place tie: Pheasant Tail, Blue Winged Olive.

Maybe next year we'll do something similar with the top fly fishing rivers (here are some of my fly fishing favorites in the West Region if you will). I'd be interested in your take on all the madness below.