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I also agree with the pheasant tail and hare's ear, if I could only fish 2 nymphs. I would miss a damsel nymph, midge larva and stonefly nymphs at times, though....

A pheasant tail has become my go-to pattern on lakes in the inland Northwest and northern Rockies over the years. Especially in spring/early summer, then again in the fall. Of course, I don't fish the lakes as much in the middle of summer.

A hare's ear seems to be my go-to pattern for dead drift nymphing on the rivers in my region, for trout and whitefish.

I'm not a big fan of bead heads, though, as I feel they give unnatural movement to the actual fly itself, considering the nymphs we're imitating with the pheasant tail and hare's ear. I prefer to use a full sinking and intermediate lines in lakes, and small split shot as needed for drifting along the bottom of rivers, so the nymph has a chance to move and/or drift more naturally. I know that lots of folks catch lots of fish with bead heads, and I've caught lots of fish myself with them...but I've done much better in direct comparison without the bead head, so that is why I'm more confident without it I guess.

And then there's the hare's ear soft hackle, but that's a whole nuther story and type of fishing!

Mike, your mention of fishing those simple midge patterns makes me realize I need to spend more time figuring out midges...or just spend more time fishing them and let things happen.

Good discussion!

Tom