fly on line time?

[Snoik]

how long do you guys usually test a fly before swapping?

[Norman]

It's tough to say, yesterday I was getting flat out refusals from fish on my first fly, (orange and yellow stimulator) the fish were coming up for it and then turning at the last second. I usually start out with a stimulator or an elk hair caddis when there isn't a hatch I can see and then if I start getting the fish interested but they aren't taking it I switch from there. I switched flies to an olive mayfly pattern, and caught three fish from the exact same spot. I'm no expert, but that's seemed to work for me thus far.

[Snoik]

lol so far for me it seems the only time i get a bite is when i annoy them enough with my splashing.

[rycoma]

Usually has to do with drag more then the fly. Even though you can't see it probably was there. Size of fly would be next culprit most of the time if it is easy for you to see on the water( other then stimulators/stoneflies) probably to big to interest picky trout. I usually swap fly patterns twice in a day. Small caddis or small royal Wulf are my go to flies.

[JReed]

Yep, in my case, if the stimulator or brown bi-visible doesn't induce a strike on the first couple casts into water I know holds fish......then something is wrong