mdk77 typed:
snip
I realize this is a general question and that patterns may vary the
answer - but - in general, how many sizes of a given pattern should I
tie? An example would be an adult midge pattern in sizes 20-28 or a
given nymph in sizes 16 to 28 -- how many sizes would be adequate to
populate my boxes for the season? I did the math and about stroked
out at the number of flies I would have to tie to do ALL of the sizes
for ALL of the 25 flies. Especially since I am a slow tier at this
point in my experience .... I think I'd die of old age before I got em
all tied :-)

Thanks in advance for any help that you can give me on this.

There are a few places you could go that might help. One would be a local
fly shop where someone could steer you in the right direction. Another would
be one of the conservation/fly fishing groups that may meet in your area.
Personally, I tie about three sizes of most of my flies - small, medium, and
large. Of course, exactly *what* size that is depends on the pattern.
Personal experience is probably the best teacher, unless you have someone
like George Adams handy; then you just look in his fly box and copy it. ;-)
--
TL,
Tim
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http://css.sbcma.com/timj