I am going to try fly fishing for trout. What are some essential flies I should have to start my collection?

I'm not a big trout fly guy but I don't think any fly collection could be without some wolly buggers. I've caught about every kind of fish I've ever caught on a fly rod on a wolly bugger. 

I'm not a big trout fly guy but I don't think any fly collection could be without some wolly buggers. I've caught about every kind of fish I've ever caught on a fly rod on a wolly bugger.

X2

What type of trout and water are you targeting, native, wild or stockers?  all those will help to determine what type of flies should be "standards"

I am going to try fly fishing for trout. What are some essential flies I should have to start my collection?

I'm still fairly new(less than 2 yrs) to fly fishing, but these are my must haves.  Keep in mind that many flies can look like a variety of bugs, certain ones cover all bases well.  Finding the right depth where the fish are feeding or willing to feed is as important as matching the hatch.

 

Dries:

Elk Hair Caddis

Blue Winged Olive (BWO)

Parachute - 

Hoppers

 

nypmhs:

stone fly - also looks like a dragon and damsel fly nymph

prince nymph

bh hairs ear

caddis nymph - also the puppa caddis nymph

pheasant tail

RS2 - or emergers will work good here

San Juan Worms - also see Squirmy Wormy's

eggs

 

 

i am not overly concerned with sizes, but i try to stay similar to what i see hatching.  do some research but be very cautious about making things to complicated.  you can fish very simply with only a few patterns and catch lot's of fish.  Also you want some streamers, and wooly buggers.  They are tough to say about sizes and colors.  I try to stay natural looking though.

Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Bead Head Hare's Ear, Parachute Adams, Kreelex, Wooly Bugger, and if you fish stocked trout, you're gonna need some egg patterns.

bead head pheasant tails, hairs ears, caddis nymphs and wooly buggers have done well for me. All of these are easy ties too.