When fishing new water, particularly remote stretches, I like to begin with any one of a number of popular searching or attractor patterns. For me that could mean anything from an H&L variant to a deer-hair caddis to a stimulator, depending on water conditions, the species of fish I’m targeting, and the time of year; you probably have your own favourites, and that’s fine. You just want to be casting a fly you have great confidence in. Fishing flies you’ve had success with previously tends to make you fish more confidently, understanding that some fish may refuse your offering. But if they’re there, they’ll show themselves. Once you know fish are present and active, you can refine your fly pattern or size to better hone in on their preferences.
Begin fishing on new waters with an attractor pattern you have confidence in.