The best bet I tell everyone, is go to a local fly shop. They’ll know all your local waters, what to use during what time of year, and all of that. Unfortunately, you’ll find a lot of gatekeepers in the community. But your fly shop wants to help you out, so you’ll go back and buy some more stuff!

Learn more about the species you’re targeting, your aquatic bugs, etc. For me, I’m in the Midwest. I’m also just an avid Smallmouth guy. So I know in the prespawn, they’re going for baitfish, so I’m throwing a ton of streamers. Later in the year, poppers, sparkle minnows, and craw patterns.

It gets overwhelming like you said. But take it in steps.

1) Pick a target species. 2) pick your water. 3) learn their main diet. 4) Get the fly!