Trout look down for food? Really? I never heard that before. Most fish look straight or above them. See? Ya learn something new every day.

Ok, ok, it's all relative to the environment and feeding patterns..
They look up, down and straight ahead ..
Salmon or most predator fish ??
How do you eat your food ?
This guy is looking down for his water

I hope those flies you bought were tied in good hooks aqnd not cheapies to lower the cost.
 

The first flies I tied were with vice grips clamped to a table.  You can literally tie an estaz egg for 25 cents with the bulk of the cost being the hook.   Cost at All seasons is $2 a fly.  I found some pretty heavy #6 octopus hooks at our local  wal mart last year and decided to give them a try.  20 hooks for $1.49.   I have not had one bend or break yet.  Caught plenty of fish, but no bruisers.    Sure they are not as strong as Mustads  (which is my usual choice), but worth a try especially when I  have a nephew getting snagged up alot snagged up alot.    I agree with TB though a good hook is a must especiallt when you a giving top $$$ for the fly

A chance at a zombie king on a dry fly!
 
L13

Bin dar dun dat.
 
Sorta.
Had a zombie come to the surface and inhale a fresh skykomish before it could soak up water and sink.

had a king maybe zombie hit my bobber at the lfz rock sun.. My only take there lol..

I will give Pline a try next time I go up.
I can barely see frugal in my rearview mirror.
Passing cheap and heading towards miserly at warp speed.