I use a #14 or #16 dry fly hook most of the time.

Your problem may be the float, though, not the hook. If the float is sensitive enough, you won't miss bites. Use a waggler like this:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...=SearchResults

and add enough split shot so that only 1/8" of the tip is sticking out of the water.