Throughout the many years that I have been tying flies or teaching tying classes, I have been asked a plethora of questions regarding what types of materials I use and why. One specific question that…
Seeing as fly tying season is in full swing, I think it is a good idea to take a closer look at one of the most important components of a fly: the hook. In most cases people don't pay any attention…
Ask two fly tiers of equal skill levels to tie the same bucktail pattern and you're very likely going to see two subtly different versions. One will be fuller and, at first blush, perhaps a little…
The Caddis Poopah is an extraordinary fly pattern designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. Looking at this pattern from a basic construction stand point, the fly is most certainly not…
The Madam X is a versatile hopper pattern developed by author, guide and fly tyer Doug Swisher to trick resident trout of the Bitterroot River in Southwestern Montana. Although the Madam X was…
With so many different carp/sucker flies on the market, how does an individual find their way through the endless flash and feathers to the perfect fly?
First and foremost let's get the idea out…
For the final part to this fly proportion series we are going to take a closer look at streamer flies. Unlike the other fly styles discussed earlier, there are many different tying variations (with…
The third part to this blog series on fly proportions has to deal with dry flies. Out of all the different patterns a fly tier has to play with, dry flies have to be the most standardized. The dry…
Last week I broke down the specific proportions needed when tying wet flies. To further this discussion, this week’s blog will take a closer look at the special characteristics incorporated with…
For the next few blogs I want to spend some time going over the concept of fly proportions and how these apply to what you intend to tie. The different fly categories (wet, dry, nymph and streamers)…
Whether you are a beginner fly tier or a seasoned veteran, creating smooth tapering dubbed bodies for flies can be difficult. Some tiers believe that the composition or look of their fly bodies are…
With the appearance of snow on the ground this weekend, fly tying season has officially kicked off. I am by no means a fair weather fly fisherman but the opportunities to get out on the water when…
