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  • About Barry Ord Clarke

Author: barryoc

Born in England, Barry Ord Clarke is an internationally acclaimed and much published photographer, author and fly tyer. His own flies can be seen in the legendary ‘Fly Fishers Club’ collection, in London and the ‘Catskill master fly tyer collection’ in the United States. For the past 28 years he has lived in Norway where he works as a professional photographer and a fly tying consultant for the Mustad Hook Company and Veniard Ltd. His successful YouTube channel ‘The Feather Bender’ has 43,000 subscribers. Barry Ord Clarke voted US Fly Tyer Magazine’s Fly Tyer of the Year 2021. The prestigious award honours the exceptional international contribution Barry has made to the world of fly tying with his innovative approach of linking his clear step-by-step tying instructions in book-form to his popular YouTube channel ‘The Feather Bender’ videos which then show him tying EXACTLY the same fly online. This ground-breaking ‘pairing’ is a first in the world of fly tying instruction. A renowned photographer in his own right, his tying images are crystal clear, minimalist and stylish. His approachable attitude and innovative tying techniques have encouraged thousands of beginners to take up the hobby in the first place or more experienced tyers to up their game. His most recent two books, The Feather Benders Fly Tying Techniques and Flytying for Beginners, pub. Merlin Unwin Books, are out now and already gaining plaudits from around the world. Fly Tying for Beginners, will also be published in the USA by Skyhorse Publishing in Autumn 2022.
Book ReviewsLeave a comment
framed flies from book Barry Ord Clarke

Flies for framing from my best selling book

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021 barryoc

Hi everyone, I have had many requests for flies for framing from my best selling ‘The Feather Benders Fly Tying Techniques’ book so I have been busy tying!  If you would like to order any of the patterns in the … Continue reading Flies for framing from my best selling book

Dry fliesLeave a comment
Deep sparkle pupa variant tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Deep sparkle pupa variant

June 29, 2021September 20, 2021 barryoc

A little variant of the LaFontaine classic. An absolute must have pattern if you are fishing still water caddis fly hatches. Here I demonstrate a good technique for getting the Antron shuck in place. Deep sparkle pupa variant pattern recipe … Continue reading Deep sparkle pupa variant

Dry flies, Tying TechniquesLeave a comment
PDQ caddis tied by Barry Ord Clarke

PDQ Caddis/Sedge dry fly

June 23, 2021April 3, 2023 barryoc

Continuing the quick flies to tie,the PDQ (pretty damn quick) caddis will not only float all day long, but it also takes under 4 minutes to tie! This very simple technique, uses a single natural CDC hackle and a small … Continue reading PDQ Caddis/Sedge dry fly

Dry flies
Pmd fly tying by Barry Ord Clarke

Pmd fly

June 21, 2021September 20, 2021 barryoc

This Pale Morning Comparadun demonstrates a little different technique for the regular comparadun wing. This technique results in a slimmer abdomen and greater buoyancy. It’s also an extremely effective pattern for a Heptagenia sulphurea dun. PMD fly pattern recipe Hook: … Continue reading Pmd fly

Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment
easy flies to tie recommendation by barry ord clarke

Easy flies to tie

June 17, 2021June 16, 2024 barryoc

Although you may think that they look challenging, heres a quick and easy selection of patterns to tie. I’v chosen five each of the following: Dry flies, Nymphs, Streamers and wet flies. All these patterns are not only great for … Continue reading Easy flies to tie

Dry flies, Tying TechniquesLeave a comment
Fur hackle mayfly tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Fur hackle mayfly

June 11, 2021September 20, 2021 barryoc

Although it requires a little practice, this fur hackle technique produces a much softer presentation that floats extremely well. Here I use natural hare crosscut strip but any fur or hair can be adopted to this method. Fur hackle mayfly … Continue reading Fur hackle mayfly

Nymph fliesLeave a comment
Long Horn Caddis Pupa tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Long Horn Caddis/Sedge Pupa

June 8, 2021April 3, 2023 barryoc

A semi realistic and extremely effective, yet quick long horn caddis pupa. Tie it with or without a bead head in sizes 12, 14 & 16.  Long Horn Caddis/Sedge Pupa pattern recipe Hook: Mustad C49S # 12-16Bead head: 2.5 mmTying … Continue reading Long Horn Caddis/Sedge Pupa

Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly tying for beginners using a Dubbing spinner

May 12, 2021August 25, 2021 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly tying for beginners using a Dubbing spinner

Nymph flies, Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly tying for beginners Montana nymph

May 11, 2021May 11, 2021 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly tying for beginners Montana nymph

Fly fishing Streamers, Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly tying for beginners- Woolly Bugger

May 6, 2021March 17, 2023 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly tying for beginners- Woolly Bugger

Emerger flies, Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly tying for Beginners – Klinkhamer

May 4, 2021May 7, 2021 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly tying for Beginners – Klinkhamer

Dry flies, Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly tying for beginner’s – Elk hair caddis

April 29, 2021March 21, 2024 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly tying for beginner’s – Elk hair caddis

Dry flies, Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly tying for beginners – Hair wing Dun

April 27, 2021May 7, 2021 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly tying for beginners – Hair wing Dun

Fly fishing Streamers, Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly Tying for beginner’s UV Zonker

April 21, 2021May 7, 2021 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly Tying for beginner’s UV Zonker

Nymph flies, Tying for Beginners1 Comment

Fly tying for beginner’s Hares ear nymph

April 16, 2021March 19, 2023 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly tying for beginner’s Hares ear nymph

Nymph flies, Tying for Beginners1 Comment
Pheasant tail nymph tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Fly Tying for beginners – Pheasant tail nymph

April 13, 2021September 15, 2024 barryoc

A new series of videos for those that are new to fly tying, to accompany my new book, ‘fly tying for beginners’ out later this year. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with … Continue reading Fly Tying for beginners – Pheasant tail nymph

Dry flies, Tying for BeginnersLeave a comment

Fly Tying for beginners – Flying ant

April 12, 2021April 18, 2021 barryoc

A new series of patterns for those that are new to fly tying. Here I am showing techniques that may look challenging, but are totally achievable with a little patience and practice. I have slowed down the tying and explain … Continue reading Fly Tying for beginners – Flying ant

Nymph flies1 Comment
Zebra midge tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Zebra midge fly

March 30, 2021March 7, 2023 barryoc

Although an extremely simple tie, the Zebra midge is an essential pattern to have in your box all year round. Tie it in all hook sizes from a 12 to a 20 and in any colour you fancy, be it … Continue reading Zebra midge fly

Fly fishing Streamers, shrimpLeave a comment
mysis shrimp tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Mysis shrimp fly

March 23, 2021March 25, 2023 barryoc

A quick and simple, semi realistic pattern to imitate the Mysis shrimp. Ranging from 0.5 to 25 mm long with a slender transparent body. Inspite its small size the Mysis is a very important food item in both lakes and … Continue reading Mysis shrimp fly

Nymph flies1 Comment
Frenchie Fly tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Frenchie Fly

March 19, 2021March 19, 2023 barryoc

Currently one of the most used tied and nymphs, especially in competition circles. An extremely easy tie for an extremely effective pattern for Euro nymphing. Change the hook size, body and collar colour and even tie it on a jig … Continue reading Frenchie Fly

Fly tying materials and fly tying toolsLeave a comment
Photography system "Flies photo gadget"

And the winner is….

March 18, 2021April 18, 2021 barryoc

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the draw. My web master drew a winner yesterday evening and the Fly Photography Gadget will be sent too… William de Jong in the Netherlands. Congratulations William, please send me your … Continue reading And the winner is….

Fly tying materials and fly tying tools2 Comments
Photography system "Flies photo gadget"

Fly Photography Gadget Give away!

March 15, 2021March 15, 2021 barryoc

The full fly Photography Gadget set that will be given away on 17th March, and the winner will be a announced on the 18th March 2021. Flies Photo Gadget Giveaway / Share and winAnyone who shares this post on their … Continue reading Fly Photography Gadget Give away!

Nymph flies1 Comment
Walt's Worm pattern by Barry Ord Clarke

Walt’s Worm fly

March 12, 2021March 7, 2023 barryoc

When it comes to fly fishing, having the right fly pattern can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and going home “empty-handed”. One fly pattern that has gained popularity in recent years is the Walt’s … Continue reading Walt’s Worm fly

Nymph fliesLeave a comment
WD 40 fly, tying by Barry Ord Clarke

WD 40 fly

March 9, 2021November 6, 2022 barryoc

WD 40 fly one of the simplest but most effective mayfly midge larva that you can have in your box. An absolute must for early season fishing! Tie it in sizes from 16 – 22 and in the most popular … Continue reading WD 40 fly

Emerger fliesLeave a comment
Midge emerger tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Midge emerger

March 5, 2021September 26, 2021 barryoc

A functional emerger midge pattern with a few nice techniques. Tie it in any size from large buzzers to the smallest hatching or cripple midges in any colour you like. A must have pattern. Midge emerger pattern recipe Hook: Partridge_Sprite … Continue reading Midge emerger

Dry fliesLeave a comment
cdc ant tied by barry ord clarke

Cdc ant fly pattern

March 3, 2021September 20, 2021 barryoc

A lovely little CDC ant pattern, that is tied with only one CDC puff and a few turns of hackle. A quick and easy pattern for the most important terrestrial, no matter where you live, that will float all day … Continue reading Cdc ant fly pattern

Wet FliesLeave a comment
Blindfold challenge fly tying Black Pennell

Blindfold challenge Black Pennell

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 barryoc

Gee! I never thought that it would be this difficult!! This has been going around fly tyers on YouTube, and I thought that it might be a bit of fun, tying a Black Pennell, with a blindfold on! I not … Continue reading Blindfold challenge Black Pennell

Deer Hair techniques, Fly tying materials and fly tying toolsLeave a comment
barry ord clarke hair Stacker

Nesting Hair Stacker tool set

February 15, 2021September 28, 2021 barryoc

NESTING HAIR STACKER An hair stacker might seams the simplest of the tools but yet is one of the most important friend for the complete fly tier, not to mention for those aficionados of clipped deer hair bodies or hair … Continue reading Nesting Hair Stacker tool set

Dry fliesLeave a comment
detached bodied daddy long legs tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Detached bodied daddy long legs

February 5, 2021September 20, 2021 barryoc

Detached bodied daddy long legs a very simple detached body technique for a good daddy long legs that will float all day long. It can also be applied to all manner of extended bodies. Detached bodied daddy long legs pattern … Continue reading Detached bodied daddy long legs

Nymph fliesLeave a comment
pheasant tail black tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Black pheasant tail nymph

January 20, 2021March 19, 2023 barryoc

Black Pheasant tail nymph A little, effective variant of the classic that you can fish in both still and running water all year round. A couple of nice techniques here to take further on other patterns. Black pheasant tail nymph … Continue reading Black pheasant tail nymph

Fly fishing Streamers, Nymph fliesLeave a comment
gartsides sparrow nymph tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Gartside’s Sparrow nymph

January 15, 2021December 13, 2022 barryoc

Probably Jack Gartside’s best known pattern from the early seventies. Originally designed by Jack as a soft hackle muddler minnow but over the years has proved to be an excellent all round sub surface pattern. Gartside’s Sparrow nymph pattern recipe … Continue reading Gartside’s Sparrow nymph

Deer Hair techniques, Fly fishing StreamersLeave a comment
Hares ear muddler streamer tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Hares ear muddler streamer

December 29, 2020September 24, 2021 barryoc

One of my favourite patterns for when the fish won’t have anything bright and prefer something more buggy and natural looking. Hares ear muddler streamer pattern recipe Hook: Sprite barbless streamer S2200 # 8 Tying thread: Dyneema 55 or GSP … Continue reading Hares ear muddler streamer

Dry fliesLeave a comment
fly tying Heinz – 57 grayling dry fly

How to tie the Heinz – 57 grayling dry fly

December 22, 2020December 16, 2021 barryoc

A wonderful little pattern that, as the name suggests, is a composition of several better known patterns. This is a simple tie that will cover most dry fly situations when grayling fishing. Hook: Partridge_Sprite S2401 # 14 Tying thread: Sheer … Continue reading How to tie the Heinz – 57 grayling dry fly

Book ReviewsLeave a comment
8 best fly fishing books Barry Ord Clarke recommendation

8 Fly Fishing Books my recommendation

December 21, 2020October 13, 2021 barryoc

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases“ The Best Fly Fishing Books You Should Read If you don’t already know these books, here are a few of my favourite fly fishing books to embrace during the cold dark … Continue reading 8 Fly Fishing Books my recommendation

Book ReviewsLeave a comment

Ideal gift for a fly tying Christmas

December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 barryoc

The holidays are quickly approaching us, and maybe some last minute gifts are still needed!There is still time to order ‘The Feather Benders Fly Tying Techniques’ The ideal gift for the fly tyer. Here are a couple of video reviews of the … Continue reading Ideal gift for a fly tying Christmas

Emerger fliesLeave a comment

3 dollar dip fly

December 15, 2020October 4, 2022 barryoc

For me this is one of the very best emerger patterns that can be used for both midges and mayflies. Named after the famous 3 dollar bridge on the Maddison river this little pattern is quick to tie and a … Continue reading 3 dollar dip fly

Tying Course, Tying TechniquesLeave a comment

Video from LIVE fly tying session on Orvis UK

December 10, 2020September 28, 2021 barryoc

Today I was live on Orvis UK facebook.I showed How to tie wally wing mayfly dun. One of my most popular dry fly patterns. I also answered general questions about fly tying.If you missed live watch the video! Continue reading Video from LIVE fly tying session on Orvis UK

Deer Hair techniques, Fly fishing StreamersLeave a comment
Black marabou muddler streamer tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Black marabou muddler

December 8, 2020October 10, 2021 barryoc

Black deer hair flies have been used for decades here in Scandinavia for night fishing in salt water for sea run browns, heres one of my favorites, the marabou muddler. Marabou muddler pattern recipe Hook: Mustad S74 Salt water streamer … Continue reading Black marabou muddler

Nymph fliesLeave a comment
Solomon caddis pupa variant tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Solomon caddis/sedge pupa variant

December 4, 2020April 3, 2023 barryoc

This variant of the semi realistic Solomon caddis pupa is a relative easy tie and has a few nice techniques to take further on other patterns. Solomon caddis/sedge pupa variant pattern recipe How to tie Solomon caddis/sedge pupa variant Buy … Continue reading Solomon caddis/sedge pupa variant

Dry fliesLeave a comment
Bristow's Bug dry fly fly tying by Barry Ord Clarke

Bristow’s Bug dry fly

November 30, 2020August 28, 2024 barryoc

One of the lesser known but still effective old grayling and trout patterns, with a couple of nice body techniques with peacock herl. More dry fly patterns Continue reading Bristow’s Bug dry fly

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