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Category: Dry flies

Barry Ord Clarke’s guide to tying dry flies includes step-by-step instructions for crafting a variety of designs such as Caddis flies, Midge flies, Grayling flies, Ant fly, Daddy long legs flies and Mayfly dry flies. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, mastering the art of tying your own flies can significantly enhance your fly-fishing experience. With Clarke’s expert guidance, you’ll be able to create dry flies that mimic the natural insects found in rivers and streams, effectively attracting fish and increasing your chances of a successful catch.

By using high-quality materials and following Clarke’s detailed instructions, you can craft intricate and durable flies that will hold up against the rigors of fishing. Clarke’s patterns have been honed over years of experience, and are designed to catch a variety of fish species in different water conditions.

In addition to providing instructions for each pattern, Clarke also includes helpful tips and techniques to ensure that your dry flies look and perform their best. From selecting the right materials to finishing your flies with precision, Clarke’s expertise is sure to improve your fly-tying skills.

So why settle for store-bought flies when you can create your own custom designs that will attract more fish and enhance your overall fly-fishing experience? With Barry Ord Clarke’s dry fly patterns and tying instructions, you can take your skills to the next level and enjoy even greater success on the water.

Dry fliesLeave a comment

Tying the double decker

June 26, 2019September 18, 2021 barryoc

This is a simple technique for a double wing comparadun, that can be tied in various sizes and shades to imitate a whole load of low riding mayfly duns. Continue reading Tying the double decker

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How to tie Great Grey Caddis dry fly

June 18, 2019September 18, 2021 barryoc

A large adult caddis fly for the mid summer hatch. With a wonder wing and a mixed hackle / over wing, of partridge and medium grey dun Herbert Miner rooster. Skated over the surface with short pulls, this is a great attractor pattern. Continue reading How to tie Great Grey Caddis dry fly

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How to tie Trico spent Spinner

May 17, 2019September 18, 2021 barryoc

A small Trico spent spinner with a neat mayfly tailing technique and a segmented moose mane hair body for a semi realistic effect. Continue reading How to tie Trico spent Spinner

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How to tie Transitional Midge

May 15, 2019September 18, 2021 barryoc

A hatching midge with a little different quill body technique that gives a more three dimensional, transparent body effect. Continue reading How to tie Transitional Midge

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fly tying skating caddis dry fly

Skating caddis/sedge dry fly

May 7, 2019April 3, 2023 barryoc

A quick medium sized adult caddis fly that skates high, creating a nice wake, making it a great little attractor, with an interesting segmented dubbing body technique. Continue reading Skating caddis/sedge dry fly

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fly tying Paraloop Griffiths dry fly

How to tie Paraloop Griffiths dry fly

May 3, 2019September 18, 2021 barryoc

A little different play on a Griffiths gnat. A reverse paraloop hackle that gives a deeper presentation and doubles as a quick sight indicator. Continue reading How to tie Paraloop Griffiths dry fly

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Parachute Adams tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Parachute Adams

April 15, 2019March 15, 2023 barryoc

The Adams Parachute Dry Fly is a versatile dry fly and has become recognized as a popular pattern on trout rivers around the world. One of the true classics that works just about everywhere. This one tied with a calf … Continue reading Parachute Adams

Deer Hair techniques, Dry fliesLeave a comment
fly tying Egg laying caddis dry fly

Egg laying caddis/sedge dry fly

April 9, 2019April 3, 2023 barryoc

One of my little deer hair patterns that is super easy to tie. All you need is a hot spot tag and a deer hair dubbing loop, for an effective pattern that floats high and dry all day long. Buy … Continue reading Egg laying caddis/sedge dry fly

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Blue winged olive parachute tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Blue winged olive dry fly – parachute

March 8, 2019March 16, 2023 barryoc

One of the earliest and most important mayflies for the trout fishermen Blue wing olive fly. This easy tie gives a great foot print and is the perfect pattern for calmer flowing stretches of water. As avid anglers, we know … Continue reading Blue winged olive dry fly – parachute

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Fly tying Bubble Caddis dry fly

Bubble Caddis/Sedge dry fly

February 13, 2019February 20, 2022 barryoc

An easy but effective little CDC bubble caddis pattern that can be quickly tied in various colours and sizes. Continue reading Bubble Caddis/Sedge dry fly

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fly tying burnt wing sedge

How to tie burnt wing sedge

February 6, 2019April 3, 2023 barryoc

A quick little semi realistic caddis pattern with burnt feather wings, for those of you that like that little extra. One of my subscribers very kindly sent me a set of Renzetti wing burners, something that I haven’t used for … Continue reading How to tie burnt wing sedge

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Mayfly spinner Wally wing tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Mayfly spinner – Wally wing

February 4, 2019September 18, 2021 barryoc

This Wally wing mayfly is a semi-realistic spinner, that is fun to tie for those of you that enjoy this type of pattern. Not only a good looking fly but also a great fishing fly! Don’t be fooled by the … Continue reading Mayfly spinner – Wally wing

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Dyret dry fly

February 3, 2019December 11, 2024 barryoc

The animal or Dyret as its known in its native Norwegian is a relatively new pattern, but one that has been embraced by Scandinavian fly fishers with open arms. It’s inventor Gunnar Bingen from Norway developed this pattern for fishing  … Continue reading Dyret dry fly

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Tying up Madam XXL

February 1, 2019May 20, 2020 barryoc

Continue reading Tying up Madam XXL

Deer Hair techniques, Dry flies2 Comments
Extended mayfly body pattern tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Extended mayfly body pattern

January 12, 2019September 18, 2021 barryoc

A simple but realistic extended body technique, that will give any mayfly dun or spinner pattern that little extra. If you enjoy watching the videos please like & subscribe to my YouTube channel. Your help and support in keeping the … Continue reading Extended mayfly body pattern

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cdc and elk hair caddis tied by Barry Ord Clarke

CDC and Elk hair caddis/sedge dry fly

December 28, 2018April 3, 2023 barryoc

Don’t let this quick and simple pattern deceive you, this is a great pattern that should have a place in every fly box. CDC and Elk hair caddis/sedge pattern recipe How to tie CDC and Elk hair caddis/sedge Continue reading CDC and Elk hair caddis/sedge dry fly

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fly tying Mixed wing Comparadun

How to tie Mixed wing Comparadun

December 18, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

This is a simple mixed wing comparadun that has a really nice effect. With a turkey biot body and a little UV sparkle mixed with the CDC and lemon wood duck in the wing. Hook: Mustad R30 # 12 Thread: … Continue reading How to tie Mixed wing Comparadun

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fly tying Carpenter ant - Hot glue flying Mutant

Carpenter ant – Hot glue flying Mutant

November 17, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

This is a variant on one of my early melt glue patterns for a large flying Carpenter ant. A quick and very realistic pattern that is easy to master. Hook: Ahrex FW511 # 12 Thread: Black Body: Black hot glue … Continue reading Carpenter ant – Hot glue flying Mutant

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fly tying Fan wing March Brown

Fan wing March Brown

October 16, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

This is an interesting pattern only using the classic combination of partridge and hares ear for this dry fan wing March brown mayfly. Hook: Mustad R30 # 10Thread: BrownTail: Partridge tail feather fibersBody: Hares ear dubbing & fine silver tinselWings: … Continue reading Fan wing March Brown

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Troutsman Hex dry fly

October 12, 2018August 25, 2021 barryoc

A variant of a large American Hex mayfly pattern that has a couple of unusual techniques that can be easily adapted for tying Danica and Vulgate patterns. Large American Hex mayfly pattern Hook: Mustad R43 # 8Thread: DyneemaTail: Pheasant tailBody: … Continue reading Troutsman Hex dry fly

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fly tying Treacle Parkin dry fly

Treacle Parkin dry fly

October 9, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

One of the great North country classics for trout and grayling. This little gem, named after the sticky ginger bread cake associated with the same area of Northern England can be fished both wet & dry. Hook: Ahrex: FW511 # … Continue reading Treacle Parkin dry fly

Dry flies, Fly fishing StreamersLeave a comment
Hornberg fly tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Hornberg fly

October 7, 2018October 2, 2021 barryoc

The Hornberg is an all-purpose favourite, both as a dry fly and streamer, especially highly regarded in New England states, where a number of variants have evolved. Hornberg fly pattern recipe Hook: Mustad R43 # 6-10Thread: BlackBody: Flat silver tinselWing: … Continue reading Hornberg fly

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fly tying super pupa and a variant

Tying a super pupa and a variant

October 6, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

One of the classic Scandinavian caddis patterns from Lennart Bergquist. Here I tie the original and the more modern winged variant, both killer patterns for most of the season. Super pupa pattern recipe Hook: Mustad R30 # 12 Thread: Grey … Continue reading Tying a super pupa and a variant

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How to tie House & Lot…

September 23, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

Another classic dry fly with calf tail wings and tail and a mixed body of stripped quill and peacock herl. It was also US president Eisenhowers go to pattern for trout fishing. Hook: Ahrex FW501 # 12 Thread: Sheer 14/0 … Continue reading How to tie House & Lot…

Deer Hair techniques, Dry fliesLeave a comment
fly tying Comparadun wing tutorial

Comparadun wing – how to tie tutorial

September 19, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

A little tutorial on how to choose the right deer hair and tie a comparadun wing. Hook: Mustad R30 #12Tying thread: DyneemaWing: Natural deer hairTail: Elk hairBody: SuperFine dubbing If you enjoy watching the videos please subscribe to my YouTube … Continue reading Comparadun wing – how to tie tutorial

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Pheasant tail X-Caddis tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Pheasant tail X-Caddis/Sedge

September 12, 2018April 3, 2023 barryoc

This is a variant of the original John Juracek’s & Craig Mathews pattern of a little egg laying caddis. In smaller sizes it also works well when midge fishing. Pheasant tail X-Caddis/Sedge pattern recipe How to tie Pheasant tail X-Caddis/Sedge Continue reading Pheasant tail X-Caddis/Sedge

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gray wulff fly tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Grey Wulff fly

September 7, 2018August 21, 2021 barryoc

One of the classics. A # 14 grey Wulff and a tying technique that is well worth mastering. A generic pattern for many mayflies. The Wulff series of flies give a perfect mayfly foot print when seen from the trout … Continue reading Grey Wulff fly

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Yellow Sally fly tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Yellow Sally Stonefly fly

September 6, 2018March 15, 2023 barryoc

A parachute version of this popular little stonefly with a couple of unusual techniques. Although not necessary the revers hackle wing gives this pattern a more realistic feel. Here you can also learn my Para weld parachute technique that is … Continue reading Yellow Sally Stonefly fly

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fly tying The fluttering caddis

How to tie The fluttering caddis/sedge

September 5, 2018February 20, 2022 barryoc

This quick CDC and deer hair variant of the original, will float all day long and then some! A nice Petitjean body technique with a single CDC hackle that makes a good looking segmented abdomen. Hook: Mustad C53 # 8-14Body: … Continue reading How to tie The fluttering caddis/sedge

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Sulphur no hackle dun pattern

September 3, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

A simple yet effective little no hackle yellow mayfly pattern that sits beautifully in the surface. Hook: Mustad R30 # 12-14Tail: Coq de LeonBody: Yellow turkey biotThorax: Yellow super spike dubbingWing: Deer hair & CDC Continue reading Sulphur no hackle dun pattern

Dry flies1 Comment
Cripple green drake pattern tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Cripple green drake pattern

August 31, 2018March 17, 2023 barryoc

Often may flies become trapped in their shucks during the hatching process and become easy pickings for feeding trout. This pattern effectively imitates the struggling mayfly and can be deadly during hatches. Cripple green drake fly pattern recipe How to … Continue reading Cripple green drake pattern

Dry flies1 Comment

Improved sofa pillow

August 27, 2018March 8, 2023 barryoc

The stimulators fly big brother, a real fat boy pattern, that has more attractor qualities than you can shake a stick at. Hook: Mustad C53 # 6-10 Rib: Fine silver wire Tail: Bleached elk hair Wing: Bleached elk hair Body: … Continue reading Improved sofa pillow

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fly tying the klinkhopper

How to tie the klinkhopper

August 23, 2018April 18, 2021 barryoc

A grasshopper tied Klinkhammer style, that has worked well for me and gives a lttle different presentation but a great footprint of a hopper. Hook: Mustad C49 14-6 Thread: Dark green Body: Bright green dubbing Rib: Tying thread Wing: Yellow … Continue reading How to tie the klinkhopper

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Wally wing mayfly dun tied by Barry Ord Clarke

Wally wing mayfly dun

May 29, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

An upside down mayfly dun. This is an interesting pattern for those of you that have not tied wally wings before, they may look challenging but using this method makes it easier. Wally wing mayfly dun pattern recipe Hook: Mustad … Continue reading Wally wing mayfly dun

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Sepia & Claret dun

April 11, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

The Leptophlebia marginata and vespertina or sepia and claret dun are two very abundent mayflies that prefer more acidic waters like, hill lochs and forest lakes. This easy pattern can be made to imitate both these naturals.When the big flies … Continue reading Sepia & Claret dun

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fly tying big mayfly dun

Big mayfly dun pattern

April 6, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

When the big flies are on the water you need a pattern that ticks all the boxes. Heres a mayfly dun that gives a great footprint and is easy to tie. Hook: Mustad C53S # 10-14Thread: CreamTail: Moose body hairWing: … Continue reading Big mayfly dun pattern

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fly tying Blue winged olive

Blue winged olive (Aurivilli) mayfly

April 5, 2018March 11, 2021 barryoc

A simple little mayfly dun, that not only represents a blue winged olive but just with a little change in size and colour can be made to represent many other small mayflies. Hook: Mustad R30 # 12-18 Thread: Olive Tail: … Continue reading Blue winged olive (Aurivilli) mayfly

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F fly tied by Barry Ord Clarke

F fly tying

March 13, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

F-fly Marjan Fratnik , an absolute must for any trout fisherman. This is the super simple and original pattern of this modern classic. F fly pattern recipe Hook: Mustad R30 # 12-18Thread: Grey or beigeBody: Tying thread cigar shaped taperWings: … Continue reading F fly tying

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Float foam ant fly pattern

March 9, 2018November 18, 2023 barryoc

A flying wood ant pattern that uses Float foam as the main material. This pattern will float high and dry all day long and then some… How to tie Float foam ant fly pattern Float foam ant fly pattern recipe Continue reading Float foam ant fly pattern

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How to tie Atomic caddis

March 6, 2018September 18, 2021 barryoc

A slightly different technique for tying cat gut bodies on dry flies. A great little pattern for both still and running waters. Continue reading How to tie Atomic caddis

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