Jack Gartside’s soft hackle streamers must be one of the most simple but effective streamers ever devised! Jacks original recipe: The soft hackle streamer Hook: Mustad 34007 Salt Water, 3406 Fresh Water Tying thread: 6/0 Colour to vary Body: None … Continue reading Gartside’s Soft hackle Streamer
One of the original flies I have in my collection from the great Japanese fly tyer Ken Sawada. The great sedge is one of his original patterns from, I believe 1984. TAIL — Very small golden pheasant topping.BODY — Gold … Continue reading Great Sedge – Ken Sawada wet fly
A no hackle emerger that gives a very nice presentation of a hatching mayfly. An interesting technique that uses Para post yarn for the emerging wing and hackle. If you don’t have the Booby eyes, you can also use a … Continue reading How to tie Clarke’s No Hackle Emerger
A damsel nymph tied in the Montana nymph style. A great pattern, especially for still waters and as a stalking bug. Tie it in your favorite colours and the more weight you add at the head the more aggressive the … Continue reading How to tie Montana Damsel nymph
A truly effective pattern for when those hatches of small caddis are underway, or even just fished as a all round attractor. Simple and quick pattern that pushes all the buttons! Hook: Mustad R30 # 12-18 Tying thread: Sheer 14/0 … Continue reading How to tie X-Factor Caddis dry fly
This yellow mayfly dun tutorial has a simple technique I developed for making the Wally wings process quick and simple! Hook: Mustad C53S # 14 Thread: UTC Yellow Wings: 1 Mallard flank feather Tail: Mallard flank dyed yellow Rib: 3/0 … Continue reading How to tie Yellow mayfly dry fly
A robust yellow quill buzzer for those hatches of midges. Fished alone or as a dropper with a team. A seriously effective pattern on still waters. Hook: Mustad C49S # 10 & smaller Thread: Sheer 14/0 Black Underbody: Black tying … Continue reading How to tie Yellow quill buzzer
An extremely mobile nymph, that uses only marabou and a copper wire rib. Although very simple the technique has to be learned in order to tie it correctly. Once you have seen this pattern wet or swimming, you’ll be tying … Continue reading How to tie Generic Marabou nymph
It’s soon that time of year again! This adult blue damsel is a semi realistic but easy pattern to tie. If you are on the water and the fish are taking them they can be extremely selective, so having a … Continue reading Adult blue damsel dry fly
An nice little wet pattern that imitates a diving egg laying caddis fly. The small Tungsten bead head will put this caddis where it needs to be. The wing and collar creating a trapped air bubble effect. Again a few … Continue reading How to tie Bead Head Diving Caddis
A quick little deer hair midge that pushes all the buttons. Not only a great fishing pattern but also a couple of nice techniques with deer hair and a very simple CDC parachute hackle wing. Deer Hair Midge materials: Hook: … Continue reading How to tie Deer Hair Midge
Clarkes All Purpose Emerger is without doubt one of my absolute most productive trout & grayling patterns. Tied on a # 12,14 or 16 hook, as here, it makes a fantastic caddis pupa but on smaller sizes, even down to … Continue reading How to tie Clarkes All Purpose Emerger
Another easy tie with basic materials that is guaranteed to catch. An elk hair caddis variant that has a little extra attractor factor. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS … Continue reading How to tie Hot Butt Caddis
A real quick and easy basic material hatching midge pattern, that can be fished static or twitched to give a little movement. One of my go-to flies for hatches of midge on still water. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy … Continue reading How to tie pay day midge
The RS 2 or Ray’s Semblance 2 is, in my humble opinion, one of the best fishing flies ever designed. If you haven’t fished with the RS 2, you don’t know what you have been missing. Tie a couple of … Continue reading How to tie the RS 2
Five different but simple dubbing techniques using the same hair, to give five very different effects. All these techniques can be used with many types of hair & fur and adapted for dry, nymph, wet and streamer patterns. If these simple skills are learned and practiced they will not only improve your tying but also make your time spent at the vice, much more enjoyable, and will result in neater and quicker flies. These short tutorials will hopefully help all those who are new to our craft, fly tying clubs & workshops, to get the new beginner off to a … Continue reading Dubbing techniques with fur & hair
A little shuttlecock emerger with a couple of different body & wing techniques. Hook: Ahrex FW511 #10 Tying thread: Sheer 14/0 Olive Trailing shuck: Parapost fibres Rib: Brown floss & natural ostrich herl Abdomen: Golden olive super fine dubbing Thorax: Brown ostrich herl Wingcase: 3 CDC hackles Wing: CDC & summer duck fibres Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT FREE SHIPPING OVER $20:Buy SIMMS fishing products:Buy YETI Coolers. Free ground Shipping:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing … Continue reading How to tie Shuttlecock emerger
This is a very interesting variant of one of the most popular dry flies in the world. Surprisingly this great pattern, that doubles just as well for a caddis fly as it does a mayfly is very little used, especially … Continue reading How to tie hair wing Adams dry fly
Another simple but essential technique for the new beginner. Watch, learn and practice. If these simple skills are learned and practiced they will not only improve your tying but also make your time spent at the vice, much more enjoyable, … Continue reading How to using Whip finisher tying tool
A little twist on this modern classic from Jim Slattery. One of the great attractors that you shouldn’t be without when chasing big browns & bows. Hook: Mustad C53S # 8 Thread: Sheer 14/0 Tail & Wing: Deer hair Legs: … Continue reading How to tie rubber leg Stimulator
This is another very important tutorial, illustrating how the same dubbing can be used in three different techniques for three very different results. All three of these techniques can be utilized on all types on many different style of fly. If these simple skills are learned and practiced they will not only improve your tying but also make your time spent at the vice, much more enjoyable, and will result in neater and quicker flies. These short tutorials will hopefully help all those who are new to our craft, fly tying clubs & workshops, to get the new beginner off … Continue reading Three simple dubbing techniques
A great little skating caddis pattern from Charlie Craven, tied with elk hair. The forward wing pushes a whole load of water when its pulled through the surface. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie screaming banshee caddis
A little variant of Andre Puyan’s famous Muskrat mayfly nymph. Hook: Mustad S60 nymph hook # 8-14 Tying thread: Sheer 14/0 Brown Tail: Moose body hair Rib: Copper wire Abdomen: Muskrat fur Wing case: Moose body hair coated with UV … Continue reading How to tie Muskrat Nymph
Following up the video on how to set bobbin tension, this is another very important tutorial, although a skill taken for granted, this shows how to attach your tying thread to the hook shank and how to master & … Continue reading Attaching tying thread & Thread control
The second short video in the series, fly tying for beginners. One of the most important elementary skills is knowing how to set the tension on your bobbin holder. This little tutorial will help stop your bobbin holder un-winding thread, … Continue reading Setting your bobbin tension
A simple but extremely effective March Brown emerger that can be tied in sizes 10-16. The foam post and parachute hackle give perfect presentation and will float all day long. Hook: Mustad C49S # 12Thread: Sheer brown 14/0Trailing shuck: White … Continue reading Foam Post March Brown emerger
In this new series, I will be making many short videos that cover all the elementary fly tying techniques, basic materials, tools and know how. These will hopefully help all those who are new to our craft, fly tying clubs … Continue reading Fly Tying for Beginners #1
You don’t need anything more complicated for fishing a grasshopper. This is a quick and extremely easy pattern that everyone can tie. Just change the colour and size you need to match the hatch. Tied in all black it also … Continue reading How to tie Quick foam hopper
A semi realistic caddis pupa thats a real easy tie. Just learn the technique and change the colour of Antron to match your hatch. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy … Continue reading Antron caddis pupa
A little twist on a well known classic with a couple old but good techniques. One of my most productive streamers, especially for sea run browns. Hook: Mustad S71 # 4 Thread: Dyneema Tail & Wing: Grizzle hackle tips Body: … Continue reading How to tie Grizzly Muddler streamer
The second technique for tying a deer hair parachute hackle with an extremely buggy effect, that will float all day long and then some. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy … Continue reading Deer hair hackle suspender midge
A simple but effective pattern for mosquito and midge fishing with a couple of nifty techniques and only using Grizzle hackle and moose mane hair. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop … Continue reading How to tie mosquito or midge dry fly
One of the first patterns I tied and fished. The original had a Raffia shell back. This quick and easy pattern is still catching fish for me today, in both fresh and salt water. Although chocolate & vanilla is my … Continue reading Tying a Chocolate & Vanilla Chomper nymph
This # 16 wet fly is loosely based upon Halford’s original dry that is still used by a great deal of anglers today. Constructed from traditional materials, crow, wood pigeon & starling, with this on the end of your line, … Continue reading How to tie Black Gnat wet fly.
This is a little Pale Morning Dun Nymph that ticks all the boxes under difficult conditions. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing … Continue reading How to tie pale morning dun nymph
 This is a diving or egg laying caddis that is fished just under the surface with long slow pulls. The combination of partridge hackle and hen mallard breast feathers is a real fish attractor. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on … Continue reading How to tie Diving caddis
Not only one of the first flies you should learn to tie, but also tied in 2 or 3 sizes, one of the most important flies to have in your box. There are so many hares ear variants out there, … Continue reading How to tie Hares Ear nymph Variant
This is a technique that I have been working on some time now, trying to develope the perfect CdC parachute hackle that doesn’t interfear with the underside of the thorax in anyway and I beleive that this is pretty … Continue reading How to tie CDC Para weld
This is my take on a great pattern that my friend Svein from Vak, showed me for an emerging mayfly. Here I use a daddy long legs needle to make the detached body. The abdomen hangs and pulsates in the … Continue reading How to tie Vulgata mayfly emerger
This well known Welsh pattern represents a small beetle of the same name (red & black) that is found along the river and lake banks of the Welsh countryside. One of the classic peacock herl patterns that trout just love. … Continue reading How to tie Coch-y-Bonddu wet fly
A quick and easy tie for a # 16 BWO nymph that has saved many a day for me. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water … Continue reading A little blue winged olive nymph
Another classic, this time a north country grayling fly that has produced for thousands of fly fishermen and will continue to do so for thousands more. If one red tag works, why not have two! Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on … Continue reading How to tie Bradshaw’s Fancy dry fly
I have chosen this classic fancy French pattern, not only for it’s exquisite proportions and artistry, but also for how many techniques there are to be learned in one single pattern: Tippet tailing, double hackle tip wings, spent & dun, … Continue reading How to tie The Red Panama dry fly
Another technique for a spent mayfly. Spent mayflies have their wings slightly raised in a more up right position to 45° as with this pattern, if you would like it to represent a spent spinner, just push the wings down, … Continue reading How to tie Spent green drake
A real quick and effective mayfly emerger that is a great pattern to have when the hatch is on. Just adjust the hook size and colour to match your hatch. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly … Continue reading How to tie mayfly loop wing emerger
A great river fly with a little different hackle technique, that results in a nice wing effect and realistic footprint. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Paraloop & CDC March Brown
The rag worm. One of the most popular patterns that I am asked to tie at demos and shows. Although it takes a little time to learn this is a great pattern for most species of fish in both salt … Continue reading How to tie the rag worm streamer
A nice, not so difficult semi realistic nymph, for one of the largest mayflies. This one has a couple of good techniques that you can use in other patterns. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying … Continue reading How to tie Danica nymph
Another tutorial on wings. This time the realistic origami wings that when coated with UV resin look like the real thing. Although not really for fishing but a nice technique if you are going to tie up some super realistic mayfly patterns. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie origami super realistic mayfly wings
A buggy rubber leg hares ear, that works great as a generic nymph. Tie them in light and dark hares ear with your choice of colour for the wing case. A very popular nymph for the big sea run browns of South America. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Tying a Rubber leg hares ear nymph
The nervous blonde is a bleached elk hair and CDC adult caddis fly, that can be seen at a distance even in low light. Stripped or twitched through the surface this pattern creates ‘nervous’ water, waking the predator in even … Continue reading Tying up a nervous blonde
A foam extended body mayfly with a parachute hackle that will float all day long and then some. Don’t be fooled by this simple pattern that is not as challenging to tie as it looks, it just takes a little … Continue reading How to tie foam body mayfly technique
A delta wing caddis with an interesting body technique that can be put to good use in many other caddis patterns. With split wings and a segmented body, that is still encased in the shuck, this is a good pattern … Continue reading How to tie Delta wing caddis
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th February I will be tying and signing the new book at the British fly fair International. I will also be doing a fly tyers theatre each day at 12:30. If you would like to purchase a copy of the new book, or If you already have one and would like it signed, pay me a visit on the Veniard stand, where I will be tying. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop … Continue reading British Fly Fair International 2020
A remarkably simple pattern, that shouldn’t be underestimated! Known by many names, the Devil bug, Cooper bug and Goofus bug, it can be tied in all manner of colours and with bleached or natural elk or deer hair. Pulled through … Continue reading How to tie Devil Bug
Is it a nymph, is it a streamer? Well the Big hole demon is a bit of both and is said to be the best fly for the Big Hole river. But its not just a fresh water pattern, it’s … Continue reading How to tie Big hole demon
This quick and easy, but unusual attractor pattern is one well worth trying. Taking only a few minutes to tie, this high floating bug will bring curious and even lethargic trout up from the depths. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on … Continue reading How to tie The Crackleback attractor
A quick and simple adult damsel with an extended body maid from braided backing line. A pattern that works wonders during the summer months on lakes with prolific damsel hatches. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Braided backing adult damsel
When gammarus shrimps are attacked by a parasitic worm, the parasite is visible from the outside as a red/orange dot. Thanks to this hot spot, fish not only see it better, but also find it more attractive! Only fish that are suitable as hosts, (trout) preferentially eat the infected shrimps. Thereafter the parasitic worm completes its development in the fish. . Need I say more? Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses … Continue reading How to tie Hot Spot Gammarus
A quick but easy, semi realistic, size 12 yellow mayfly dun with Wally wings. Another good looking pattern that illustrates a few techniques that can be put to good use, in other patterns. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading The Yellow may dun
The White Wulff along with the Grey Wulff and Royal Wulff are the original series that Lee Wulff designed himself. The White Wulff ticks all the boxes for the perfect pattern, basic materials, easy to tie, floats well, is easy to see, even at a distance and resembles one or another thing that trout will eat. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. … Continue reading How to tie The White Wulff dry fly
A simple but effective generic attractor. The transformer is an excellent pattern to fish dry when nothing in particular is happening on the surface. Or another popular technique with still water fishermen, is to weight it down and fish it wet. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie The Transformer
Probably the most used dry fly ever! The great Danish fly tyer, Poul Jorgensen, recalled a conversation with Ed Van Put while fishing the Beaverkill, he asked what was the best fly to use. Without hesitation Ed replied with a grin, “It doesn’t really matter, just as long as it’s an Adams” Need I say more… Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. … Continue reading How to tie Hackle tip Adams dry fly
A real quick & easy tie for a super effective attractor pattern. It also includes a couple of good to know techniques that can be carried over to other patterns. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly … Continue reading Tying the Yellow Damsel
A simple little bug, that is not only great for stalking fish in clear water, but also a very effective jig to use when nothing particular is happening on the surface. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Tying a Stalking Bug
Although a quick and easy tie, this is one of the most popular and effective mini lures of recent years. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water … Continue reading The Cormorant mini lure wet fly
A size 18 suspender midge that has probably accounted for its fare share of fish over the years. Tie it in any colour from small to large. The small foam post ensures that this pattern has perfect presentation each and every time. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Suspender midge
December, and a seasonal pattern I made many years ago and still tie a couple of dozen each christmas as gifts for fly tying and fishing friends. I thought I would publish this now to give you good time to tie some up for your fishy friends. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading The Yuletide
A bright heavy duty caddis larva with a transparent abdomen and body veiling. Perfect for late season trout and grayling that are holding deep. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Magic glass caddis
Probably the most important water beetle when it comes to still waters. The water boatman is a quick and simple tie although semi realistic. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading The water boatman beetle
A super quick and easy variant of the still water classic, that never grows old. This CDC Shipman’s has the added advantage of a palmered body hackle, that in combination with the CDC will keep this floating all day and then some. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie palmered Shipman’s
A reversed parachute mayfly tied on a swimming nymph hook, that will give a very natural presentation. It can be fished as a dun or cripple and includes a few interesting techniques. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Reversed Parachute mayfly
This easy but neat mayfly dun pattern has a couple of nice techniques and a wonderful finished footprint and profile, perfect for fooling even the most selective trout. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Thorax Dun
One of the best little caddis patterns around. With an additional Glo Brite hot spot, when pulled through the surface film, this will bring fish up, just about all year round. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie hot spot sedgehog
An extremely popular pattern in the UK that is used from both boat and bank. The cruncher has many variants, this is the standard that can be tied on different hook weights and fished all year round. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie cruncher wet fly
A pheasant tail shuttlecock that works well, both as an emerger and a cripple mayfly. A little nymph that floats vertically in the surface film. Can be fished static or tweaked ever so slightly. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Pheasant tail shuttlecock
Not representing anything in particular but everything fishy. This super quick and simple pattern is an absolute must for still waters. Fished alone with little twitches, or with a team as a top dropper, the sugar cube hares ear is a deadly pattern! Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Sugar cube hares ear emerger
An extremely effective loop wing caddis emerger/stillborn, that has a couple of simple but interesting techniques for the body and loop wing. Tie it in different sizes and shade to match the hatch. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Loop wing caddis emerger
A great attractor, but a little more challenging pattern than usual, with several interesting techniques that can be learned and put to good use in other patterns. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Kicking Klink
This easy fan wing mayfly can be tied spent or as a dun, just by changing the position of the wings when mounting. Straight up for a dun, or as here out to the sides for a spent spinner. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie spent mayfly
Not many dry fly patterns can be tied in three minutes, but heres one of them. The Elk & Hackle caddis. A quick adult skating caddis, that is an easy tie, but don’t be fooled, it’s also a very effective attractor. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie 3 minute caddis dry fly
A nifty para-weld caddis with a mottled turkey wing and a buggy hares ear abdomen and thorax. You can make the wing a little more robust by giving it a thin coat of UV resin. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Mottled wing caddis
Rubber grub grub, three bugs in a tub. A super quick and easy grayling grub for fishing fast flowing pocket water with great effect. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Rubber grub grub
The mother of all daddy’s. This larger than life foam bodied daddy long legs, is a great attractor that moves a whole load of water when pulled through the surface, and will float all day long. With a neat foam body technique. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Foam body Daddy long legs
This, as the name suggests, is a quick quill dun that is easy to tie and a very effective pattern for river fishing. Just change the colour and hook size to match your hatch. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Quick quill dun
The feather bender’s new book is out, and it’s fair to say I’m pretty excited about it! Check out this video for a little sneak peek into some of the incredible techniques & patterns, all celebrating the wonderful world of … Continue reading The Feather Bender’s flytying techniques book
This is a pattern I designed for sea trout fishing in the early 90s. Initially as a sand eel imitation but over the years its proven itself as a general streamer that has worked well for most trout fishing. You … Continue reading How to tie Matuka Tobis
A very simple, but semi realistic pattern that has only two materials, natural mallard flank feathers and a single blue dun CDC hackle. Although the technique requires a little dexterity, take your time and you’ll soon master it! Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Wally wing hatch matcher
After a whole load of work, I am pleased to announce that you can use the link below for UK orders.  I will be posting a link for US, Canada and the French publication orders in the next few weeks, as and when they become available. 276 x 216 mm,  256 pages, over 30 patterns step by step beautifully photographed, each and every pattern with a QR code video link to the author tying every fly featured, all for only £25. The book can also be ordered from: Amazon  http://www.merlinunwin.co.uk/bookDetails.asp?bookId=210&categoryId= Continue reading Flytying Techniques…
This slender little pheasant tail with a copper wire abdomen is a combination of two classics. A great pattern for a generic nymph, that is easy to tie, in even the smallest sizes. A must for all fly boxes. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Copper John pheasant tail nymph
Dear Feather Bender subscribers and viewers, I wanted to personally thank you all for your continuing support. Your interest in my site has kept me motivated in producing new content and videos. I am also pleased to say, and as you can probably see above, the new book, “The Feather Bender’s Flytying Techniques” is due for publication at the end of this month! Although the book focuses on techniques and materials, it has 28 patterns all illustrated with detailed step by step images. This will be the first flytying book to pair up every featured pattern with its own bespoke matching … Continue reading Flytying Techniques
A quick and easy sparsely dressed, adult stone fly that works well for both the early and late season hatches of needle fly. For a lower profile try trimming away the hackle fibres on the underside of the hook. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Slim Jim Stone fly
Something for the weekend! A quick semi realistic generic mayfly nymph, that can be tied in various colours and sizes to match the hatch. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading Ultra quick mayfly nymph
If you are out after attracting bigger trout the BAF is a good ‘go-to’ pattern for searching water. Not a challenging pattern to tie, and if you have done Zonkers & Muddlers before, you’ll find it easy! I Like the natural colours but mix and match your own, in everything from all black to more vivid combos. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY … Continue reading Burn after fishing muddler
This is a quick and simple midge emerger that works well all year round. Use 3 or 4 CDC hackles for the wing, this in combination with the oversized hook makes the pattern hang vertically in the surface film for perfect presentation. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all orders!Buy BEST fly tying VISE Continue reading How to tie Quill Cul midge emerger
This skater pattern from Al Troth is a simple pattern but demands a little practice. Only two small clumps of elk rump hair tied back to back make this almost unsinkable. Not only a great attractor when fished as a skater, but also a formidable Daddy long-legs imitation for late summer. Buy MUSTAD signature hooks on AMAZON:Buy VENIARD product on AMAZON:Fly tying tools and materials shop TRIDENT:Buy SIMMS fishing products:EPIC water filters Very useful thing when fishing:Trouts fly fishing Premier Fly Shop & Outfitter:Polarized fishing sunglasses RHEOS 55$:TheRiversEdge flyfishing shop – Bozeman Montana:Buy STANLEY products. Free Shipping on all … Continue reading Tying the Troth Super Skater
These small hemoglobin filled midge larvae are high on the list of the most important trout foods globally. This is a very realistic, almost soft bait imitation, that is not only extremely effective and robust but also very quick to tie. Continue reading Tying a free swimming blood worm
This is a low riding pattern that works well when the sulphur mayfly (Heptagenia sulphuria) duns are on the water. The close clipped underside of the hackle makes for a very natural footprint. Continue reading Tying a Sulphur Dun mayfly
One of my “secret” patterns that has worked really well for me over the years, it almost makes fishing easy! Not representing anything in particular but just one of those flies that bring fish up. Continue reading Tying the double bubble
A mixed media nymph that is a real easy tie but still ticks all the boxes for a good large burrowing mayfly nymph imitation. The main trigger features of the nymph are accentuated to give it a higher attractor factor. Continue reading Large mayfly nymph