The Basics of Fly Tying!

In this section, we start talking about the basic tools of the trade and how to use them. We discuss some terminology and anatomy of a hook, and finish it off by tying a basic...but very useful...little fly, the San Juan Worm!

One of my favorite flies! The wooly bugger is a highly versatile fly, tied to fit hundreds of applications and scenarios, from small ponds to the big oceans! Experiment with colors, materials, and sizes to really find a pattern that works for you in your area!

The only dry-fly in this lecture program, the beetle stands out for a few reasons. Tied with closed cell foam, its a fly you never have to worry about applying floatant to! Time and again, when you fish with this pattern, it will float on the surface just as intended. Combine that with the fact that beetles are widely available to multiple fisheries around the world, this fly is a must have for any flybox!

A favorite among my local waters in Northern California, the PT nymph is a must have addition to any small stream, rocky creek fishery. If you extend the "legs" and tail portion of the fly, you can use the same pattern in ponds and lakes, retrieving it slowly to look like a small minnow or damselfly!

The Birds Nest is (and supposed to be) an UGLY fly. Tied to look like a hairball on a hook, the amount of movement the material gets, as it flows through the water, makes it irresistible to passing trout. When you tie this fly, the buggy-er it looks, the better!!!