Fly Tyer Magazine

The light and cream cahill hatches are underrated and don’t get the attention they deserve. These bugs emerge during the summer months—the light cahill arrives first—when many fly anglers have moved on to other activities, perhaps family-oriented pursuits such as kids’ sports and vacations. Additionally, many anglers don’t want to fish when the waters are warm enough to make ethical catch-and-release trout angling a challenge.

Every fly angler needs a reliable and versatile caddis dry-fly pattern. Anyone who fishes for trout has at least a few of either an Elk-Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, or Iris Caddis—or perhaps all three. The Goddard Caddis, known for its remarkable ability to float through almost anything, is another popular imitation. For the past dozen years, however, my first choice has been the CDC & Elk Caddis.

by Tim Flager For far too many years I believed that fishing streamers during the winter months was basically a fool’s errand. Nearly everything that I was told or read, suggested that trout would only take precisely drifted, subsurface patterns or diminutive midge imitations fished on, or near, the water’s surface. Boy, was I wrong. Yes, trout tend to be more lethargic during the winter months and don’t eat as aggressively.

by Al Ritt THE CHOCOLATE LAB JERKED TO THE RIGHT, her glossy coat glowing in the sun and contrasting with the flat golden hue of the native grasses. Her nose pulled her along until the multicolored pheasant exploded skyward like a land mine. Scenes like this have occurred ever since humans discovered how delicious and nutritious game birds are, but fly tiers enjoy an additional bonus from autumn’s bounty.

by Tim Flagler I’m not sure the fly tying or fly fishing world really needs another October caddis pupa imitation, but I’m particularly fond of this one, and it’s been working quite well for me this fall, especially since waters have cooled down a bit. October Caddis Pupa Detailed instructions for tying an October Caddis Pupa. Recipe: Hook: 3X-heavy nymph hook (here, a Fulling Mill 5115), size 10. Thread: Dark brown, 8/0 or 70 Denier. Rib: Copper brown Ultra Wire, small. Back: Brown Antron yarn.

by Tim Flagler We here in the Eastern United States are fortunate in that we have really good Isonychia hatches. It’s a shame many regions of North America do not. Iso’s, as they’re known for short, are also called Slate Drakes, Mahogany Duns or Leadwing Coachmen. Rarely do Iso’s produce blanket hatches. They, instead, prefer to dribble off in less than significant numbers during the evening and well into dark. The great thing though is this takes place over many months.

by Tim Flagler Take a quick tour of master fly tyer Tim Flagler’s fly tying bench. A quick tour of my tying bench. Subscribe to all our videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/tightlinevideo Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tightline-Productions-313234707736/ Visit our website: https://www.tightlinevideo.com Desk by TieCraft Fly Tying Desks & Benches: https://www.tie-craft.com @tiecraftdesks #flyfishing #orvis #flytying

Hans has created many wonderful fish-catching flies, and he travels the world giving fly-fishing and tying demonstrations. Hans is always warm and welcoming, and everyone enjoys his humor and good cheer. And, everyone always learn a lot! Tie the Klinkhamer Special and Catch More Trout If you have never met Hans, here is your chance to watch him tie one of his most famous flies, the Klinkhamer Special.

by Fly Fish Food The Fat Albert really needs no introduction in the fly tying world as it’s been a mainstream pattern for many many years. Developed by Brent Taylor in Missouri, it’s designed to imitate almost any terrestrial bug that has a fat profile and a lot of legs.