Free Video River Fly Fishing Course
20+ instructional videos, shot in 4k. Free to all new and existing newsletter subscribers – Click Here!
Fly tying is great fun and the feeling of catching a fish on flies you have tied yourself is truly rewarding. There are some other benefits of tying your own flies too.
Fly tying is great fun and the feeling of catching a fish on flies you have tied yourself is truly rewarding. There are some other benefits of tying your own flies too.
You Will Learn So Much About Fishing
When I was younger I thought I knew quite a lot about flies and the feeding habits of fish. That was until I learnt how to tie. Only when learning about the construction and elements of an artificial fly did I really start to understand the natural. If you are unsure of your shuck from your spinner or Heptagenid from you Hydropsyche then fly tying is the most wonderful way to take your fishing to the next level. You will truly understand the creatures our fish feed on, where they live and when they hatch.
Get It Just Right
There are thousands of commercial patterns out there but sometimes you need something custom, specifically for your fishing spot.
I often fish on a bit of river where the fish respond very well to shrimp patterns. There is a deep fast glide which looks like it will hold some very good fish but nothing would get down quick enough. An evening at the vice and I tied a super heavy shrimp pattern specifically for this pool. This pattern accounted for some of the best fish I’ve had out of this particular river.
Get Creative
If you know someone who shoots then you will have access to all sorts of furs and feathers and best of all this material is free! This gives you scope to get creative and use these materials for all sorts of wonderful flies. I make an oversized spider with hen pheasant feathers which has worked brilliantly on stillwaters for me. There are all sorts of weird and wonderful materials around the house that can be used, from crisp packets to Christmas tinsel – the only limits are your imagination.
Keep Involved
At this time of year, the next trout season seems an awfully long way away! Fly tying through this period keeps you connected with the activity you love. There are plenty of fly tying groups, meet-ups, and forums where you can connect with other fly fishing friends. Just like fly fishing, ability is no barrier to entry and you should be welcomed with open arms into this community.
Fly tying kits are a great way to get started, check out our post on the different options here.
View our huge range of fly tying materials here.
Free Video River Fly Fishing Course
20+ instructional videos, shot in 4k. Free to all new and existing newsletter subscribers – Click Here!
