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Fly tying: Pat’s Plus
It's full-on stonefly nymph season on a lot of American rivers, and that means it's time to get creative at the vise and tie some patterns that do more than just imitate in-the-water bugs. I've become a big fan of rubber legs—I think for a lot of stonefly patterns, these little squiggly bands of rubber…
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Fly tying: The Tarpon Toad
I'm in saltwater mode, prepping for a trip to flats next week, and I've been exploring some patterns not only for bonefish and permit, but also for tarpon, jacks, barracuda and even small sharks. You never know, you know? Video of Tarpon ToadI've been following some the Loon Live demonstrations that Matt Callies gives the…
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Trout Tips: Eliminate Pressure
Editor's note: The following is exerpted from TU's book, "Trout Tips," available online for overnight delivery. Try not to put a kid in a position where that first cast will be the only one that counts. Experienced fly guys are so used to situations where that first drift of a dry or swing of a…
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Trout Tips: Play the Banjo
Editor's note: The following is exerpted from TU's book, "Trout Tips," which is available online for overnight delivery. Ever get gunk and weeds on your tippet or leader? Of course. We all do. But rather than using your fingers to try to pick the mess of your fly, weight or knots connect the leader to…
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Fly tying: Pheasant tail legs
For the longest time, pheasant tail legs on my nymphs were a mystery to me. I couldn't, for the life of me, see how on earth tiers made them work. I always ended up with a clogged hook eye or something that was completely off kilter. Video of Pheasant Tail LegsThen a few years ago…
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Fly tying: Early Euro Black Stone
As Tim Flagler notes in the video below, for many anglers, the early black stonefly represents the beginning of the spring bug season. Midges are still prominent in most American trout streams, and should still be in every fly box, but the bigger stones are starting to show up, and the trout are taking note.…
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Fly tying: Wash your hands
Here's some good advice from professional fly tier Tim Flagler: Wash your hands before you tie. Not only can dirt and grime get into the prints of your fingers, but they can discolor bright materials and reduce sensitivity.Video of Prepping Your Hands for TyingAlso, and I think this is just as important, Flagler recommends taking…
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