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Fly tying: Working thread length
One of the most basic skill fly tiers must learn when getting into the craft is how to manage the thread as it comes off the bobbin. It seems simple, but I can't count the times I've watched brand-new tiers trying to figure out just how much thread they need to work with as they…
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Fly tying: The RS2
I was in Denver a couple of weeks for a family thing, and I got to spend some time with my aunt and uncle in the city's suburbs. My uncle is an avid fly fisher—he and I went to northern Saskatchewan this past summer and spent four days on a boat together chasing pike. We…
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Fly tying: Black Bear Green Butt
It's tough for me to get really excited about steelhead flies this fall--Idaho's steelhead run as been dismal, so much so, that I haven't bothered to make the trip to Salmon to swing flies. The last thing the few fish that made it home need is another angler harassing them. Video of Black Bear Green…
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Fly tying: Making your own fine-tipped bodkin
As a fly tier that tries to do things as affordably as possible—yet still have quality tools and materials to craft the best possible flies—I'm always on the lookout for tips and tricks to achieve my goals. Video of Fine Tipped BodkinBodkins are simple tools—just a sharp stretch of wire attached to a handle. But,…
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Fly tying: Brace yourself
When finishing tied flies to get rid of any stray materials or to simply make the fly look better, it's important that you don't just "free hand" it. Not all of us are Cool Hand Luke—we need a little help to be precise when we go after small fibers with a pair of tying scissors…
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Fly tying: Freestyle Fall Favorite
It's a little tough this year to get excited about steelhead season here in Idaho—if there's a season at all, thanks to what could be the smallest return of ocean-going rainbow trout to the Clearwater and Salmon rivers in 40 years. Nevertheless, steelhead flies are some of the most enjoyable to tie, and there are…
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Fly tying: Splayed Micro Fibbet Tails
Working with micro-fibbets can be a real pain, particularly for tiers who sport fat fingers (like I do!). But they can really add appeal to a fly, particularly mayflies that depend on that realistic look to attract trout. Video of Splayed Micro Fibbet TailsThe video above offers up an amazingly simple way to properly splay…
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