On the Fly: Tips for new fly tyers

We’ve seen it many times here at the shop: A new tyer tries to create super-complicated fly patterns right out of the gate, gets frustrated, and ultimately gives up. When meeting new fly tyers, we always have advice for them to learn the right way and master the basics in the right progression. The main thing to remember is to start simple and focus on flies that we actually use around here.

One must learn the simple things first, like laying down smooth and even wraps of thread. Many simple midge larvae are simply black or red thread tied down the hook shank and catch fish all year long. Once this is mastered, San Juan Worms and Zebra Midges should come next, which incorporates chenille, beads, and wire counter-wrapped up the hook shank.

After the Zebra Midge is mastered, the most important flies to add to your skill set are the RS2, Pat’s Rubber Leg, Pheasant Tail, and Prince Nymph. Dry flies are harder, so starting with nymphs usually goes better. Dry flies to master are the Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Comparadun-style mayfly adults. Streamers like the Wooly Bugger and Autumn Splendor will come easier with the skills you’ll learn with the flies previously mentioned. Learning to substitute materials is something to embrace; finding all the nuanced materials in fly recipes can be challenging, especially outside of a metro area. 

The essentials are a quality pair of razor-sharp scissors with fine tips, a ceramic-tipped bobbin, a bright light source that is cool and adjustable, plus a comfortable chair. For those with a permanent setup, a c-clamp style vise is best. For those who have to put away their tying setup when not in use, a pedestal-base vise will do the trick. Like any hobby, there are plenty of tools you can use to make things easier, including hackle pliers, bead tweezers, bodkins, spare bobbins, UV lights and resins, dubbing brushes, curved-tip scissors — and the list goes on.

It’s quite rewarding fooling a fish with an artificial you created yourself — you’ll see what I mean!

This report is provided every week by Taylor Creek Fly Shops in Aspen and Basalt. Taylor Creek can be reached at 970-927-4374 or TaylorCreek.com.