Triggers, Tiers and Trout by Russ Forney

Fly tiers invariably pose that question when first introduced to emerger patterns; scruffy bodies, curved hooks, and jumbled appendages are bewildering to the uninitiated. The apprehension is understandable; emergence is a dynamic process in the life cycle stage of aquatic insects and requires equally dynamic imitations to fool wary trout. Emergers are neither nymphs nor [...]

A Bug’s Life by Will Milne

As the light slowly fades, a lone Mayfly appears on the surface of a large Canadian lake, signaling the beginning of annual event that has taken place for millennia. The emergence of aquatic macroinvertebrates from their immature nymph or larval phase to the airborne adult stage marks the midpoint in a life cycle filled with [...]

Ants: When little things mean a lot by Russ Forney

Terrestrial insects are among the most prolific “hatches” on most trout streams and ants are particularly plentiful throughout the summer. While mayflies, stones, and caddis come and go in their seasons, ants are available for months at a time and fish feed regularly on these little morsels. Ant patterns are easy to tie and fish [...]

Flymen Fishing Company Adds Anodized Beads

Flymen Fishing Company adds unique new anodized colors to the Nymph-Head™ and RealFlyColor™ bead ranges * Expanded product ranges represent the market’s leading choice in terms of fly tying bead colors, sizes and quality. * New “Attractor” colors provide fly tiers with exciting possibilities to create new fly patterns. * Hook & Bead Compatibility Guide [...]

An Interview with the Klinkhamer Himself by VERN-O

Hans van Klinken lives in Harskamp, a little village in the center of Holland with his wonderful wife of almost 25 years Ina.  Who has gained her own fame in Canada for spectacular catches of Inconnu (See: http://www.ffinternet.com/html/canada_yukon3.htm) She started fly fishing in 1991. Hans is 53 years old and has worked for 27 years [...]

The Foundations of Tying Spiders by Dave Wiltshire

How many times have you been asked to consider the question ‘What is your favourite fly?’ An impossible one to answer because it depends on so many factors. My favourite fly is the one that best matches the fish’s food type at the specific time; obviously the one that will catch the fish. That’s a cheating answer though I suppose. However, there is another way to look at the posed question. ‘Which fly would you least want to be without?’

CDC Paraloop Mayfly Emerger

The paraloop is made with cdc on this one, but i also sometimes combines both cdc and ordinary hackle when making the paraloop. The cdc softens the ordinary hackle and makes it more alive.

In this fly you can notice that i use a magic tool and two cdc feathers. It could easily be made by using only one cdc feather, but when using two you have more control when it comes to trimming the fly afterwards. I just use my fingers and remove cdc until i get the amount of cdc that i want.

Realistic Legs with Heat Shrink Tube by Ulf Hagström

I have never been afraid to experiment when it comes to using different materials in fly tying. Sometimes it’s almost been like the experimenting has been more important than the function of the fly, but more often the end result has been surprisingly good! I will advise anyone to think a bit outside their normal [...]

Mickey Finn

From what t I have read this traditional streamer was named after the infamous drugged drink (“Mickey Finn” is a drink that is meant to render its drinker unconscious). Having stood the test of time this streamer, like most, is designed to imitate a baitfish, and once the beginner learns to tie this pattern they [...]