Love it or hate it, the inevitable need to go deeper and find the fish, is married with the arrival of colder (and often wetter) weather.  Whilst it may not be the dry-fly fishers’ idea of fun, big and heavy, lead-packed nymphs are often the answer.  Fished in a variety of styles, they can be hugely effective. Given running water of suitable depth and flow, short line, ‘Czech –Nymphing’ with a team of these heavy bugs can be a super-productive method – often allowing good numbers of fish to be …

A simple parachute that doubles as a spinner. The purpose of this video is primarily to get a grasp on the process involved in tying a parachute style dry fly. Alter the colors and sizes and you can fill a fly box full of these simple patterns that are great fish catchers.

For more information on Richard Strolis’ Catching Shadows Guide Service visit: catching-shadows.com

In all likelihood, the debate began soon after the creation of the second fly. It’s human nature to make lists, and we rank everything from influential world leaders to sports bloopers. What makes rankings debatable, and interesting, is that we all have our own criteria and opinions. Fly fishermen are no exceptions. We all rate our own favorite flies in a multitude of categories; favorite attractors, dry flies, streamers, etc. One very valuable list would be most versatile flies. What would it take for a fly to make your list …

This famous Farmington River caddis pattern is tied in this tutorial. The fly is tied in its original state, with some emphasis on exact tying specifics. A great pupa pattern for any fishery that has wingless skating caddis pupa.

For more information on Richard Strolis’ Catching Shadows Guide Service visit: catching-shadows.com

A May/June staple hatch on any eastern stream, especially in the catskill region. This is a rather large clinger mayfly nymph that migrates towards the shoreline prior to emerging into a winged adult. Tie these in a few sizes to cover your bases. Oh, and hang on, this fly usually drums up some big fish and vicious takes.

For more information on Richard Strolis’ Catching Shadows Guide Service visit: catching-shadows.com

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 as an instructor for the Dutch army.  He is currently commander of the Royal Dutch Army Gunner School where he and his instructors are preparing soldiers for deployment to Afghanistan.
Hans began bait fishing at the age …

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?’

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.