Leader setups for fly-fishing streams can be confusing to new fly anglers. Avoid any confusion and take a simplified approach...
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In mid-July, we packed our bags, drove through the pouring rain and found ourselves at Lakes District Air’s base on...
By Phil Rowley
From the July/August issue of BC Outdoors
Biots are the tough, interlocking barbs found along the leading edge of a bird’s primary flight feather. The Prince Nymph’s signature white biot wings make it arguably the most famous pattern to integrate biots. Biots are also a common material choice for...
When trout are fixated on chironomids, trying to replicate or match the emerging pupa through pattern choice and presentation technique is the standard course of action. But what happens when this “match the hatch” mantra isn’t working? Many fly fishers, myself included, try smaller imitative patterns, shuffle through colour...
By Phil Rowley
Originally published in “Fly-Tying” March/April 2011 issue of BC Outdoors magazine.
Without doubt, scuds or freshwater shrimp are the premier crustaceans in British Columbia. This celebrity status is not necessarily one of popularity with many, but it is certainly one of recognition by most. But creeping and scurrying around...
From Phil Rowley's Fly-Tying Column
I divide fly patterns into three basic categories, suggestive, imitative and attractor. Each pattern category has a set of conditions when I am most likely to use them. Imitative patterns work best when a match the hatch philosophy is required, a common occurrence during the spring...
by Phil Rowley
From his Fly Tying Column
One of the best dragon nymph imitations is Jim Crawford’s Gomphus. Although technically not a Gomphus imitation, Gomphus or Gomphidae are most commonly found living in slow moving sections of rivers and streams, and there is no disputing this pattern’s success.
The spun and...
by Phil Rowley
Originally published in “Fly-Tying” May 2011 issue of BC Outdoors magazine.
It has been said that trout spend up to 90% of their time feeding beneath the surface, often just above the bottom. With this fact in mind it only makes sense to want to get our flies down...
By Phil Rowley (designed by Bob Taylor)
Originally published in Phil’s “Fly-tying” column in the March/April 2013 issue of BC Outdoors magazine. Click here to view or print the original version.
Hanging leeches under indicators is now common on most Western Canadian stillwaters. Arguably, you could spend the entire season suspending only...