Fly-Tying

First published in BCO Sport Fishing, Jan/Feb 2015 Not everyone participates in or supports competitive fly-fishing. But no matter where you stand, gear, presentation techniques or flies; all have been influenced by competitions. Developments such as no-stretch lines, beadheads and Euro nymphing are just a few of the benefits that we,

   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...

When John Kent managed Tunkwa Lake Resort, he enjoyed a lot of success fishing a lightly dressed Carey Special. Gil’s...

When it comes to incorporating natural materials such as pheasant tail or peacock, many tyers shy away, critical of these natural materials’ ability to survive the rigours of a busy day of fishing. Many tyers today, myself included, rely on synthetic-based patterns coated with layers of superglue, nail polish, UV...

Spey flies feature long, flowing hackles, slender lines and, on occasion, a beautiful, streamlined, bronze mallard wing. For the most...

I have long been a fan of Randall Kaufmann’s patterns and tying techniques. His stonefly nymph is one of my favourites. A Kaufmann Stone is one of my go-to patterns when imitating larger stonefly nymphs for both trout and steelhead. Stonefly nymphs make excellent searching patterns as the larger species...

Most anglers match the hatch for mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies when fishing rivers, but don’t often venture into imitating midges...

Soft plastic lures are a must-have lure within a conventional bass angler’s tackle box, especially a Senko worm. Depending on...

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...