Fly-Tying

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...

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

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 (designed by Scott Howell) Originally published in Phil's "Fly-tying" column in the November/December 2011 issue of BC Outdoors magazine. Click here to view or print the original version. Scott Howell is a renowned steelhead guru, Oregon guide and innovator within the steelhead fraternity. Along with fly-fishers such as Ed...

   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...

The willingness of smallmouth and largemouth bass to crush surface patterns with unbridled aggression attracts many anglers, including an increasing...

The Perdigon Minnow is another creative design from the vise of Dennis Gamboa. Dennis was looking to create a durable,...

Wes Penny is fascinated by the variety of prey stillwater trout feed upon, especially scuds. Blended with his fascination with...

As fly fishers and tyers, we spend much of our effort attempting to match the hatch, using flies and presentation...