Fly-Tying

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...

By Phil Rowley Originally published in “Fly-Tying” Jan/Feb 2011 issue of BC Outdoors magazine. The General Practitioner or ‘GP’, as it is affectionately known to many, is a staple pattern for most British Columbia steelhead fly-fishers. The GP was originally designed as a prawn or shrimp imitation for Atlantic salmon by an...

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

Stanton Jack is a professional classical guitarist and head of the Guitar and Harp Department for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s...

Clark Pierce, or Cheech to many fly fishers and tyers, created one of my favourite small baitfish patterns, the Baby...

The larger the food source we are trying to imitate, the more complex our fly patterns can become. For moving-water...

Dragonfly nymphs live and hunt in typically non-fly-friendly territory. Tough-to-fish areas, such as dense weeds, rocks and sunken woody debris...

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...

On my fly pattern checklist, John Kent’s Humped Back Spawner ticks all the necessary boxes for a deadly freshwater shrimp or scud pattern. The Humped Back Spawner boasts a convincing realistic appearance, instantly appealing to any fly fisher the moment they see it. More importantly, trout view it with equal...

As summer transitions into fall, many anglers turn their attention to local rivers and the pursuit of Pacific salmon as...