Craft fur is a durable synthetic material that breathes and flows in the slightest current or under the subtlest of...
So many distinctly separate and rewarding factors separate fly-fishing from all other sports, especially the artistic or creative aspect of fly-tying. Little is as sweet as to create a fly and to have a fish take it or for others to catch fish it. Tying started for me at an...
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,
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...
English stillwater dry flies differ from most of their North American counterparts. Many North American dry flies tend to rest on the water rather than in it. Simple and impressionistic, English stillwater dries are designed to sit low on the surface or in many instances damp, lying within the surface...
The Perdigon Minnow is another creative design from the vise of Dennis Gamboa. Dennis was looking to create a durable,...
The larger the food source we are trying to imitate, the more complex our fly patterns can become. For moving-water...
Soft plastic lures are a must-have lure within a conventional bass angler’s tackle box, especially a Senko worm. Depending on...
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 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...









