Getting Started with Fly Tying

Your journey into the creative world of fly tying begins here.

Fly tying is a rewarding pursuit that connects you more deeply to the sport. Understanding what makes a fly work makes you a better angler.

Essential Tools

Vise

The centerpiece of your tying station.

Types:

• Rotary vs. Static: Rotary allows you to spin the fly for easier wrapping
• Pedestal vs. C-clamp: Pedestal sits on your table, C-clamp attaches to the edge
• Budget: Start with a decent vise ($50-100). You can always upgrade later.

Scissors

You’ll need at least two pairs:

1. Fine-point scissors: For detailed work, trimming hackle, and precise cuts
2. General-purpose scissors: For cutting hair, foam, and heavier materials

Invest in quality scissors - they make a huge difference.

Bobbin

Holds your thread and maintains tension.

Look for:

• Smooth ceramic or polished brass tube
• Good tension adjustment
• Comfortable grip

Hackle Pliers

Small pliers that grip hackle feathers for wrapping.

Types:

• Spring-loaded (most common)
• Rotary (easier for beginners) -weighted (keeps tension while you wrap)

Other Essentials

• Bodkin: Needle tool for picking out dubbing, applying head cement
• Whip finisher: For finishing the fly head
• Hair stacker: For aligning hair tips
• Dubbing twister: For creating dubbing loops

Basic Materials

Thread

Start with:

• 6/0 (70 denier) in black, olive, tan
• 3/0 (140 denier) for larger flies

Hooks

Buy in packs of 25 or 50:

• Dry fly hooks: Sizes 12-20
• Nymph hooks: Sizes 10-18
• Stream hooks: Sizes 4-10

Dubbing

Fur and wool blends for creating bodies:

• Hare’s ear: Universal nymph dubbing
• Olive: Caddis and general nymphs
• Tan: Mayfly and light-colored patterns

Hackle

Rooster necks or saddles:

• Grizzly: The most versatile pattern
• Brown: Essential for many patterns
• Ginger: Great for attractors

Your First Flies

Start with these classic, proven patterns:

1. Woolly Bugger: Teaches marabou wrapping, palmering hackle
2. Gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear: Basic nymph body, ribbing
3. Adams Parachute: Dry fly technique, wing post
4. Pheasant Tail Nymph: Natural materials, slender profile
5. Elk Hair Caddis: Hair wing techniques

Setting Up Your Station

Location

• Good lighting is essential
• Comfortable chair at proper height
• Ventilation (some materials create dust)

Organization

Start simple:

• Plastic storage boxes
• Ziploc bags for materials
• Small jars for hooks and beads

Lighting

• Daylight bulbs or natural light
• Adjustable gooseneck lamp
• Consider a magnifying lamp for small flies

Learning Resources

Books

• “The Fly Tying Bible” by Peter Gathercole
• “Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple” by Skip Morris
• “Production Fly Tying” by A.K. Best

Online

• YouTube channels (In The Riffle, Fly Fish Food)
• Pattern databases (Flytyer.com,Tridentflyfishing.com)
• Forums (Flytyingforum.com)

Practice Tips

1. Start big: Size 12-14 is easier than 18-20
2. Tie in multiples: Tie 6-12 of the same pattern
3. Focus on proportion: Get the sizes right
4. Don’t rush: Good technique takes time
5. Compare your work: Look at store-bought flies

Common Beginner Mistakes

Too much material: Sparse flies catch more fish than overdressed ones.

Poor thread control: Thread should be tight but not cutting materials.

Not learning basic techniques: Master the basics before complex patterns.

Buying too much too soon: Start with a few patterns and materials.

The First Session

Your goal: Tie one passable Woolly Bugger.

Don’t worry about perfection. Just get through the steps and complete the fly. It will get better with each attempt.

Fly tying is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process and remember: even the experts were once beginners.