A Short Narrative On Trout Fishing Flies
Nothing seems to get a true trout fishing aficionado going like the subject of trout fishing flies. It’s a hotly debated topic between fishing “purists” and the casual trout fisherman.
Trout flies are those funny-looking little lures that are made to resemble bugs – to a trout. Trout love to eat bugs, in their adult configuration and also their adolescent stage, which is called larvae. There are many kinds of aquatic insects, and there are literally thousands of trout flies tied to mimic them.
As mentioned, aquatic insects, a favorite trout food, have different stages in their development. Many of them start out life as a larva which lives underwater, attached to a log, rock or some other object in the wild. There is a whole class of flies that is made to resemble these larvae.
Larvae flies are most often wet flies, as they are fished underwater where the larvae spend most of their time. Since a larvae is not very colorful or equipped with wings and other embellishments, the larvae flies are sort of plain as well. You’ll see a lot of brownish, caterpillar-looking flies in this category.
Wet flies have more in common with dry flies in that they are much fancier and more closely resemble adult insects. They are meant to be fished underwater, so they will need to be fairly rugged to withstand the pull of current in a stream or river.
Wet flies are fished in such a way that the fly is presented in front of a fish holding in an underwater location. The fisherman casts the fly and manipulates his line to cause the fly to travel through pools and other areas of deeper water in an enticing way to attract a fish to eat it. A fish that cannot be tempted to rise to a surface insect may bite at a fly that is presented right in front of him.
Dry flies are fished along the surface of the water. These flies are often made to resemble the adult version of aquatic insects, with tails, wings and other ornamentation. Dry flies are often floated down a stream with the current and entice a trout to come out of hiding and strike the fly at the surface. This accounts for the exciting and popular “hit” when a trout will leap out of the water to grab what he thinks is an insect.
Dry flies are often made to “match the hatch”. This means that the fly tier attempts to tie a fly that mimics the look of the local aquatic insects that are currently hatching into their adult stage and rising to the surface of the water. This is a heavy feeding time for trout, and the fisherman tries to take advantage of this phenomenon by presenting the trout with what it thinks is another local insect.
Of course, all of these techniques and fly types may be combined, depending on local conditions at the water being fished and whatever the fish are biting on at a given time. Trout may switch from one type of prey to another in the course of a day, so the competent fisherman will try different flies until he finds something that works.
Trout fishing flies have also been made to resemble other types of prey. Small bait fish, crayfish, larger insects and even small rodents are all represented as trout flies. Flies are also made that look nothing like any living creature, but are successful at catching fish due to some natural instinct of attraction.
Trout fly tying is an art that has been practice for hundreds of years. There are numerous books on the subject, with some dating back to the 1700′s. There are many established patterns of trout fly, and many be purchased at either sporting goods stores or from professional fly tiers.
There are a few basic tools used to tie your own flies. A fly-tying vise which holds the hook, thread-holding bobbins, scissors, pliers, magnifying glass and proper lighting are all fairly essential. Of course, other tools and implements as desired may be employed by the fly tier.
There is a huge array of fly-tying materials that is used. Everything from hair, fur, yarn and feathers to cork, tinsel, plastic and wire are used to tie flies. The fur and feathers from all kinds of animals are used. To weigh down a fly so that it will sink, brass, glass, lead and other types of wire are employed. Many kinds of synthetic materials are used such as kevlar, epoxies and silicones.
To tie a fly, a hook is clamped in the vise by the barbed end. The various materials are tied on to the shaft of the hook below the eyelet. The various feathers, fur and other items are often tied onto the hook with some sort of thread which is wound around the shaft of the hook.
Flies may be tied according to some existing pattern or type or they may be made up by the individual tier. There are known patterns that have worked for years, so many fishermen will either buy or tie these particular flies. Flies may be purchased for under a dollar to several dollars apiece for the more complicated and popular ones.
If you are a fly fisherman, or desire to become one, you may want to try your hand at tying a few trout fishing flies. Imagine the thrill that would come from catching a beautiful trout on a fly that you yourself had tied.
About the Author
Alan Browning is a long-time seeker of the elusive trout. Learn the habits and idiosyncrasies of this fascinating creature on his Trout Fishing Flies page. Discover and explore his further insights and tips at I Love Trout Fishing.com.
|
|
Masters of Fly Tying Volume 1; The Tying Techniques of Bob Clouser & Lefty Kreh (50 Years Behind the Vise) [VHS] $13.89 in this video, fly fishing legends Lefty Kreh and Bob Clouser, share fly tying techniques they have developed over the years. they cover materials, tools, and tricks they have learned that will make your fly tying easier and more productive. they also tie their most famous creations; the Clouser Minnow and Lefty’s Deceiver…. |
|
|
Replacement Bulb for Vise Light $8.30 Replacement Bulb for Vise Light… |
|
|
The Vise – 24H x 16W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Atlantic Salmon Fly in Flytying Vise, Canada. – 24W x 16H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
50 years behind the vise – The fly tying techniques of Bob Clouser & Lefty Kreh $28.45 Bob Clouser and Lefty Kreh (and their fly patterns) are legendary in the sport of fly fishing. Both Bob and Lefty have been designing and tying flies for over 50 years. In this DVD, they share their experience, by demonstrating the techniques, tricks, and short cuts they have developed over the years to simplify fly tying, and help you create flies that are more durable, better looking, and highl… |
|
|
Carson Optical Magni Fly Tying Magnifier $26.99 The Carson(r) MagniFly(tm) is a lighted, fully adjustable, flexible arm “hands-free” magnifier that attaches to your table-top or can be clamped to most fly-tying vises for convenient hands-free use. Its large 2x power lens gives you a sharp, distortion-free view, and 4x power spot lens allows you to see even the finest details with ease. Three super-bright LED lights allow for use in low-light co… |
|
|
Carson Optical Carson MagniFly Fly Tying LED LIGHTED Magnifier with Table Clamp and Vise Adaptor About Carson OpticalAs a leading supplier of consumer optics Carson Optical brings you truly innovative high-quality products at extraordinary value. Major catalog companies and retailers coast-to-coast rely on Carson for a broad range of products including recreation sports hobby school and craft. From high-end binoculars to low cost magnifiers and everything in between Carson Optical is dedicate… |
|
|
Wetfly Featuring Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit with Book and Dvd. This Is Our Most Popular Fly Tying Kit. $54.99 Deluxe Fly Tying Kit. This is our most popular Fly Tying Kit. Everything you need to start tying flies (Vice, scissors, hackle pliers, etc). High quality materials included (Hackle, dubbing, chenille, etc). Durable, convenient carry case. Book and DVD. Kit Includes: ? Sizes 8, 12, 14 hooks ? Grey Dubbing ? Olive Dubbing ? Medium Chenille ? Marabou ? Grizzly Hackle ? Brown Hackle ? Black Thread ? F… |
|
|
Peak Trailhead Vise Package Pedestal Base $219.95 Here’s a package that will set you up to tie for a lifetime, complete in a single box. The PEAK Trailhead Package is built around our immensely popular PEAK Rotary Vise. Available with either the Pedestal base, or C-Clamp mount. In addition you get all the tools you need to begin tying, PEAK’s Ritt Pick-N-Brush combination tool, PEAK’s Hex Stacker, scissors, whip finisher, bobbin, hackle plier,… |
|
|
Peak Vise Pouch $24.95 Yes, this pouch is sewn in the USA, right here in Colorado, like all PEAK Fishing products. It has a heavy duty outer shell of tough separate and protect your vise and accessories. It will hold any of PEAK’s vises with the Pedestal Base or the C-Clamp. (Vise, Pedestal Base, and Bobbin Cradle Assembly shown are not included with pouch)… |
|
|
Anvil Fly Tying Vises & Benches – Apex Adjustable Fly Tying Vise – Flies & Flytying $114.99 A fantastic value for every fly tier, this incredibly versatile in-line rotary fly tying vise includes both a pedestal base and a C-clamp. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, the compact Apex vise features tool steel jaws, an infinitely adjustable tilt, hook range from 4/0 to 28 and lifetime warranty. Made in USA. Features: Pedestal base and a C-clampStainless steel constructionTool steel jawsHook range from 7/0 to 32Simple adjustmentRotaryInfinitely adjustable tiltSimple lock upLifetime warranty A fantastic value for every fly tier, this incredibly versatile in-line rotary fly tying vise includes both a pedestal base and a C-clamp. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, the compact Apex vise features tool steel jaws, an infinitely ad |
|
|
Hareline Dubbin Vise Fly Rack – Flies & Flytying $4.99 Easy way to tidy up your fly bench Foam rack fits on any vise stem Out of the way while tying 16 slits secure flies Can be used as an epoxy fly turner This innovative Vise Fly Rack is designed to fit on any vise stem and stays out of the way while tying. The foam Vise Fly Rack features 16 slits to secure flies and help improve efficiency and organization. Plus, the rack can be used as an epoxy fly turner by rigging multiple racks on a motorized rod. 2-pack. Easy way to tidy up your fly bench Foam rack fits on any vise stem Out of the way while tying 16 slits secure flies Can be used as an epoxy fly turner This innovative Vise Fly Rack is designed to fit on any vise stem and stays out of the way while |
|
|
White River Fly Shop Crest 300 Fly Tying Vise – Flies & Flytying $39.99 Designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, the White River Fly Shop Crest 300 Fly Tying Vise operates with a simple cam-action feature that’s proven effective for fly tiers of all levels for many years. The Crest 300 Vise’s jaws firmly hold a wide range of hook sizes making it ideal for most patterns from large bass bugs and saltwater flies to small trout flies. The C-Clamp gives you the versatility to clamp to a table out in the field or in any home workspace to tie your flies. The vise’s gold handle, fixed angle and adjustable stem will fit a standard pedestal base (not included). Its black finish helps reduce glare. Designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, the White River Fly Shop Crest 300 Fly Tying Vise operates with a simple cam-action feature that’s proven effective for fly tiers of all levels for many years. The Crest 300 Vise’s jaws firmly hold |
|
|
WAPSI FLY TYING HAND BOOK – Line/term/acc/boats $9.99 This outstanding Fly Tying Handbook is exactly what the beginner fly tier needs to ensure they sit down at the vise with total confidence. Providing clear, step-by-step instructions along with color photos, this basic Fly Tying Handbook is the best book available for mastering the fundamentals of fly tying and learning how to tie the perfect fly. Makes an excellent gift for the fly fisherman! This outstanding Fly Tying Handbook is exactly what the beginner fly tier needs to ensure they sit down at the vise with total confidence. Providing clear, step-by-step instructions along with color photos, this basic Fly Tying Handbook is the best b |
|
|
MagniFly™ Fly Tying LED-Lighted Magnifier with Table Clamp and Vise Adapter $43.4 Carson’s MagniFlyTM is a lighted, fully-adjustable, flexible arm “hands-freeâ€? magnifier that attaches to your table-top or can be clamped to most fly-tying vises for convenient hands-free use. Its large 2x power lens gives you a sharp, distortion-free view, and 4x power spot lens allows you to see even the finest details with ease. Three super bright LED lights allow for use in low-light conditions. Operates on 3-AAA batteries (not included) or supplied 4.5v DC adapter.Model: OD-65Magnification: 2x power w/ 4x spot lensDimensions: 24″ x 4″ x 2″Weight: 18 oz.Batteries: 3 AAA batteries (not included) |
|
|
White River Fly Shop Fly Tying Kit – Jig Tying – Flies & Flytying $79.99 Great kit for beginners All the tools and materials you need to learn how to tie jig flies Comes with high quality tools, vise, hooks, and tying materials Also includes instructional DVD featuring Lefty Kreh Let the experts at White River Fly Shop help you enjoy the satisfaction of catching a fish on a fly of your own creation. The Jig Tying Kit from White River Fly Shop includes everything you need to learn how to tie your favorite jig flies. With all the high quality tools, vise, hooks, and tying materials needed to make your introduction to jig tying simple and enjoyable, this premium kit also includes an instructional DVD featuring Lefty Kreh. Packed with carefully selected supplies, this kit will make your introduction to jig tying enjoyable. Great kit for beginners All the tools and materials you need to learn how to tie jig flies Comes with high quality tools, vise, hooks, and tying materials Also includes instructional DVD featuring Lefty Kreh Let the experts at White River Fly Shop |
|
|
White River Fly Shop Classic Vise – Flies & Flytying $14.99 An excellent vise for beginners or the Rembrandt&8217;s of fly tying, the Classic Vise is a true classic and features long, tapered jaws suitable for small midge and dry fly hooks. Outfitted with a simple cam lever for superior hook holding power, durable brass fittings, an adjustable stem and stable C-clamp, the black finish ensures tiers won&8217;t battle distracting glares from the vise. An excellent vise for beginners or the Rembrandtamp;8217;s of fly tying, the Classic Vise is a true classic and features long, tapered jaws suitable for small midge and dry fly hooks. Outfitted with a simple cam lever for superior hook holding power |
|
|
White River Fly Shop Supreme Rotating Fly Tying Vise – Flies & Flytying $19.99 Perfect for any level of fly tyer, this rock-steady C-clamp vise securely holds a wide range of hook sizes, allowing you to tie professional-looking flies. Sporting a black anti-glare finish, the rotating head allows you to work on the fly from any angle while maintaining unobstructed and comfortable hand position. Equipped with interchangeable jaws, you can quickly change between fine, tapered, and standard jaws. Perfect for any level of fly tyer, this rock-steady C-clamp vise securely holds a wide range of hook sizes, allowing you to tie professional-looking flies. Sporting a black anti-glare finish, the rotating head allows you to work on the fly from any a |
|
|
Basic Fly Tying: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started $4.52 New – The ultimate beginner’s guide to fly tying. Using step-by-step color photos and concise text, this book illustrates every phase of the tying process, from clamping the hook in the vise to executing the final whip finish, and everything in between. |
|
|
Basic Fly Tying: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started $3.97 Used – The ultimate beginner’s guide to fly tying. Using step-by-step color photos and concise text, this book illustrates every phase of the tying process, from clamping the hook in the vise to executing the final whip finish, and everything in between. |
