How To Tie Flies (Step by Step)

On this single page you’ll learn the step by step instructions to begin your fly tying journey. This course is designed for the beginner, BUT more experienced tiers will pickup some tidbits. I’ve tied flies for over 30 years and have been blessed with the opportunity to sit across the vise with some of the best fly tier’s in the U.S.

Stay Tuned and SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel 👉 Guide Recommended on YouTube to get each of the lessons as I release them.

Lesson #1 – Different Types of Flies and Anatomy of a Fly Tying Hook

If you’re new to the fly tying world and a video starts with something like, “Oh, you’re going to need a 4x hook with a 2x long shank and a dumbbell bead to start,” don’t worry. You’re not alone in your confusion. The world of fly tying is layered. However, like many things in life, it’s best to learn one thing at a time. Let’s start with the most important part of a fly: the hook

Here’s the shortcut link to the full written lesson with video and PDF 👉 Fly Tying Hooks and Anatomy

Lesson #2 – Fly Tying Tools

Fly Tying Tools, you can get a basic kit. I personally recommend the Hareline Kit Materials and Economy Tools kit it has a decent quality tools.  If you start getting serious, consider upgrading your vise.  The PEAK Rotary is an amazing value that will last a lifetime.
Better scissors, look at getting carbine blades.  They’re super sharp and last a little longer.  
Bobbins can be an individual preference.  The best one is from Rite bobbin, comfortable and smooth tension. Ceramic tips are great.
Head cement, UV cure glues will open up your tying patterns.  Wing casings and scud backs are easy with UV glue.

Here’s the shortcut link to the video and PDF 👉 Fly Tying Tools

Lesson #3 – Knots for Fly Tying

Knots in fly tying are reinforced with head cement. The instructions and video go over the two most common knot. The Half Hitch and Whip Finish.

Learn these two knots to quickly tie nearly every fly. The shortcut link to the video and PDF 👉 Knots for Fly Tying

Lesson #4 – Fly Tying Materials

Confused about what tying materials to get started with? Lucky you, I’ve got some thoughts so you can make some wise buying and tying decisions.

You’re going to see some strange stuff in some fly recipes.  Almost like alchemy, but we call fly tying. Art Flick used urine-stained hair from a vixen for the Hendrickson.


Here’s the shortcut link to the page for 👉 Fly Tying Materials

Lesson #5 – Fly Tying Techniques (Attaching Material Correctly)

Correctly holding and bidding down the materials is a skill you’ll learn with a little bit of practice. This lesson will help shorten the learning curve by providing bidding and cutting techniques. We’ll get into more skills and techniques in the first 3 or 4 flies so follow the lessons in order until you get 3 or 4 patterns mastered.

This lesson has a great video. Click on the shortcut link 👉 Fly Tying Techniques for the Beginner

Our First Fly the San Juan Worm

The San Juan is the perfect fly to start your fly tying journey. You get to hone your fundamentals while still tying a productive fly.
Vary the size and color, sometimes the fish are looking for a change in their diet.

Find the article and video here 👉 Fishing and Tying the San Juan Worm

Tie a Bucktail Streamer

I still have memories of the first trout I caught on a “Mickey Finn” that I tied. Fly tying starts the fly fisher down a path to understand more about the fish we chase.

Find the article and video here 👉 Bucktail Streamers (Tie and Fish for Success )

Old School Secret the Brassie

Don’t tell anybody about this nymph. Heck I’d say this is a pre-cursor to the popular Perdigon flies we’re seeing. This fly sinks fast and works perfect to match caddis.

Easy to tie, read more in this article 👉 Fishing and Tying the Brassie

Catches Fish Everywhere the Elk Hair Caddis

My fly boxes are filled with this dry fly. More importantly for the tier is learning the proportions and tying techniques.
Tie this fly in a wide range of sizes from 12 to 18 with slim and bushy profiles.

Here’s a complete guide to one of my favorite flies. 👉 Fishing and Tying the Elk Hair Caddis

The Ultimate Dry Fly the ADAMS

As I type this all I can think about is a late-June fishing trip hooking into a +24″ Brown Trout on a Adams.
This fly works in so many situations. Vary the size and colors, then catch trout.

Learn some important fly tying skills with this article and video 👉 Fishing and Tying the Adams Fly

This Fly Works – Pheasant Tail Nymph

Fast to tie and super versatile, the PTN is a go to fly on many rivers. Vary the sizes and make sure to tie some with beads.

Learn how to tie and setting it up for fishing 👉 Fishing and Tying the Pheasant Tail Nymph

👇Check out the Articles Below About Flies and How to Fish With Them 👇

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