How to Make Flies for Fly Fishing

Tying flies for fly fishing is a rewarding and money-saving hobby for any angler. If you buy flies they can be costly and often they will get hung up around objects such as rocks and trees, causing you to spend even more money. There is also something very rewarding about catching a fish that was caught on a fly you tied yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Feathers (preferred material) Vise Fly bobbin Colored thread Tippet Small scissors Hackle pliers Hooks Cement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go shopping. Your best bet is to find a local tackle shop in your area. Often these shops will also offer fly-tying classes for beginners. There are also large outdoor chains such as Bass Pro Shops. Look online for the one closest to you. It has a very large resource of fly-tying supplies and will also be more reasonably priced than a smaller tackle shop. The advantage to a smaller tackle shop, however, is that you may receive more personal service and professional guidance and the personnel can probably work with you to help you find items to fit your budget.

    • 2

      Get your materials together. Find a vise. They come in all shapes and prices. Next, you'll need a fly bobbin, a tool that holds the thread and keeps tension on it as you work it onto the hook as you make your first fly. You'll also need different color threads of varying thickness, depending on what type of fly you will be tying. A good pair of scissors, hooks, cement, and hackle pliers are other necessities. Hackle pliers are tiny pliers that enable you to wrap hackle feathers around hooks.

    • 3

      Decide on the type of fly. The size of the fly will depend on the size of the fish you want to catch. Typically larger flies are for larger fish and smaller flies for smaller fish. Basically, you want to "match the hatch." This means that you want to use a fly that will appear to be a natural substance to the fish. For example, trout flies tend to be very small, as most insects on rivers are very small.

    • 4

      Find a picture of a fly you want to copy. Once you have a picture, get materials that will mimic the look and try to replicate it. Then, wrap the thread around your hook and then add the fur and/or feathers as you securely tie them to the hook. Use some cement to secure as well. As you go along, you will continue to add materials until you achieve the look you are going for. The whole time the fly will be in the vise. Cut any excess line. Test the fly before fishing to make sure it is secure enough. Simply pull on it to see if it stays in place.

    • 5

      Look at videos and other resources. There are many books that will visually guide you in the process. There are also classes and online videos. It's a good idea to check out some of these resources before you begin tying flies because there are many types of knots and styles available.