Online Fly Tying Instructions

The Internet abounds with information about how to tie flies, from classic standbys like the Royal Wulff and the Parachute Adams to the obscure Ray Charles or the Agent Orange. You will also find video instructions about how to use techniques like whip-finishing that are difficult to describe adequately with words in a book. You can also use online fly tying instructions to tie "local" flies that will match the hatches on a river you plan to visit.

Instructions

    • 1

      Visit the websites of fly shops near the rivers you intend to fish. Many include instructions on how to tie local flies. If they don't, read the fishing reports and browse their selections of flies to find out what kind of flies you need to learn to tie.

    • 2

      Navigate to video websites like youtube.com and vimeo.com to learn different fly-tying techniques. Search for "fly tying whip finish" to learn how to use a whip-finishing tool. Similar search techniques will show you how to use a hair stacker or to use hackle pliers. You will find a video for just about any fly-tying technique you can imagine.

    • 3

      Visit the websites of nonprofit fly-fishing organizations. The local chapters of Trout Unlimited often feature useful tutorials and step-by step instructions for tying popular local flies. In the northwest, west-fly.org maintains an extensive library of different flies anglers use on western rivers. Each entry includes tying instructions, and information about when and how to fish the fly. The Federation of Fly Fishers also maintains a useful section about fly tying.