Building Character is the Key

For those of you that have just started tying here are some tips to help you build your flies with a little character.

When you take a good look at all of the fly patterns out there the most effective and popular fly patterns are the ones that take on the proper characteristics needed to catch fish such as color, size, shape and silhouette. The best tied fly patterns are those that are tied with a sense of realism and this is the way I approach the bench when I tie my flies. Let me be more specific and put the "key" triggering points in some sort of order for you.

1. Color is key. Nymphs are usually darker than their adult counterparts and differ in color between mayfly species. Also as nymphs grow they shed their skin leaving them lighter in color until their new bodies harden and get darker. That's why it is good to tie nymphs in light colors like a hare's ear and also in dark colors like a pheasant tail, mimicking the color stages of growth. Emergers can be varied in color. Many emergers are tied in two color tones in the body, dark blended into light. When a Mayfly hatches it's body is exposed to the oxygen in the outside air and begins to show it's true colors. Spinners as they are called or what I call spent winged flies can be darker as they are dying or dead. So having the right choice of color is key.

2. Size, shape and silhouette is key. The proper hook size and body along with wing style, number of tails, etc. is important when imitating the different types of mayfly species. Proportions are key.

3. Fly tying with a sense of realism is key. Taking a little extra time at the vise to add features to make a fly pattern appear more realistic to the trout can make a difference. One example is that you could tie an egg sac on a mayfly, another could be to tie antennae on a caddis imitation and so on. Adding realistic features is key.

    There are many tying books out there so look for ones that give you a visual comparison between an artificial and the real insect. Although it is not a step by step tying book, the Hatch Guide to New England Trout Streams by Thomas Ames is an excellent reference for you to visualize the different stages, colors, sizes, etc. along with the proper patterns to match the hatch. So if you are going to spend time at the vise and tie your own creations why not experiment with all of the above to achieve patterns that will give you the angling advantage and definitely improve your catch.

Tightlines! Shawn