Flicking feathers

 To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers . November's giveaway winner is Danny McGinty- the small stillwater selection will be heading to him soon. As we're entering the festive season, I've added some extras for Christmas.  There will be 3 prizes;  1 The usual selection of flies & a signed copy of Steffan Jones' Seatrout 2 A signed copy of Steffan Jones' Seatrout & the fly matters mug 3 A Sport Fishing Asia SPF 50 long sleeve T-shirt

 This is basically a zebra/mercury midge using an ice-blue wire rib and blue pearl glass bead.  I find this fly works very well in tailwaters and stillwaters, especially in winter. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers   Materials list  Hook: TMC 2488 size 14-24 Bead: Blue pearl lined glass bead (I found these in an accessory making shop) Thread: Uni 8/0 black Rib: Ice blue semperfli wire

Another of my articles on www.sexyloops.com   It often seems to me that as anglers we probably suffer from some kind of delusional mental illness.  Now, I think this applies to conventional anglers as well as fly anglers but possibly more so to us...again and again you can hear, read articles or see videos where people assert with absolute confidence that the fish is taking a fly/lure because it imitates X prey species. Fair enough you might say, and I'd be inclined to agree in certain situations. For example, catch a midge feeding trout on a midge pattern that is the same size and colour as the naturals and you can reasonably assume that the fish "believed" the fly was a midge. But the tendency is, to my mind, over applied. Do daphnia feeders really think fire orange blob is a giant clump of daphnia? How about great lakes musky eating a firetiger baitfish? Or do smallmouth really think a boogle bug is a giant insect? It's impossible to truly know but I'm skeptica

 Another old  one I did for www.sexyloops.com Tales of the unexpected  A couple of weeks ago, I'd never have thought of swinging streamers as a viable option for carp on fly. It's almost the opposite of everything I've learned targeting carp on the fly; fishing blind instead of sighting targets, feeling the line rip out of your fingers instead of watching the fish to hit the eat before the fish spits the fly.  But last weekend I made a discovery while fishing for maruta, a sea running species of Japanese cyprinid. The run has been a bit late this year but they eventually appeared in numbers and blasted straight up the Tamagawa to spawn. The main way of fishing for maruta is a swung fly, similar to how you'd fish for salmon.  This year I caught a grand total of zero maruta, but on 2 separate days I caught multiple carp on a red streamer being swung on a sink tip. The first fish I assumed was some kind of fluke, then 2 casts after the release the line zipped away and anot

 Another old one from www.sexyloops.com With the cherry blossoms blooming all around Tokyo signalling spring, I've been tying a lot of panfish flies as I get ready for the warmer weather. I stuck a few pics and how to videos online and the responses have been pretty mixed. I'm not surprised that some of the flies have been divisive-some of them are, frankly, pure filth but I have been a bit surprised by how many people are dismissive of panfish as a target.  Yes the can be very easy to catch, and are abundant within their range, they're aggressive but they're not always stupid and they're beautiful little and sometimes not so little fish. Yes trout are pretty -the disdain for the bluegill comes mainly from trout anglers it seems-, especially small panfish-sized ones can also be very easy to catch.  For me there's at least as much angling skill in going along a bank on foot or in my zoomy bubble boat (float tube) identifying structure, making a nice presentation

Another old article from www.sexyloops.com  Now that spring is in full swing, the cherry blossoms are opening all over Tokyo and the carp  are mostly finished spawning it's time for me to start hitting the rivers in search of mud bones.  So yesterday I went to a river near my apartment to see what I could find.  This place is where I caught my first carp on fly about 10 years ago, starting my obsession  with the species and my 60 day a year carp habit that lasted till some time in 2017. Since  then I barely fished for carp and I definitely lost my edge.  Last year my return to carp was a humbling experience and it felt like 2 or 3 fish days were an   impossible task, let alone the 6-10 I had become accustomed to expect. So the question is  why?.... Well I lost my sharpness; being stealthy, getting close, reading fish and hitting eats  had all - predictably - deteriorated.  The last few months have been an interesting time as I've been re-honing my skills and  questioning things

  This super simple little fly is essentially a perdigon variant that is super quick to tie and catches trout everywhere. Try it in various weights or colour variations. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Jig hook 12-20 Weight: Slotted tungsten bead Threads: Uni 8/0 rusty dun/olive (use other contrasting colours you like) Tail: Coq de Leon Rib: XS coloured wire Abdomen: Lighter thread Thorax: Darker thread

  Instructions for a flashy little midge pattern that works great in both rivers and still waters. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: TMC 2488 14-24 Thread: Olive uni 8/0 Weight: Rainbow bead Abdomen: Mixed flash strands Rib: Thread tag Thorax: Dark rainbow spectraflash dubbing

  Another old article from www.sexyloops.com Is chicken eugenics the enemy of good fishing flies? I think it is, and the fly tying fashion that is going hand in glove with "improved" genetics is creating a, possibly, vicious cycle.  The improvement in genetic dry fly hackle makes many things easier and for some flies like the Griffiths gnat or stimulator is a vast improvement on what was available before. However, I am not sure if the downside of these hackles has really been acknowledged. Yes they have longer stems that are thinner more flexible and less likely to break, but they also have a far denser count of barbs that are much stiffer and consistent than what you'll find on any Indian or Chinese hackle. On the face of it, this all seems good and makes flies look quit crisp on the vice but is it as good as it seems?  I remember a period in the late 80s or early 90s when the "trick" of trimming the underside of a dry fly seemed to be the top tip in every dry

  The peeping caddis needs no introduction, here I've tied my version using an instajig or offset tungsten bead which gives a hook up presentation but allows you to use a longer hook shank than a typical jig hook and slotted bead, which I think gives a better cased caddis. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: 1x or 2x long nymph hook (I used TMC 3761) Weight: Offset tungsten bead Thread: Rusty dun 8/0 Uni Peeping grub: Fl chartreuse ice dub Legs: Partridge or hen hackle fibers Case: Natural hare's ear or similar

  another old post from www.sexyloops.com I've recently spent a lot of time looking at pictures of winged termites and hoglice (sow bugs for our American friends) trying to dial in some better imitations than I've seen so far. For termites there's not a lot out there so there's a lot of messing around trying to get something that will look edible to a wild gourami. Because of Paul's input on gourami being very hard to fool and termites being a new imitation, I'm giving it much more time at the design and willing to allow the individual tie to be much longer than a trout fly would take-if my new hoglouse takes more than about 3minutes to tie, it's not acceptable when a Ray Charles will do largely the same job most of the time. So why bother? Well, it's a combination of things for me, a bit of confidence, a bit of giving them something different and just the enjoyment of spending time playing around at the vice, picking out the key features that I think wi

  This simple dry fly is a good choice for any of the small mayfly species. not only that, it's a quick easy tie and can easily be modified on stream to sit flush with the surface. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Dry fly 12-20 Thread: Uni 8/0 Tail: Coq de Leon or hackle fibers Abdomen: Superfine dubbing Hackle: blue dun cock Thorax: Superfine dubbing

Another of my early pages for sexyloops.com Recently I've been thinking a lot about how I explain things on video or while teaching. This naturally got me thinking about how fly fishing media explains stuff, and the more I read, watch or listen to the more I'm convinced that not all of it is really designed to help.  For example, I recently watched a video about streamer heads- something that is actually quite simple to understand and describe. However, the explanation given was convuluted and full of what seemed like deliberate use of technical sounding (but inaccurate) jargon. This really turned me off, and I made me think that either the "teacher" didn't really understand what he was teaching or was trying to prevent actual learning, small wonder that beginners are often intimidated when confronted with this style of instruction. Compare this to excellent streamer videos from people like Kelly Galloup or Nicklaus Bauer that are simple, matter of fact and easy t

An early article of mine from sexyloops.com "How do I get better at tying flies?" Practise! Probably the most common question I get asked when tying at club nights, shows or through the YouTube channel.  Unfortunately, my answer is rarely what the questioner is looking for.  There aren't really any shortcuts-you need to practise, pay attention to what you're practising and be critical of your work. "But I tie lots of flies, I'm practising all the time!"  That's not really practising. If you really want to improve something in your tying work on that. When I started learning to tie flies and I wanted to learn a technique, say slip wings for dries or elk hair caddis wings, I would tie sets of wings down a long shank 8, cut them off and start again until I was happy they were all good enough. Then I'd tie some split wing dries for my box and they'd all be good enough.  There are any number of videos and images around the internet for you to use

 The X-Caddis is a fantastic dry fly, here I've tied an egg laying grannom version, but you can adjust the size and colour to suit your waters. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Ultimate dry fly 14-16 Thread: 8/0  Shuck/egg sack: Fl green antron yarn Body: Squirrel & SLF dubbing blend Wing: Natural deer hair

 Harrold's Grouse & Claret is an old seatrout pattern with the same straggly long hackled profile as the Goat's Toe or Camasunary Killer that  works well for browns, rainbows and salmon too. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B175 size 8-12 Thread: Uni 8/0 black Tail: Globrite no.9 (originally phosphor yellow wool) Rib: Oval gold Body: rear 1/2 claret seal fur with peacock herl in front Hackle: Grouse neck tied long

I love pollock, can't wait to get out fir them next time I'm back in Scotland.

Geoffry Bucknal's Footballer is a fantastic buzzer imitation dating back to the 1960s. Here, I've substituted the more durable and readily available superhair for the original horse hair but otherwise this is the same deadly stillwater. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron. Materials list Hook: All purpose medium weight size 12-18   Thread: White or grey 8/0 Abdomen: 1 stand each, black and white ultra hair or horse hair Thorax: Mole fur Head: Peacock herl

Here's a simple but very effective and versatile hare's ear pattern that can be fished in the surface film, as a nymph or as a wet fly in rivers and stillwaters. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials List Hook: All purpose medium weight or Kamasan B170 10-16 Thread: Tan Uni 8/0 Body: Hare's ear dubbing Rib Fine flat gold tinsel Hackle: Red game or furnace Indian hen neck

These scruffy, lightweight buzzers are really a platform pattern that can be adjusted in size and colour to suit your location.  Fish them high in the water column when fish are feeding on emerging midge. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: All purpos medium weight size 10-16 Thread: Olive Uni 8/0 Breathers: Antron yarn (split the yarn in half) Abdomen: Any rough olive dubbing (I used Swiss dub mungee dubbing) Rib: Buzzer wrap (pearl tinsel, or clear wrap are also good) Wing buds: 4 strands of Globrite no 6  Thorax: Any rough olive dubbing

The Okie Dokie is a great stillwater fly for indicator fishing. Whether fish eat it for a buzzer, a grub or out of aggression/curiosity I don't know, but eat it they do. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B420 size 10 Thread: Glo-brite floss (no. 16 & No.7) Rib: Fine oval silver

A simple but effective lake and pond olive nymph pattern that has served me well for years.To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Material list Hook: Heavy wet 14-16 Thread: Uni 8/0 light cahill Tail: Dun hen hackle fibres Rib: Fine gold wire Abdomen: Olive squirrel & SLF blend Wing case: Grey Mallard Hackle: Dun hen Thorax: Olive squirrel & SLF blend

Stan Headley's Blushing Buzzer is a fantastic chironomid imitation for loch style fishing. It can be used like a wet fly or nymph and is deadly in a black buzzer hatch. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B420 or similar size 10-14 Thread: Black 8/0 Body: Tying thread, well varnished Thorax: Peacock herl Cheeks: Globrite no.8 floss Hackle: Black hen (sparse)

The pupa of the phantom fly is similar to a buzzer and this imitation is very effective fished near the surface in hatches of both insects. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: All purpose medium weight or similar size 14-18 Thread: Black 8/0 Abdomen: Clear polythene over silver tinsel Thorax: Peacock herl Hackle: Cream/White hen (very sparse)

Phantom flies are a common stillwater food source, being 2 winged flies they strongly resemble midges as adults but the larva are somewhat more transparent than bloodworm. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Fulling Mill all purpose medium or similar size 14-18 Thread: Uni 8/0 fire orange Body: Clear polythene Under body: Silver tinsel with a band of orange thread in the middle Thorax: Orange dubbing

The Ostrich Nymph is a classic suggestive pattern that has falen from popularity somewhat-it shouldn't have! It can be tied in a range of sizes and colours to suit a variety of situations. They're deadly when tied simply and also with added hot spots or flash. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Nymph hook 10-16 (TMC 5262/Kamasan B200 or similar) Weight: lead wire (optional) Thread: Uni 8/0 to match body Tail: Pheasant tail fibres Rib: Fine silver wire Abdomen: Ostrich herl Thorax cover: Pheasant tail Thorax: Ostrich herl

The Jersey Herd is another of Tom Iven's patterns that has stood the test of time.  Great for reservoir trout, but also perch, bass and sunfish, anything that eats a small minnow  really. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamazan B175 8-14 (original pattern was bigger on a long shanked hook) Thread: Uni 8/0 black Tail: Peacock herl Rib: Gold wire Body: Gold  or copper tinsel (or braid) Back: Peacock herl Hackle: Orange cock hackle Head: Peacock herl

Tom Iven's brown and green has been around since the 60s and although it has fallen out of popularity with many, it remains an absolutely fantastic stillwater trout fly for both large and small waters.To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Wet fly 8-16 (Kamazan B175 or similar) Thread: 8/0 Uni black Tail: 4-5 peacock herls Body: Olive and brown ostrich herls wound together Rib: Gold tinsel or wire Back: As tail Head: Peacock herl

A quick lockdown video, giving you guys a look round the Flicking Feathers nerve center. Hopefully it's enjoyable and gives you some insight into sorting and storing your materials. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers

Here's a nice little shrimp fly that works well across the north of England and Scotland and is well worth a place in the box.  I've adjusted the proportions a little as I think the slimmer more tapered fly swims better, but the fish probably don't mind. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials List Hook: Salmon single, double or treble Thread: Hot orange 8/0 Tail: Brownish hair from the back of an orange bucktail Body: Copper holographic tinsel Rib: silver wire Wing: Dyed ginger shadow fox

Vince's Loudmouth  popper is a well designed popper head that makes much more noise than its size suggests, it's also Paul Arden's go to fly for giant snakehead in Malaysia's Royal Belum.  To find out more about fishing there head to www.sexyloops.com Materials list Hook: Gamakatsu B10s 2/0-1 Thread: Any 6/0 Balance: lead wire Tail: Red & olive fur or marabou Legs: Grizzly olive hackles Collar: Grizzly olive hackle Head: foam cylinder wrapped with 2mm foam To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers

If you're interested in some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing head to www.sexyloops.com and see if you can get over to Belum. This simple dry fly is what Paul Arden used to crack the code on Malaysia's giant gourami. They are super  tough fish to catch, and honestly make permit look amateur.  To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Gamakatsu bonefish hook size 10 Thread: Brown 8/0 Body: Yellow foam cylinder Wing/hackle: CDC Brown marker.

The Bomber is another great dry fly for Atlantic salmon and works both skated or dead drift depending on the location and mood of the fish.  To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Long shank down eyed 12-2 (I've used a partridge bomber hook) Thread: GSP 100 den & Uni 8/0 Tail: White calf tail Wing: White calf tail Hackle: Red game saddle hackle Rib: GSP thread Body: Spun deer belly hair

The Ness C is a nice long tailed shrimp pattern from the North East of Scotland.  The fluorescent, flashy body make this a good choice for stained water or overcast days. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Silver double Thread: 12/0 white & 8/0 fire orange Tag: Oval silver tinsel Tail: Mix of fl. orange, fl. purple and fl. yellow bucktail Flash: Crystal hair Rib: Silver wire or oval tinsel Under body: Globrite 15 floss Rear body: Pearl tinsel Front: Globrite 15 floss 1st hackle: Fl yellow Chinese cock 2nd Hackle: Fl orange Chinese cock

The bead butt or Jennifer Lopez is a great little bug for panfish like bluegillcrappie & red ear, that also works for carp, bass and more. It should be in every warm water fly box. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: 2x long nymph hook Weight: glass or metal bead Thread :8/0 Skirt: Silli legs Body: Ultra chenille

The Cascade is a fantastic fly from Ally Gowans that has probably overtaken the Ally's Shrimp in popularity across Scotland and beyond. It's a real confidence fly. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Singles and doubles,  4-12 Thread: Black 8/0 Tag: Oval silver tinsel Tail: Orange & yellow bucktail Flash: Crystal flash Rib: Oval silver tinsel Body: Silver holographic tinsel & black floss Wing: Black fox or similar Hackle 1: Yellow cock or hen Hackle 2 Orange cock or hen

The green machine is a popular Canadian dry fly for salmon that has travels well and has taken good fish in Russia, Scotland and Scandanavia too. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list. Hook: Up eyed Salmon single 4-8 Thread: GSP 100 den. / black uni 8/0 Butt: Globrite floss no.12 then no.4 Tail: Crystal flash (You can also use calf tail or leave the tail off) Body: Green deer hair, spun and clipped to shape Hackle: red game saddle Rib: Tag end of GSP thread

The Tummel shrimp is a nice long tailed shrimp pattern from Ally Gowans.  The colour combination is a classic for atlantic salmon making this fly well worth having in your box. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Salmon single or double 6-14 Thread: Black 8/0 Tag: Oval silver Tail: Orange, yellow and black bucktail mixed Flash: Pearl crystal flash Body: Black floss Rib: Oval silver tinsel Hackle 1: Orange cock Hackle 2: Blue guinea fowl

The offshore version of Bob Popovics' banger fly is a fantastic option for sailfish and marilin in larger sizes. It is also very effective for mahi mahi and other pelagics when tied in smaller sizes. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Tube: 3mm inner diameter plastic + optional silicon junction tube Head: HD foam cylinder 1/2" - 1" diameter Flash: Decorators tape Eyes: 12mm prismatic tape eye Body: Saddle hackle Adhesive: Epoxy (5-10 min)

This is a variant of thee Tosh or black & yellow which is a fantastic colour combination for salmon whether tied on a hook, tube or waddington. Just adjust the size to suit the river conditions. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Patriot double size 10 (Salmon singles, doubles, trebles or tubes) Thread: Black 8/0 Tag: Oval silver tinsel Tail: Black arctic runner Body: Black floss Rib: Oval silver tinsel Underwing: Yellow arctic runner Flash: Yellow crystal flash Hackle: Yellow hen Over wing: Black arctic runner

The Oystercatcher taking inspiration from the bird,is a nice modern hair wing colour combination that has proven effective in Scotland and Scandinavia. This is technically a variant, but it  fits the pattern closely. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials List Hook: Salmon singles, doubles, trebbles or tubes Thread: Black Uni 8/0/Fl fire orange UTC 70 denier Tag: Oval silver tinsel Tail: Orange hair topped with with white hair (I used arctic runner) Flash: Orange crystal flash Body: Black floss Rib: Oval silver tinsel Hackle: White hen Wing: Black hair (I used arctic runner) Cheeks: Jungle cock

This is a different take on the standard billfish tube fly.  The Squid heads are from Ron Blair in Canada who has had some good results in testing them in South America. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials List Tube: HMH ard plastic 3mm or similar Thread: GSP 100 Body: Alternating  coloured bunches of saddle hackle Flash: Saltwater flashabou Collar: Marabou Head: Ron Blair squid head

The Comet with its classic colour scheme is a fantastic salmon tube, both for spring fish and the big fish in the back end of the season.  To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Tube: 3/4 -2 inch copper slipstream Thread: Fl. red/black 8/0 Tag: Oval silver Tail: Yellow bucktail Rib: Oval silver Rear body: Red floss Mid-wing: Red bucktail Rib: Oval silver Front body: Black floss Front wing: Black bucktail

John Goddard's Copperknob is a fantastic trout and grayling fly and well worth its space in your river box. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: 1-2x long nymph hook size 12-18 Thread: Uni 8/0 tan (or similar) Weight: Copper tungsten bead Rib: Copper tinsel Body: Hare's ear or squirrel dubbing

An easy but effective tie that works well in midge and mayfly hatches.  I prefer to tie these on the light side for European style nymphs and fish them above something heavier. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: jig hook 20-16 Weight: Tungsten bead Thread: Olive Uni 8/0 Tail: Pearl crystal flash Body: Veniard super stretch  floss, medium olive Thorax: Fluo shell pink  ice dubbing

Developed by Tweed  ghillie Peter Lee, this tube fly is reportedly a good taker of fish when fished fast in coloured water. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Tube: 1 inch copper Thread: 8/0 fire orange Butt: Thread Rib: Fine gold wire Body: Gold mylar piping Throat: Kingfisher blue cock hackle or hair Wing: Orange bucktail Flash: Orange Crystal flash

The Red Tag must b one of the most productive trout and grayling flies on the planet, here's a modernised version for European style nymphing. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Jig 10-18 Weight Slotted tungsten bead Thread: Uni 8/0 Tail: Glo-brite no. 4 Rib: Silver wire Body: Peacock dyed red Hackle: CDC Collar: Spectra flash dubbing (rainbow)

This one is about as simple as they come. Quick to tie and easily adapted to different colours, sizes and weights, this little bug should be in every trout and grayling angler's box.To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Jig 10-18 Weight Slotted tungsten bead Thread: UTC 70 fluorescent green (orange and pink are also good) Body: Hare's ear dubbing dyed olive Collar: Brown-olive ice dub

Here I'm doing a small Perdigon nymph with body quill for the thread with almost wrap by wrap detail on how to work with such a thick thread on such a small fly. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Standard shank nymph 18-22 Weight: Instajig bead Thread: Veevus body quills Tail: Coq de Leon Rib/Hot spot: 70 denier UTC Wing case: Black nail polish Coating: Head cement

The deep blue is a great cold water anchor fly for European style nymphing that works well for both trout and grayling. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Jig hook size 12-14 Bead: 3.8 mm or larger slotted tungsten Thread: Uni 8/0 black Tail: Fine blue tinsel Body: UV buzzer wrap Rib: Semperfli ice blue wire

The Sexy Walt's is a super easy, super quick, super effective little nymph pattern that catches fish everywhere. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Jig 10-20 Weight: Slotted tungsten bead Thread: 8/0 FL orange, green, red or pink Body: Hare's ear or squirrel Rib: Pearl tinsel

This is basically a zebra/mercury midge using an ice-blue wire rib and blue pearl glass bead.  I find this fly works very well in tailwaters and stillwaters, especially in winter. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: TMC 2488 size 14-24 Bead: Blue pearl lined glass bead (I found these in an accessory making shop) Thread: Uni 8/0 black Rib: Ice blue semperfli wire

This super simple little fly is essentially a perdigon variant that is super quick to tie and catches trout everywhere. Try it in various weights or colour variations. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Jig hook 12-20 Weight: Slotted tungsten bead Threads: Uni 8/0 rusty dun/olive (use other contrasting colours you like) Tail: Coq de Leon Rib: XS coloured wire Abdomen: Lighter thread Thorax: Darker thread

Instructions for a flashy little midge pattern that works great in both rivers and still waters. To support the channel and be eligible for giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: TMC 2488 14-24 Thread: Olive uni 8/0 Weight: Rainbow bead Abdomen: Mixed flash strands Rib: Thread tag Thorax: Dark rainbow spectraflash dubbing

The peeping caddis needs no introduction, here I've tied my version using an instajig or offset tungsten bead which gives a hook up presentation but allows you to use a longer hook shank than a typical jig hook and slotted bead, which I think gives a better cased caddis.  To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: 1x or 2x long nymph hook (I used TMC 3761) Weight: Offset tungsten bead Thread: Rusty dun 8/0 Uni Peeping grub: Fl chartreuse ice dub Legs: Partridge or hen hackle fibers Case: Natural hare's ear or similar

This simple dry fly is a good choice for any of the small mayfly species. not only that, it's a quick easy tie and can easily be modified on stream to sit flush with the surface. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Dry fly 12-20 Thread: Uni 8/0 Tail: Coq de Leon or hackle fibers Abdomen: Superfine dubbing Hackle: blue dun cock Thorax: Superfine dubbing

The X-Caddis is a fantastic dry fly, here I've tied an egg laying grannom version, but you can adjust the size and colour to suit your waters. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Ultimate dry fly 14-16 Thread: 8/0 Shuck/egg sack: Fl green antron yarn Body: Squirrel & SLF dubbing blend Wing: Natural deer hair

Rene Harrop's Last chance cripple is an excellent option when fish are selectively picking off crippled or emerging mayfly. Tie them in a range of sizes and colours to represent the different hatches in your area. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Dry fly 12-20 Thread: Uni 8/0 Tail: Mallard flank Trapped shuck: Z-lon/antron, tied sparse Body: Goose biot Thorax: Dry fly dubbing Wing: CDC Hackle: Dun cock hackle

The Avatar is a great emerger from Rim Chung, very similar to his RS2, but the curved hook and tailless body create quite a different impression, perhaps more representative of midges or caddis.To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: TMC 200R 16-22, TMC 2488 24-28 Thread: Uni 8/0 Body: Superfine dubbing Wing: CDC

The WD40 is a fantastic small baetis pattern. It's a quick, relatively easy tie even though it's best tied in size 16 and smaller. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through p aypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: TMC 2487 or similar size 16-28 Thread: Uni 8/0 (olive, tan,brown, burgundy and rusty dun are good options) Tail/wing case: Wood duck flank, or mallard dyed wood duck Abdomen: Thread Thorax: Superfine dubbing or similar Hook:

Harrold's Grouse & Claret is an old seatrout pattern with the same straggly long hackled profile as the Goat's Toe or Camasunary Killer that  works well for browns, rainbows and salmon too. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B175 size 8-12 Thread: Uni 8/0 black Tail: Globrite no.9 (originally phosphor yellow wool) Rib: Oval gold Body: rear 1/2 claret seal fur with peacock herl in front Hackle: Grouse neck tied long

This little yellow mayfly pattern is ideal on slightly calmer days when bigger options might just be too much. It also makes an excellent point fly. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B175 size 12 Thread: Brown Uni 8/0 Tail: Pheasant tail Body: Yellow seal fur Rib: Oval gold tinsel Body hackle: Yellow Chinese cock Head hackle: Mallard flank dyed yellow

The Grace Kelly is an excellent Irish mayfly pattern. It tends to work best on the point or middle dropper. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B175 size 8-12 Thread: Uni 8/0 Brown Tail: Pheasant tail fibers Rib: Oval gold tinsel Body: Golden olive seal fur Hackle: Ginger chinese cock Wing: Mallard flank dyed yellow

The rubber candy is another of Bob Popovic's excellent creations. Although it  seems less popular than the surf candy, it is a fantastic option that offers an alternative presentation thanks to its bouyancy. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: standard saltwater hook of your choice, size 2-2/0 Thread: Clear monofilament Tail: Bucktail Lateral Line: Flasabou or similar Back: Ostrich herl Body: Estaz or similar cactus style chenille Eyes: Flat tape eyes (don't use 3D/dome eyes) Coating: Clear household silicon

The mini stick is a great little variation on the stick fly caddis pattern.  It works great fished in a team of wets, nymphs or in the washing line. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B175 size 10-14 Thread: black Uni 8/0 Tag: Glo brite 11 floss Body: Peacock herl Rib: Gold wire Hackle: Red game hen

Geordie Murdoch's Humpy is a simple but very effective caddis pattern that's very similar to an oversized Tom Thumb. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B175 size 10-12 Thread: 6/0 Uni Tail: Roe deer hair Body & wing: Roe deer

I took a guy from the office fishing.   He'd been asking to go for a while, but it took ages to get the schedules all worked out.   I always enjoy indoctrinating new acolytes.  As we live on opposite sides of Tokyo, we decided to meet at a river a couple of hours to the North of the city, with a good head of carp, bass and catfish.  Nothing too difficult on the casting front and with plenty of opportunities so he'd be in with a chance. Gerard told me he had fished before, but when we got down to the river and I handed him the rod, it quickly became clear that he had been a bit confused on the difference between fly fishing and bait fishing. We spent an hour or so on a quiet pool going through some basic casting before making our way along the river in search of willing fish. It took some time but after a while he managed a couple of decent short shots that were good enough to get an eat had they gone in first time. It was getting close.  It was great to watch help with s

Somewhere between a wet fly and a mini-lure Davie Chalmers' Qualifier is a great point fly option late in the season, especially effective for fry feeders. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Kamasan B175 size 10 Thread: Black 8/0 Tail: Globrite no.7 and pearl crystal hair/crystal flash Body: Silver tinsel RIb: Silver wire Hackle: Brown partridge Wing: Natural grey squirrel tail Cheeks: Jungle cock

A real old fly pattern, the Bracken Clock is a highly effective beetle imitation dating back to at least the 1840s. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: All purpose medium 12-16 Thread: Red 8/0 Body: Peacockherl twisted with red silk (I use globrite no.3 floss) Hackle: Black tipped neck feather from a cock pheasant

The yellow dun is a fairly common mayfly that, contrary to popular mythology, trout love to feed on. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: All purpose medium weight size 12 Thread: Uni 8/0 light cahill Hackle: Indian hen dyed pale primrose yellow Tail: A few fibers of pale primrose hackle Body: Pale yellow superfine

The Super Pupa is a fantastic emerging caddis imitation from Sweden.  It works well in both rivers and still waters. To support my channel and enter the giveaways head to https://www.patreon.com/flickingfeathers and become a patron or support through paypal.me/flickingfeathers Materials list Hook: Dry fly hook 12-18 Thread: 8/0 to match body colour Body: Superfine dubbing or similar Hackle: High quality cock hackle