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It not much of a secret that Clouser style flies are among my favorite patterns. Tied with bucktail, squirrel tail, and fox tail in a variety of sizes, color, and weightings this simple tie fills numerous boxes.  But they are not the only patterns I fish, yarn bodies patterns and a couple variations of woolly buggers/leaches are staples.

I mention this as I will be showing off my tying skills or lack thereof tomorrow night; Wednesday February 16 at the Rocky Mountain Flycasters’ Annual Fly Tying Expo in Fort Collins.  This fund raising event features numerous other tiers including:   Rick Takahashi, Jason Haddix, and Dennis Martin from Angler's Roost; Terry Gibson and Ted Meredith from Bob's Fly Shop; Dave Coulson from Fish Explorer; Connor Murphy from Fossil Ridge High School Fly Fishing Club; Jake Ruthven from Elkhorn Rod & Reel; Caleb Van Wagner from Kirk's Flyshop; Dick Shinton and Mike Kruise from Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop; Guy Turenne from Rocky Mountain Flycasters; Grant Houx and Jin Choi from St Peter's Fly Shop; Jason Goodale from Montanya Fly Company; and Steve Schweitzer, Mark McMillan, Al Ritt, and Eric Ishiwata. 

Yes, it’s a fund raiser, so there is a $20 admission, but aside from all the great tiers to visit, watch, and learn from, you also get fed a plate of Texas Roadhouse food and a beverage.  And there’s more that price includes five raffle tickets. Plus, there is a beginner’s station where you can try your hand at tying.  Ah, and did I perchance mention, I’ll be tying streamers, just in case your vision is such you can’t see Takahashi’s midges.  Why, else do you think I tie on size 2 hooks?  OK, yes they do catch fish on occasion.

So come on out Wednesday from 5:30 to 9:00 at the Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525.

Now if you can’t make the Tying Expo, I’m giving you a second chance to witness me fumbling around a vise.  I’m doing a demo for Jax Outdoor Gear, 950 E. Eisenhower in Loveland from 10 to noon.   This one is free, that is assuming you can get out of a fishing store with money in your pocket.  Either way, I hope to see you at one of these events.