Bass Flies Tying Demo Staturday, October 5

One of the great things about fall, aside from some great fishing, football, and hunting, is it’s the time many shops start having weekend fly tying demonstrations. 

Brian, owner of Elkhorn Fly Rod and Reel in Loveland, asked if I’d be willing to do a demonstration this Saturday, October 5, to which I readily agreed.  It’s always an honor to be asked to tie in front of others, especially as I tie for exactly one reason, to catch fish.  That differs from those who tie to sell, create new patterns to sell, or otherwise make a living tying. 

Over the years I’ve dabbled with tying commercially, I've taught a few classes, and even dreamed up a few patterns (still do out of necessity).  But today, I tie primarily to produce “lures” to catch fish.  Most any fly/lure off the store shelf will do that.  However, I believe that by tying your own flies they can be more effective that store bought. 

The reason is simple; you can tie to match the specific “hatch” and conditions where you fish most.  Tying your own allows you to tweak size, bulk, weight, colors . . . you name it.  As many know I’m a big fan of clouser minnow patterns.  But you can’t buy anything like fish.  Primarily, because the store versions are typically saltwater ties, big heavy hooks/eyes, light dress, heavy on flash, limited color combinations, and limited size selection.  Good product, but limiting. By tying I’m able to adjust hook sizes, eye weight, dressing, colors, etc.  Thus, I can select a fly from my box that will complement the conditions I’m fishing.

So when I do fly tying demonstrations, I’m more about showing patterns I use, explaining such things as, why I like the patterns, why I tie them the way I do, giving suggestions on tweaking them, and more.  Yes, you do learn about tying techniques, but I hope to convey a bit more  in my demonstrations. It is my hope you’ll walk away from the demonstration thinking about how tweaking your favorite patterns can improve your presentations and catch rates.

This Saturday’s demonstration will cover bass flies, primarily wet flies.  Some of what I will cover includes, tube fly (my answer to a gitzit), clousers, foxee clousers (including a jig look-a-like), meat whistler, streamers, slider, and more if we have time.

The demonstration is free to all and is being held this Saturday, Oct 5, from 10-12 a.m. at

Elkhorn Fly Rod and Reel, LLC
3121 W. Eisenhower Blvd.
Loveland, CO 80537
970-227-4707
www.elkhornflyrodandreel.com

I hope to see you there.