Fly Tying Tuesday: The Kreelex

Last weekend was so much fun for me.  It only accounted for three fish (and almost a few other monsters) and was thanks, in large part, to The Kreelex.  The Kreelex is a fly composed of all flash and is almost irresistible to trout.  I've tied this pattern in silver and gold for rainbows, but gold and copper work well for brownies.  Tie some of these up and go hammer some early season trout.  Great pattern in the winter as well.  Double peace!

Tying Tuesday Result: The Zebra Midge

This year's Tuesday Tyer sessions have been more of an opportunity for me to take in some fun stories and tell some of my own.  I would be lucky to tie two flies in the three hour session.  This past tuesday was different.  While stories were still prevalent, I hunkered down to get some flies tied.  Zebra midges and big streamers were on the menu.  Check out the tying video for the Zebra Midge below.  A quick and easy pattern that will produce throughout the year.

When I first started fly fishing, I couldn't believe some of the tiny patterns featured in fly shop bins.  "How the heck does thread catch fish?" I thought.  Well, when I finally had an opportunity to see these bugs in my seine net, I had a better understanding as to why these patterns work so well.  Next time you're fishing in spring or fall, or are in the middle of a midge hatch, do a quick seine to see the larva present.  You'll see why small and easy is the way to go.  Enjoy the video!

Fly Tying Tuesday on Wednesday: The Marabou Clouser

I wanted to post this yesterday, but did not get to it.  Hanging out with the little ones was just too fun!  Anyway, this is my favorite pattern for spring white bass, smallies, northern pike, walleye (yes walleye!), crappie and largemouth.  You can use it all year in cold water, warm water, even saltwater!  Presentation is key with the marabou clouser, and is very species and condition dependent.  Smallies typically like a more erratic retrieve, whereas whitey-fords and eyes will prefer a slow strip and stop approach in the spring.  A few things to note when planning to tie a clouser:

• I do not, typically, make wraps on the marabou behind the eyes.  I like the fact that it "flares out" in the water, and makes it move even when standing still.  Many strikes come when this fly is not even moving.  I have, however, tied it like that and have still caught fish.  Whatever you prefer.  
• Mix it up!  I love the fact that you can mix and match materials to improve this fly's catchability given specific fishing conditions.  Try craft fur or superhair instead of bucktail, a soft hackle collar behind the real eyes, or maybe a sharpie to bar the marabou.  
• Tie it sparsely and don't worry too much about being as neat as possible.  Again, the fish like it thin and they are not going to critique your tying skills before they munch on it.  
• My favorite color combinations include chartreuse/white(spring), blue/white(spring & fall), white/white (summer).  Other colors would work too, so tie up some orange, pinks, black/browns, etc.  

Enjoy the video!

Tying the San Juan Worm

This is one of my favorite nymphing patterns of all time.  It catches fish all year and is an easy tie.  I'll be using it next week when I head out to Rapid City to attend the Fly Fishing Film Tour.  Give this fly a shot next time you have a few deeper holding fish who seem to be dieting.  A nice big "worm" will likely be the thing that brings them to eat...and to hand.