When it comes to tying leaders or attaching tippet, the blood knot is one of the most widely used knots in fly fishing. That being said, we find many anglers (even experienced ones) are intimidated by the blood knot, and to that we say; don’t be! Like any skill worth learning, knot tying takes practice…
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Search Results for: fly tying tips
Fly Tying Step by Steps – Roundup
Way back in 2014 we started putting together detailed fly tying step by steps on how to tie some of our favorite fly patterns for salmon, steelhead, trout, bonefish, and more. We’ve accumulated quite a few since then, so we thought it was time to put together an updated roundup of all of our step…
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The Steelhead Phantam – Tying Instructions
Great flies are developed out of necessity. To solve a problem. To catch fish in challenging conditions or situations where other patterns just don’t quite get the job done. That’s the basis behind Deneki pal, Daniel Cope’s Steelhead Phantam; a clever spin on Miguel Morejohn’s popular steelhead pattern, the Bantam, designed to target small-water coastal…
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The Coho Clouser – Tying Instructions
When asked about our favorite flies for silver salmon, many of our guests are surprised to hear that one of the most popular patterns amongst our guide staff at Alaska West is not a ‘typical’ Alaska-born coho pattern such as a hareball leech or dolly llama, but rather a plain ol’ pink and white Clouser…
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The Morrish Mouse 2.0 – Tying Instructions
Ken Morrish’s ‘Morrish Mouse’ is arguably one of the most well known (and effective) mouse patterns ever created. In fact, it’s one of our favorite flies at Rapids Camp Lodge. However, originally tied on a traditional down-riding hook, some believe the original Morrish Mouse has a tendency for shorter strikes and potentially a higher rate…
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Steaming Fly Tying Materials
A few weeks ago we shared with you a clever hack for rejuvenating those beat-up flies at the bottom of your boat bag or wader pocket using a quick steam treatment. Admittedly, we forgot to include the tip that gave us the idea in the first place.. The same process works wonders on tying materials too!…
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Timeless Tips: How to Tie Better Flies Faster
Winter is here, and for many of us that means it’s fly tying season. If you’re looking to restock your boxes for next season, try a few of these tips to fill them up faster! Take Your Time on the First Pattern. Before you hit production mode, take your time on your first fly pattern. Experiment…
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Timeless Tips: DIY Sunglasses Retainers
Call them what you want – retainers, chums, croakies, whatever – but that simple strap on the back of your sunglasses is invaluable in making sure your shades don’t end up in the drink. Whether you’re sporting some gas-station budget shades or a pair of 250 dollar Costas, the fact is, losing your sunglasses stinks….
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Timeless Tips: Making the Most Out of the Off-Season
Got a case of the winter blues? Anxiously waiting for fishing season to roll around? We figured some of you might be snowed in and/or looking for a way to scratch that fishing itch before your next trip, so we thought we’d offer a few ideas to help make the most out of this off-season….
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The Undertaker – Tying Instructions
Yesterday marked the first official day of winter, and for many that means it’s officially fly tying season. To celebrate, today we present you with a great step by step by legendary fly tyer, Stuart Foxall, on how to tie a classic salmon/steelhead pattern, the Undertaker. Not only is the Undertaker an effective fly for…
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