The art of making artificial flies for fly fishing is known as fly tying. There are many materials used in fly tying, and the materials you need will vary depending on the type of fly you want to tie.

However, here is a list of basic fly-tying materials below that are commonly used across a wide range of fly patterns:

Tying Thread

Tying thread is a simple method for tying fly-tying materials, wrapped around a hook shank with a bobbin. Choosing the right thread can be challenging due to its variety. Buying thread in various sizes and colors is essential for different fly recipes. Thread fabric, such as polyester or nylon denier threads, is crucial for tying applications. Gel-spun polyethylene (GSP) is popular due to its high tensile strength but is more expensive.

Dubbing

Dubbing is a fuzzy material wrapped around tying thread to shape a fly's body. It's recommended to buy it in various colors. Spin small amounts onto the thread, then wrap the hook shank to form the fly's head.

Wire

The wire is a crucial tying material for controlling flyweight and effectively nymphing patterns like the zebra midge. It's recommended to have wire diameters ranging from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm for tying flies of different weights.

Hair from an Elk or a Deer

Elk and deer have coarse, hollow hairs that flare when tied, making them versatile tying materials. Beginner fly tying is recommended for "cow elk" hair, which ranges from fine to coarse.

Hooks

Choose high-quality, razor-sharp hooks for trophy trout or smallmouth bass. The hook should be realistic enough to fool the quarry, as insufficient size may lead to rejection. We recommend using dry fly hooks in sizes 12 and 14, wet fly hooks and nymph hooks in sizes 10 and 12, and size 6 streamer hooks according to your needs. Fisheries mandate using barbless hooks like fasna hooks for trout catch, making it easier for anglers and fish to release. Flatten hooks with pliers and tie materials securely.

Bead Heads and Eyes

Bead heads and eyes provide control over flyweight and sink rate while also enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Selecting the right weight ensures balance and effectiveness. They come in various designs. When starting your fly-tying adventure, we suggest starting with hourglass eyes, coneheads, and counter-sunk bead heads made of tungsten.

Hackle and Feathers

Feathers are crucial for creating various fly patterns, including dry and baitfish patterns. Pheasant skin with a variety of feathers is recommended. Hackles are essential for dry fly patterns and are available in saddle and cape feathers. Beginners should choose grizzly, brown, and black hackles. You can also use Semperfli dirty bug yarn to achieve different effects in creating the bodies and tails of flies.

Conclusion

Fly tying is an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding hobby; nothing beats catching fish on something you make. So, hopefully, you now have a good starting point for diving into the world of tying and a basic understanding of how to use the most important materials.

First Drift Fly Co. is a custom fly-tying shop with a wide range of fly tying supplies from around the world, focusing on quality materials, competitive prices, excellent customer service, and fast shipping.