Tip #1: Tie more flies. Take your time and make each wrap of
thread do what it is supposed to do. Be sure each material is properly
selected and the right amount of it lashed to the hook using the right
amount of thread.
Refer to a sample pattern you like and match it.
Tip #2: Concentrate on proportions, shapes and sizes more
than colors. Use the materials you have. Make flies that are the proper size
for the hook. If you err, do so on the small, rather than the large, side.
For example, a fly that is a size 18 but tied on a size 16 hook is much
better than a size 14 fly tied on a size 16 hook. Always use the hook for
proportions!
Please look at the following table for a few basic
proportions and pictures of the flies. I hope you enjoy this.
Basic Proportions
Type
Tail
Abdomen
Thorax
Midge larva
None
Covers 7/8 of hook shank
1/8 of hook shank
Midge Adult
None
3/4 hook shank
Hackle & wing tied in here; wing should
extend to end of abdomen; hackle sparse and short
Caddis Larva
None
Covers 3/4 of hook shank
1/4 of hook shank
Caddis Adult
None; or very short depending on style
Slightly longer than 1/2 hook shank
Wing and hackle tied in just in front of
abdomen; wing is longer than body and lies flat over hook; hackle should
be equal to gap of hook
Stonefly Nymph
Two tails; measure from front of eye to
point of hook; tie that length in over barb
1/2 of hook shank
1/2 of hook shank; thicker than abdomen;
legs will extend back to somewhere between the point of the hook and
where the tail was tied in.
Stonefly Adult
Two; or clump of elk etc. Tied in over barb
extending back; length equal to gape of hook (point to back of bend)
1/2 of hook shank and thin
1/2 of hook shank/ wing tied in front of
abdomen; hackle wound forward
Mayfly Nymph
two, three or small clump of material;
length similar to stonefly tied in over barb
1/2 hook shank; tapered from thin to thicker
1/2 of hook shank usually thicker than
abdomen; legs extend to point of hook or shorter
Mayfly Adult
Small flies will be sparse; larger flies
fuller; use stiff material; length equal to hook shank tie in over barb
- or longer, depending on style
1/2 hook shank; usually thin
1/2 of hook shank; upright wings in the
middle with hackle wound equally behind and in front; wing is length of
hook shank.
