Fly tying for beginners: materials, technique & first patterns

Introduction

Fly tying isn't just a creative addition to fly fishing – it also increases your chances of success on the water. Hand-tied flies can be perfectly adapted to local conditions and seasons. In this guide, you'll learn what materials you need, how to tie your first patterns, and how to become a fly tyer step by step.

1. Why learn to tie flies?

• Save costs : In the long run, cheaper than ready-made flights

• Local adaptation : You tie exactly what works in your area.

• Creativity & Focus : Ideal for quiet evenings or the off-season

2. Basic equipment for beginners

You don't need a professional workshop. The following tools will suffice to begin with:

Tool:

• Tying vise (vise) : Stable hold for the hook

• Scissors : Fine and sharp for precise cutting

• Bobbin holder : Holds the binding thread and ensures tension

• Hackle clamp : For fixing feathers

• Dubbing needle & finisher : For shaping & knotting

Consumables:

• Hooks (sizes 10-16, e.g. Vision Dry Fly Hook)

• Binding thread (e.g. 8/0 or 6/0 Uni Thread)

• Dubbing (natural or synthetic for body)

• Feathers (CDC, hackle, marabou)

• Lead wire, beads (for nymphs)

Tip : At Bob's Flies you can find starter kits with all the necessary materials.

3. The first patterns: Beginner-friendly & effective

a) Woolly Bugger

• Easy to tie, catches almost anywhere

• Material: marabou, chenille, hackle, hook size. 6-10

b) Goldhead nymph (e.g., Pheasant Tail)

• Effective in deep water

• Materials: Gold bead, copper wire, pheasant feather, dubbing

c) Elk Hair Caddis

• Top dry fly for trout in Switzerland

• Material: deer hair, hackle, dubbing, hook size. 14-16

d) CDC Emerger

• Ideal for calm surfaces, shy fish

• Materials: CDC feather, dubbing, fine thread

4. Step-by-step: Tying your first fly (Example: Goldhead Nymph)

1. Clamp in hook, thread on gold bead

2. Attach binding thread, wind on lead or lead substitute

3. Tie in pheasant fibers as a tail

4. Body with copper wire ribs

5. Forming a thorax from dubbing

6. Include CDC or Hechel (optional)

7. Tie a knot in the top of the head, then use varnish or UV adhesive.

5. Learning Sources & Inspiration

• YouTube : e.g. B. Tightline Productions, Swiss Fly Guy

• Books : "Fly Tying Made Easy", "The Fly Tier's Benchside Reference"

• Courses at Bob's Flies : Hands-on in small groups, also for beginners

6. Tips for getting started

• Start with a few patterns, tie them multiple times.

• Avoid using hooks that are too small at the beginning (ideally: size 12–14)

• Organize your materials neatly – confusion wastes time.

• Use good light and magnifying glasses if needed.

Conclusion

Fly tying opens up a new dimension of fly fishing. You not only gain a better understanding of the insect world, but also develop a keen sense for presentation and fish behavior. And when your first self-tied fly lands a fish – is there a more satisfying feeling of accomplishment?

Now get the materials, set up the vise and get started!