Fly Fishing - How to Tie Flies while Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is one of the oldest forms of hunting for food.  In fly fishing, fisherman use force to "cast off" a fly or lure into a stream or river in hopes of attracting fish.  Because the flies are virtually weightless, fisherman rely on the weight of their line to get distance.  Properly tying the fly to the line is considered an art form and the key to successful fly fishing.

There are two types of generally accepted flies--wet and dry.  Dry flies float just above the surface of the water.  Trout and other fish will often mistake these floating lures as grasshoppers or other insects that sit on top of the water.  Wet flies actually sink below the surface of the water.  Wet flies are available in a variety of different shapes that imitate aquatic insects such as spiders and dragonflies. Flies are typically shiny so that they will catch sunlight and the fish's eye.

Flies are quite small and usually require delicate tools to tie them to a line.  Flies are typically placed in a vice while the fisherman uses a thread bobbin to sew the fly onto a hook.  The hook will determine the size and shape of the fly.  For camouflage purposes, the hook must match the colors and patterns visible on the fly.

When tying flies, fisherman often consult encyclopedias and guide books to get a sense of what aquatic insects look like.  Attaching feathers or other decorative items that mimic the colors and patterns of aquatic insects will draw more attention from hungry fish.  Many materials like wires, threads, and tinsels are available to aid the creative angler.