Stuck at Home? Try Fly-Tying.
Yeah, I know, a lot of people are hovering around home these days. Personally, I’ve been roaming the woods, wading streams or floating a lake; it’s not something I started to do because of a virus but rather it’s something I’ve always done because I love outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. While COVID-19 has not kept me from pursuing my spring fishing adventures, high, muddy water, snow flurries and windy cold weather have certainly put the damper on some of my fishing outings thus far this year. Fortunately, there is an activity that can be practiced at home and while not actually trout fishing it at least keeps you headed in the right direction. What I’m referring to is the art of tying your own flies, a great stay-at -home activity and a great way to prepare for the next trout outing.

I suspect that if you just got into fly-fishing you most likely buy your flies or hopefully a fishing buddy gave you some flies to get you started but there are several good reasons to get into making your own flies. If you plan to become a serious fly fisherman, probably the number one reason to tie your own flies is in the long run it can save a great deal of money. Since I tie my own flies, I haven’t purchased a fly for many years, but I suspect the average fly these days runs a buck or two apiece; that’s a lot for that little hook and some fur and feathers. If you are new to fly-fishing, losing a fly isn’t that unusual but I’ve got news for you, even experienced fly-fishermen lose flies. Even if you are fortunate enough not to lose too many flies, you never have enough, or you don’t have the pattern you need to meet the next hatch.

I’ll admit it, fly-tying material can be quite expensive but there is no need to go out and buy tons of materials to start off. Actually, there are some reasonably priced starter kits to get the new guy off and running. It’s also a good idea to get hooked up with an experienced fly-tier to show you the basics and to guide you in the right direction. Most fly-tiers love to share their fly-tying experience with newcomers. Blue Heron in Milton has a good selection of fly-tying materials and tying tools and they can help you get set up and started in the right direction.

Another good reason to get into tying your own flies is the satisfaction that comes with catching a trout or some other fish on something you personally created. Don’t get me wrong, there is always great excitement and satisfaction anytime you catch fish on an artificial lure but somehow, it’s even more exhilarating when you know your artificial creation fooled that wily trout or bass. There are plenty of basic patterns to follow but when creating your own you can always add, take away or change something to make it your own. My fly-tying friend Doug Zehner, who is one of the best fly-tiers I know, is great at making changes or creating completely new patterns and trust me they catch fish sometimes better than the old standbys.

Finally, another good reason to tie your own flies is to give you an enjoyable and very satisfying activity to take part in while dealing with all this “stay-at-home” stuff. Even when this COVID-19 thing has finally passed other factors like bad weather can force you to be at home. It’s also a great winter activity unless of course you are out ice-fishing.