Swimbait Muddler

 
Part muddler minnow, deceiver, and part swim bait. #flyfishing #flytying #streamer 

Pattern Recipe: (as tied)
Hook: Ahrex PR378 – GB Swimbait
Size: 4 - 1
Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk 100 Denier Predator 6/0 White
Keel Weight: 7 wraps of .025 lead-free wire
Keel Dressing: Optional (White thread covered with Solarez Fly-Tie Colors Silver or pearl nail polish) Tail Support: White Bucktail
Tail: 4 White Saddle Hackle
Body: EP Brush Invader 2.5” wide Grey Olive (3-4 wraps)
Under Wing: Senyo Barred Predator Wrap (Barred UV)
Over Wing: Blue Saddle Hackle
Head: Spun and Clipped Natural Deer Hair

Material links are Amazon Affiliate links.

© 2024 Louis DiGena All Rights Reserved.

#loudigena #flytying #flyfishing

 

Fly Fishing Journeys Pod Cast Louis DiGena – The Art of Fly Tying

Podcast: https://flyfishingjourneys.com/louis-digena-the-art-of-fly-tying/ 

Lou DiGena is an accomplished fly tier from New Jersey.  He’s an extraordinary guy. We dive deep into fly tying, photography, digital media, and fine art. As I learned on this podcast, he is a professor of fine art and digital media at St John University.   

I don’t think either of us thought we were going down the art rabbit hole but that is the fun part of podcasts, learning about your guests as a person and their expertise. It clear Lou is an artist, both behind the vise, behind the lens and in various other art mediums.

He stresses the idea of observation both in art and on the water and how focused observation will make you a better fly tier and fly fisherman.  

© 2024 Louis DiGena All Rights Reserved.

#loudigena #flytying #flyfishing

Killer Rock Worm with Lou DiGena

 

Hook:        Mustad S80-3906 (https://amzn.to/3qlSsIY​)
Size:         10 - 16         
Thread:     UTC Ultra Wire, Black in size Brassie (https://amzn.to/37gXKhj​)      
Body:        Green Yarn (https://amzn.to/2LOSw4Q)
Head:        UTC Ultra Wire, Black (https://amzn.to/37gXKhj​)
 
The "Killer Rock Worm" a variation of Frank Sawyer's "Killer Bug." Using black wire and green yarn.   Change yarn and wire color to mimic the caddis larva in your waters.

The Killer Bug is famous in the U.K. and Europe and recently has this pattern gained a following in the U.S.  This fly is renowned for its catching fish and the mythological properties of Chadwick's 477 wool used in its construction.

Frank Sawyer was a river keeper on the River Avon at Lake in Wiltshire in the U.K., along with being a writer and inventor of such flies as the Pheasant Tail Nymph.  

The killer bug was developed by Mr. Sawyer to manage the grayling numbers on the River Avon.  Then Grayling considered a coarse fish and undesirable as a food or game fish.

If you're looking for an available substitute, Semperfli Chadwicks 477 Substitute (https://amzn.to/3de9ll5​) is an excellent choice.

 

Fly Tying Gear:

    Regal Stainless Steel Revolution and Base (https://amzn.to/3gxmQvL)
    Regal Vise Tool Bar Attachment (https://amzn.to/2IxpKEe)
    Cohen's Sculpting Scissors
    Tiemco Ceramic Bobbin (https://amzn.to/3u7Gkxv)
    Matarelli Whip Finisher (https://amzn.to/370HxNu)
    Solarez Bone Dry (https://amzn.to/3m3o4jn) 

 

Camera Gear:

    Camera: Panasonic GH4 (https://amzn.to/2ItiCsu)
    Lens: Panasonic 30mm Macro (https://amzn.to/3n0ZZe)
    Ring Light: Neewer 48 Macro LED (https://amzn.to/2VUSfii)
    Fill Light (3): Aputure H198 (https://amzn.to/39V2D1S)
    Battery: Wasabi Power Battery and charger. (https://amzn.to/2VRyo3s)
    Backdrop: Dark Grey & Light Grey (https://amzn.to/33UzUX3) 

 

Using affiliate links helps support the channel at no cost to you, thanks.

 

© 2021 Louis DiGena All Rights Reserved. 

 

#loudigena #flytying #flyfishing

 

Compton's Cinnamon Toast Baetis Nymph

A while back Kevin Compton owner of Performance Flies and I got together to film him tying up some of the patterns he is best known for and popularizing.  These patterns are staples in the competition scene.  Kevin is always refining these patterns and making them simpler to tie.

At Performance Flies, you will find materials and patterns from the competitive fly fishing scene.  Also, Kevin has Jack Mickievicz's original materials such as Honeybug Cotton Chenille, Jack's original dubbing blends and DuPont Antron yarn.

The Cinnamon Toast Baetis nymph is a BWO (Blue-Winged Olives) nymph.  BWO’s are staples in most if not all rivers.  These nymphs are an important food source for trout because of their high number, and multi-broods.  The fact that many BWO’s are multi-brood means they are available to trout year round.  Baetis are streamlined swimmers, and the nymph pattern should be slender.

Here Kevin ties his Cinnamon Toast Baetis Nymph, which is a deadly BWO nymph.

 

Compton's Cinnamon Toast Baetis Nymph

Materials:

Hook:  Hanak H230BL #14-16
Head:  3/32 Gold Tungsten Bead
Thread: FLY DK 80 Brown
Tails:  Golden Olive Coq de Leon Fibers
Rib:  XFine Copper Wire
Body:  Brown-Olive Condor Substitute
Thorax: Jan Siman Peacock Dubbing, Peacock Bronze

For materials visit http://www.performanceflies.com/

© 2017 Louis DiGena All Rights Reserved.

MFPD Pocket Picker Nymph

Last year Kevin Compton owner of Performance Flies and I got together to film him tying up some of the patterns he is best know for and popularizing.

Kevin is bring some of best materials and patterns from the European competitive fly fishing scene to the states. As well as introducing tiers and anglers to these new materials and methods he is also has Jack Mickievicz's original materials such as Honeybug Cotton Chenille, Jack's original dubbing blends and genuine DuPont Antron yarn.

MFPD Pocket Picker Nymph is a pattern designed by Peter Durisik of Slovakia and tied here by Kevin.

Enjoy.

 

MFPD Pocket Picker Nymph

Materials:  

Hook:      Hanak H230BL #14-16
Head:      3/32 Gold Tungsten Bead
Thread:   UTC 70 Watery Olive
Tails:       Coq de Leon Fibers, Medium Prodo
Rib #1:    Synthetic Quill Body, Graphite
Rib #2:    Sybai XF Gold Wire
Tip:         Glo-Brite Floss, Hot Orange #6
Body:      UTC 70 Watery Olive Thread
Thorax:   Pine Squirrel with UV Flash


© 2016 Louis DiGena All Rights Reserved.

Richard Strolis ties his DDT Nymph" Deep Darlon Terror"

Richard Strolis ties his DDT Nymph" Deep Darlon Terror"

Richard Strolis is by his own admission a fly-fishing fanatic who enjoys designs new flies for catching large trout.  Rich has 30 years of fishing experience, 25 of those years tying and 10 years as a guide.

Many of his flies have been published in Flyfisherman, Magazine, Eastern Fly Fishing, Caddisflies by Thomas Ames and other publications. Rich runs the blog, Catching-Shadows, where he post videos of his fly tying creations, and photos of this fishing adventures.  His videos are also available on his Vimeo page richstrolis, where he has 118 high definition videos of his patterns with detailed instructions.  Rich is on the Performance Flies, and Regal Vice Pro Staff. 

Rich is known for targeting large trout in the Farmington River with large streamers and he rarely fishes anything lighter than an 8-weight rod.

You may purchase Rich’s patterns directly from him at his web site: http://catching-shadows.goodsie.com/

Rich is going to be at the following events:

October 2, 2013. Farmington Valley Trout Unlimited.  Presentation on Streamer Fishing For Trophy Trout.



October 8, 2013.   Southeastern Massachusetts Trout Unlimited.  Presentation on Fly fishing The Farmington River.



2013 International Fly Tying Symposium.  November 23 & 24, 2013.  Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ.

I’ve come to know Rich through his videos and social media, and finally met him at last years International Fly Tying Symposium, where he was next to my friend Kevin Compton of Performance Flies.  We finally got to talk and spend some face time and I was able to film him tying his DDT nymph.

Enjoy.



DDT Nymph

Hook:                   Scud/Grub Hook Size 16 - 20
Thread:                14/0 Veevus Olive
Bead:                   2.0 mm Tungsten Bead
Tails and Legs:    Darlon (Any fine fibered synthetic such
                             as Z-lon or Antron will work.)
Flash:                   Midge Flash
Body:                   Olive Super Fine Dubbing
Hot Spot:             UTC 140 Florescent Orange (Optional)

Bill Skilton ties "Bill's Hellgrammite"

Filmed at the International Fly Tiers Symposium, Fly and Fin presents Bill Skilton ties his "Bill's Hellgrammite"

Many know Bill Skilton for his foam patterns using the unique materials he’s developed. Bill is an all-around fly tier, fisher and entrepreneur. He raises is chickens for hackle (personal use), develops new fly tying materials, and maintains an eight acre of pond with huge blue-gills, large catfish, large-mouth bass, small-mouth bass, and, best of all, hybrid stripers, which he rents it out to fly-fishing groups. He guided the streams of Central PA, like Yellow Breeches, Letort and the under-appreciated Susquehanna River.

Bill is wonderful instructor who as you’ll share’s all his knowledge and the “why” behind it all.

He also runs and operates USA-Flies (http://www.billskilton.com/) where you can buy all his materials.

He gives fly-tying demonstrate and is a featured tier at the International Fly Tying Symposium. His Hellgrammite pattern catches everything from bluegills, bass and trout.

Jay "Fishy" Fullum ties his "Peel-and-Stick"

Filmed at the International Fly Tiers Symposium, Fly and Fin presents Jay "Fishy" Fullum ties his "Peel-and-Stick"

Many know Jay "Fishy" Fullum from his “Creative Tying” column in "Fly Tyer", but he’s also the "artist in residence" at the magazine.  He shops for most of his materials at craft stores and the big box home improvement centers.  While he will tie with feathers, dubbing and other items we all find in our favorite fly shop, Fishy love to use non-traditional materials for his creations, such as meat trays and sandwich wrappers to kickboards and fake fingernails.  As an example a dry cleaning garment bag become an endless supply of bodies for his “Bitsy Spider.”

He is the author of “Fishy's Favorites for Bass, Trout, and Salt Water” and “Fishy's Flies.” He gives fly-tying classes and seminars and is a featured tier and lecturer at the International Fly Tying Symposium.  His innovative patterns catch everything from bluegills to bonefish.

Enjoy.

International Fly Tying Symposium Summary

Well the International Fly Tying Symposium is over and I'm still processing the last two days.  Day one was one big social. I could not walk five feet before bumping into a friend and starting a conversation. (This went on all day.)  Day two was filming tiers and some of their patterns. (Posting will become available as I edit.)  My material's list was short.   I wasn't planning to buy much, but managed to spend more than a few dollars.  Most was spent on Czech nymph materials, Hungarian Partridge skins, and books.  Here are a few photographs of patterns that caught my eye, and as you can see, these don't follow the K.I.S.S. rule. One day when I have more time (retirement maybe), I'll take up tying Salmon flies and such.

Jock Scott By Charles A. Chute

Crayfish by Max Birnkammer

Mosquito by Robert Schreiner

Stevens Streamers by Greg Heffner

Sir Herbert by Paul Rossman

POG Caddis Larva

When I was tying the "Ice Pink Larva" I started to play with some of the color combination here is a variation I'm calling the POG Caddis Larva (Purple, Orange, and Green).

Right now my local rivers are too hot to fish for trout.  I stop when the water temperature hit 70º F, so I've not tested this pattern.  If you tie some up publish your results in the comment section.  Thank.

Hook – TMC 2457 or any heavy Grub hook
Size – 10-16

Thread – 8/0 or 6/0 Black
Head – Hairline Ice Dub Caddis Green and Black Brass or Tungsten bead
Hot Spot – Hairline Ice Dub Orange
Abdomen – S.L.F. Prism Dub SLP074 - Hot Purple
Rib – .32 gauge Amethyst Parawire or any purple wire
Shell Back – Hairline 1/8" Tan Scud Back
Gills – White CDC

1. Mash down barb and bead and secure in wire.

 2. Tie in white CDC for Gills.

3. Tie in Tan Scud Back.

4. Dub Abdomen.

5. Dub Thorax.

6. Dub Head.

7. Pull Shell Back over the top and tie-off.

8. Advance your wire creating the rib.

9. Secure wire and whip finish.

OttLite Rechargeable Battery Task Lamp

Like many tiers I tie sportsman shows, fly shops and outdoor events where a power outlet are nowhere in sight.  While I was in Lowe's the other day to buy some items for the home I cut through the lighting section and this OttLite caught my eye.  Standing their like a deer caught in head lights I was shocked at the price I saw for this rechargeable reading light.  I was look for a travel light some time ago and found the Battery Task Lamp from OttLite but it retailed for $129.99 US (no way was I going to pay that price).  The Reader's | HD is $34.97 US in Lowes and you've guessed I pick it up straight away.  It's a nice addition to the lighting I use at my desk, and lets face it the older you get the more light you need on your work area.

If your looking for a new portable tying light I highly recommend this one.  You can stop by your local Lowe's and pick one up or order on-line.

CDC Purple and Orange

The Partridge and Orange and Purple Snipe are tradition wet fly staples.  While playing at the vice I'd put both together with a twist.  I like using CDC for a many soft hackle flies.  The main reason is the barbules catch little air bubbles, which makes the fly sparkle.  Not unlike emerging caddis gas bubble.  I believe trout key in on the halo.

 

Hook – TMC 2457 or any nymph hook

Size – 12-16

Thread – 8/0  Rust

Body – .32 gauge Purple and Orange wire
Thorex – Tan UV Ice Dub
Hackle – Dun CDC Fibers

  

 

 1. Mash down barb and tie in thread.

 2. Tie in purple and orange wire.

 3. Advance purple and orange wire together and tie off.

 4. Tie in CDC feather.

 5. Dub Thorax with Tan UV Ice Dub.

6.  Wind on CDC.

 

 6. Pull CDC fiber back, form a head and whip finish.

Wire Blood Worm

I was playing around with wire and some flash to create a blood worm pattern.  Below is the result.

Hook –Mustad 37169 Wide Gap
Size – 16
Thread –8/0 Red
Body – .32 Gauge Red Wire
Rib – Krystal Flash

1. Mash down barb, tie in wire and Krystal Flash.

2. Tie down the wire and flash all the way back to the bend.

 

 3. Bring thread forward and half hitch.

4. Advance wire forward and tie off.

  

 

5. Wind Krystal Flash forward with open
wraps, tie down and whip finish.

 

 6. Apply a layer of head cement to the entire fly.

Tree Fly

 

I've been traveling and not at my bench the last few days.  So I've not posted in several days.  I was going through my photographs from the International Fly Tying Symposium from Nov. 2009 and ran across this fly.  I don't remember who's the tier and if some knows please post his name.  It's just fun.