Fly Tying Guide: Patterns, Techniques, Tools & Tutorials

Fly tying is more than just making flies—it’s about understanding how and why they work. This hub is built for beginner-to-advanced fly tiers who want to tie better, more effective patterns by focusing on fundamentals and proven techniques.

My goal with this site is simple: to help lessen the learning curve. To do that, I’ve packed this guide with a lot—including essential tools and materials, step-by-step fly patterns, practical tying tips, and instructional videos—to help you build confidence at the vise and tie flies that consistently catch fish.

Thanks for being here!

Why fly tying?

Let me be the first to welcome you to the incredible world of fly tying! Now let’s get something out of the way: Will you really save money by tying your own flies? Probably not—and that’s okay. Fly tying isn’t about cutting costs as much as it is about control, confidence, and understanding how flies actually fish. While materials add up over time, the real value comes from being able to tie exactly what you need, when you need it.

More importantly, it’s hard to imagine fly fishing without fly tying—the two go hand in hand. Fly tying deepens your connection to the sport in a way that buying flies never can. The first time a fish eats a fly you designed and tied yourself, something clicks. You’re no longer just fishing a pattern; you’re fishing an idea, a solution, and a personal understanding of why that fly works. That moment creates a deeper appreciation for the insects, baitfish, and aquatic life we imitate—and it strengthens your connection to the water and the fish that live in it.

From a practical standpoint, tying your own flies allows you to fine-tune size, weight, profile, and color to match specific conditions and solve problems you’ve encountered on the water. That customization builds confidence, and confidence translates directly into better fishing. Just as importantly, the tying process teaches you how flies behave in current—how they sink, swim, pulse, or stall. That knowledge carries over to the water, improving your presentations and helping you become a more effective angler, no matter what fly is tied onto your leader.