This coming year, I intend to Spruce things up more. To start, while searching the depths of streams, rivers and lakes, I intend to use the Spruce fly and other streamer/baitfish patterns more than I have. Of course, the Woolly Bugger complies with this intention to some degree, but even then I don’t use it as a baitfish imitation (in my mind’s eye).

This is not an advocacy piece. It seems many fly fishers often use streamer/baitfish patterns. I seem to have some how never fully committed to their use. I have tied sculpin patterns, Muddler Minnows, Spruce flies, Matuka’s and assorted concoctions of rabbit and such for Bass. But, they are always a side experiment.
I suppose if I was searching for Brown’s I would more often use such patterns. But I don’t come across Brown Trout that much. But, the biggest Trout I have ever caught (13#, Central Oregon lake, 1995) came to a Spruce Fly. I have made this commitment several times over the years, but somehow fail to follow through.
Don’t try to figure out the photo. I am not sure why my son staged the fly with an old silver bracelet. But, there’s the Spruce Fly he tied.
What is the best way to start fly tying?
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Well Martin…my advice can be influenced by where you live in relationship to resources. I will give my advice and you can adjust it accordingly:
1. If you live near a fly shop and they offer classes or some one there knows some one that will teach the basics and more than I would start there.
2. Some recreation/education centers offer classes in Fly Tying.
3. A very few people advertise to teach fly tying.
4. Online videos, books and how to tutorials are good no matter what in how to tie certain patterns.
But, a watchful eye at your side to help you avoid developing bad habits is a great help. I would start at a fly shop if geogragphically that fits. Best of luck…SwittersB
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Sweet! Thank you for the advice. We have a really good fly fishing store here in Heber City, UT. I fly fish, but I would like to learn how to tie them.
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Well you are in a wonderful state for that and they will be a good starting point…my advice start slow by sticking to basic patterns to perfect the skills before venturing off in too many directions buying every thing and trying to tie everything. Later you can expand your efforts.
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Sounds good. I’m excited to try it out! Thank you for your insights and stories on your blog.
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If it’s okay I would like to post your blog on my Facebook. We are a big fishing community.
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I would be very honored and thank you for dropping by.
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