It is very common for fly fishermen, once past the early stages of mastering their craft, to begin tying their own flies. Maybe they tire of the costs of continually replacing lost flies or expanding their collections. Maybe they are purists in the pursuit of their craft. Maybe they are curious or maybe they think it looks fun. Whatever their reasons, most find fly tying to be an intensely rewarding pursuit, both as an extension of their fly-fishing hobby and as an art in its own right. Some even go on to expand their fly tying from personal use into a lucrative side business.

Fly tying is the process of creating an artificial fly to use in catching fish. Ideally you want to mimic the look of insects that the fish might feed on. You can work from a popular pattern or recipe or make your own new design. This last can be addicting. The quest to perfect a fly of your own design is an exhaustive and exhilarating use of craft. If this sounds intimidating, you may want to research fly tying using the internet or the many available books and videos. Fly tying classes are also available. But, the hobby doesn’t need to be any more difficult or absorbing than you make it. It’s perfectly all right to use a pattern when learning to tie your own flies. The key is to find the aspect you enjoy and pursue it.