In follow up to Shane's question, I'm 72 and struggle seeing and tying on flies as well. What works for me are high magnification reading glass (+5) which are available on Amazon for about $23 for a two pack. I find this work much better for me than the flip down magnifiers. I keep them in my top shirt pocket so I know exactly where they are. I also use a Knot Needle for tying tippet to tippet rings and a Cinch Tie Knot Tier (brass) for tying clinch knots (flies to tippet) and triple surgeons for tippets and leaders. I also use a Dennison Blood knot tool for making Euro leaders.
I saw an amazing short vid where they started their cinch knot but then used forceps thru the hole, twisted it the right amount of wraps and then just grabbed the tag end and pulled it thru, it took seconds! And no fumbling with invisible line! Also, I used a sowing needle threaded to get my line thru really small fly hooks, it works like magic!
I got your starter packs and now added some more of the smaller packs. I’m piecing together various rigs, figuring out what to use for your bottom and mid level flies. Thanks for all the teachings!
Just watched your masterclass video series and now this video. And now my son and I have our first combos on the way!! Super excited thanks to you guys!
One fun game to play is what flies do the modern day greats fish instead of the Parachute Adams. And one could think they just come up with those flies because it doesn't pay fly designers to put any more weight behind the Adams. But if one wants to have some other flies in the box, it can be a fun exercise. In particular fun to give flies like that to not-much-fishing friends. Then they catch a ton of fish on them because they don't have any prejudices.
Great list. I would never leave the traditional wet flies out. The peacock and partridge and other soft-hackle wets are amazing emerger imitations and easy to tie. They're pretty easy to fish, too. =)
Great info on this podcast. This year I bit the bullet and bought dedicated prescription polarized brown colored lenses Wiley X brand sunglasses complete with bifocals. It certainly helps with eye strain but my big surprise is how it has made me a better wader. Since these lenses are impact rated I also use them for other tasks too. Thank you for your show!
Could you do a video on avoiding ruining a spawn for the next generation of fish? I never understood what anglers say when they mention spawining. Beginner here
Sorry to hear you got sick Spencer but glad you are on the mend. Mending is important in fly fishing! My fishing guide had to cancel a trip I had so looked forward to for nearly a year because...he got SICK!!! There is a NASTY bug going around. Much smaller than a midge #30 I think...This is an excellent presentation on essential flies. I would add that once you get your particular home water dialed in, you'll find that there are a just a few patterns you really need by season. Here's a trick for you to try with your Pat's Rubber Legs: Bend it! Just take your hemostats and put a little bend in it. For some reason...it really works. TRY IT!!!
Excellent list. Agree with most of it. However, I would drop one or two dries for one or two really good wet flies. They are so versatile as they can be fished as streamers, emergers, nymphs, and even dries. In fact, I would take one wet fly over any two flies on this list any day.
Ok, lads watching this. Take all these flies with a huge grain of salt if you're fishing the provo river in Utah. Toss all of them out the window except the size 18-32 midge, and add to that the size 16-22 sow bug and those 2 patterns are all you ever need and if you're fishing anything else, you're going to quite literally die of frustration....❤😂
@halfinsaneoutdoorguy Count me in as completely frustrated on the provo river, along with the constant crowds! I really need to find a different spot besides, Provo, Logan and Weber for better size fish. Any particular colors or rig suggestions?
There is a slight diference between a rapala knot and a non-slip loop knot. The rapala knot has an additional step where the tag is looped back. I use this knot before I choose a smaller tippet size.
I was thinking about this while on my local Idaho river the other day, I realized that I really only need a handful of flies. I don't nymph because I hate it, I might as well just use a spinning rod, so I stick with dry flies. Basically, all I need are BWO's, Purple Haze (for high altitude mountain fishing - it kills up there), PMD's, stimulators, trico's (for when I need to go small), elk hair caddis, and hoppers ( in the summer). That's it.
This was an excellent video! The fly choices can be so overwhelming at times. Its nice to see the basic choices for each category without all the confusion. As far as flip down magnifiers, they are awesome!! I use mine all the time. Lasik ruined my ability to see up close and tie on small flies.
Literally for trout I just put on a wooly bugger and I have never been skunked in any of my local trout lakes here in Northern Alberta anyways, I cannot even remember when I have ever tried anything else it's always the fly I put on first and just start catching fish with it so just keep with what is working
Excellent list. It was interesting to me that you chose mostly non-foam flies. Personally, I am anti-foam, but I know there are a lot of people (guides included) who swear by foam. I use the stimulator pattern a lot, myself. I'll often use it both dry and wet, floating it over the top, swinging it around the bottom, and stripping it slowly back up. I've caught a lot of good size Westslopes on the swing
Not as though I won't fish them, but they are bad for the environment. particularly if you have choices, fish natural flies. My daughter got an environment award for picking up foam roe bodies off Ontario Beaches. They were so prevalent she could get handfuls every day when she went to look. Realize this is a different scale than, say, an ant. But there aren't millions of anglers on our rivers, they are pretty small. It looked as though people were dumping full bottles for all the foam she got. And where she picks it up, there is only a few hundred yards of beach.
Spencer, sorry to hear you've been sick. Glad you're on the mend and feeling better. Great info once again as always. You guys are knocking it out of the park!! So helpful for this newbie. Couple of questions. Old eyes lol. As we've begun to get a few hatches hear in NC, most are very small. Trying to match size is almost impossible because I cannot see my fly. Help, suggestions. It's extremely frustrating. Next, do you guys sell your hats and swag on the website? Only right that I rep for you guys with all the help you've provided. Thanks again for the great work and content you guys create for us
Fun video, and great advice. You talked me into fishing a Sparkle Dun and Hare's Ear more! Hurts my heart a little for the Royal Wullf to be left off; there are just too many good flies!
One of the thing that intimidates people new to fly fishing is a" must have fly assortments". Somone just starting out after buying a rod, waders, reel, line, vest,. Sometimes money is in short supply.
I understand what you're saying, but in all honesty the flies are the cheapest part. And at the end of the day, if you have eeeeeverything except the one item that's actually catching the fish, than youre kinda putting the cart before the horse. Although it can be said the same for the other way around. This is the final item that the fish actually sees and needs to decide on
I've used most of them all nut use only 3 patterns. One of them catches the over 28" every other trip. Won the biggest derby ever around here. Price $2000 oar knot.
Well him being from Texas he should probably think about having bass and panfish flies. Not the trout flies unless he only fly fishes a couple of times a year
This is unbelievable, isn't it? It's so stinking tiny that I almost thought it didn't work, until I finally caught a 16" one on a size 22 black zebra midge.
In Utah, Phil Bair developed the No Seeum and the Mother Shucker flies to imitate midge and May flies. For me, they out-fish the Parachute Adams every time!!
🐟Want to Level Up Your Fly Fishing Skills? Join the VFC Online Community! - rebrand.ly/VFC-Community
Holy shit what are the best 12 Flags you're fucking jaw never stops
As a new fly fisherman, thank goodness 😂
In follow up to Shane's question, I'm 72 and struggle seeing and tying on flies as well. What works for me are high magnification reading glass (+5) which are available on Amazon for about $23 for a two pack. I find this work much better for me than the flip down magnifiers. I keep them in my top shirt pocket so I know exactly where they are. I also use a Knot Needle for tying tippet to tippet rings and a Cinch Tie Knot Tier (brass) for tying clinch knots (flies to tippet) and triple surgeons for tippets and leaders. I also use a Dennison Blood knot tool for making Euro leaders.
AS A FELLOW "OLDER ANGLER" I RECOMMEND A MAGNETIC HOOK HOLDER TO USE WHEN CHANGING FLIES IT CA BE CLIPPED TO VEST EASILY WITH SHORT LANYARD
I saw an amazing short vid where they started their cinch knot but then used forceps thru the hole, twisted it the right amount of wraps and then just grabbed the tag end and pulled it thru, it took seconds! And no fumbling with invisible line! Also, I used a sowing needle threaded to get my line thru really small fly hooks, it works like magic!
I got your starter packs and now added some more of the smaller packs. I’m piecing together various rigs, figuring out what to use for your bottom and mid level flies. Thanks for all the teachings!
Just watched your masterclass video series and now this video. And now my son and I have our first combos on the way!! Super excited thanks to you guys!
Stoked to hear it! Nothing is better than being out on the river with the fam. Let us know how it goes!
One fun game to play is what flies do the modern day greats fish instead of the Parachute Adams. And one could think they just come up with those flies because it doesn't pay fly designers to put any more weight behind the Adams. But if one wants to have some other flies in the box, it can be a fun exercise. In particular fun to give flies like that to not-much-fishing friends. Then they catch a ton of fish on them because they don't have any prejudices.
Great list. I would never leave the traditional wet flies out. The peacock and partridge and other soft-hackle wets are amazing emerger imitations and easy to tie. They're pretty easy to fish, too. =)
Great info on this podcast. This year I bit the bullet and bought dedicated prescription polarized brown colored lenses Wiley X brand sunglasses complete with bifocals. It certainly helps with eye strain but my big surprise is how it has made me a better wader. Since these lenses are impact rated I also use them for other tasks too. Thank you for your show!
Could you do a video on avoiding ruining a spawn for the next generation of fish? I never understood what anglers say when they mention spawining. Beginner here
Sorry to hear you got sick Spencer but glad you are on the mend. Mending is important in fly fishing! My fishing guide had to cancel a trip I had so looked forward to for nearly a year because...he got SICK!!! There is a NASTY bug going around. Much smaller than a midge #30 I think...This is an excellent presentation on essential flies. I would add that once you get your particular home water dialed in, you'll find that there are a just a few patterns you really need by season. Here's a trick for you to try with your Pat's Rubber Legs: Bend it! Just take your hemostats and put a little bend in it. For some reason...it really works. TRY IT!!!
Excellent list. Agree with most of it. However, I would drop one or two dries for one or two really good wet flies. They are so versatile as they can be fished as streamers, emergers, nymphs, and even dries. In fact, I would take one wet fly over any two flies on this list any day.
Great suggestion! Appreciate your insights. What wet flies are your favorite?
Ok, lads watching this. Take all these flies with a huge grain of salt if you're fishing the provo river in Utah. Toss all of them out the window except the size 18-32 midge, and add to that the size 16-22 sow bug and those 2 patterns are all you ever need and if you're fishing anything else, you're going to quite literally die of frustration....❤😂
@halfinsaneoutdoorguy Count me in as completely frustrated on the provo river, along with the constant crowds! I really need to find a different spot besides, Provo, Logan and Weber for better size fish.
Any particular colors or rig suggestions?
@01tbirds81 grayish squirrel fur wrapped around a size 16 FM nymph hook, or 90 degree jig hook with silver bead and wire and red or fl. Orange thread
@01tbirds81 I fish utah but I have taken to the lakes and ponds to avoid the crowds.
@FTOTF1 the crowds are why I can't fish weekends anymore.
@@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy Exactly why I still water fish :)
There is a slight diference between a rapala knot and a non-slip loop knot. The rapala knot has an additional step where the tag is looped back. I use this knot before I choose a smaller tippet size.
I was thinking about this while on my local Idaho river the other day, I realized that I really only need a handful of flies. I don't nymph because I hate it, I might as well just use a spinning rod, so I stick with dry flies. Basically, all I need are BWO's, Purple Haze (for high altitude mountain fishing - it kills up there), PMD's, stimulators, trico's (for when I need to go small), elk hair caddis, and hoppers ( in the summer). That's it.
really applaud the information and informative nature of why specific fly's are effective, new to fly fishing and tying. Much love from Australia 👍
Just ordered y’all’s weekend warrior kit with the 100 fly box can’t wait to start fly fishing!
Yessss! Excited for you to get out there. Let us know how it goes! 💪🏽
Another great video, trying to build a fly box (or 2 lol) this just what I needed..Keep the tips coming Spenc !
This was an excellent video! The fly choices can be so overwhelming at times. Its nice to see the basic choices for each category without all the confusion. As far as flip down magnifiers, they are awesome!! I use mine all the time. Lasik ruined my ability to see up close and tie on small flies.
Literally for trout I just put on a wooly bugger and I have never been skunked in any of my local trout lakes here in Northern Alberta anyways, I cannot even remember when I have ever tried anything else it's always the fly I put on first and just start catching fish with it so just keep with what is working
Excellent list. It was interesting to me that you chose mostly non-foam flies. Personally, I am anti-foam, but I know there are a lot of people (guides included) who swear by foam.
I use the stimulator pattern a lot, myself. I'll often use it both dry and wet, floating it over the top, swinging it around the bottom, and stripping it slowly back up. I've caught a lot of good size Westslopes on the swing
Not as though I won't fish them, but they are bad for the environment. particularly if you have choices, fish natural flies. My daughter got an environment award for picking up foam roe bodies off Ontario Beaches. They were so prevalent she could get handfuls every day when she went to look. Realize this is a different scale than, say, an ant. But there aren't millions of anglers on our rivers, they are pretty small. It looked as though people were dumping full bottles for all the foam she got. And where she picks it up, there is only a few hundred yards of beach.
Spencer, sorry to hear you've been sick. Glad you're on the mend and feeling better. Great info once again as always. You guys are knocking it out of the park!! So helpful for this newbie. Couple of questions. Old eyes lol. As we've begun to get a few hatches hear in NC, most are very small. Trying to match size is almost impossible because I cannot see my fly. Help, suggestions. It's extremely frustrating. Next, do you guys sell your hats and swag on the website? Only right that I rep for you guys with all the help you've provided. Thanks again for the great work and content you guys create for us
Fun video, and great advice. You talked me into fishing a Sparkle Dun and Hare's Ear more! Hurts my heart a little for the Royal Wullf to be left off; there are just too many good flies!
Thanks, you guys for all the info you give it' helped me think more on the water and you guys can teach old dog's new tricks keep up the great work!
Hoppers, hairs ears, elk hairs, pheasant tails, stone flies nymphs, worms, and perdigons. Practically all I use.
The olive or gray film crittic is a must too
One of the thing that intimidates people new to fly fishing is a" must have fly assortments". Somone just starting out after buying a rod, waders, reel, line, vest,. Sometimes money is in short supply.
I understand what you're saying, but in all honesty the flies are the cheapest part. And at the end of the day, if you have eeeeeverything except the one item that's actually catching the fish, than youre kinda putting the cart before the horse. Although it can be said the same for the other way around. This is the final item that the fish actually sees and needs to decide on
Awesome video thank you!
A rust spinner with waterly dun hackle tip wings spent style is a Must have dry fly
I've used most of them all nut use only 3 patterns. One of them catches the over 28" every other trip. Won the biggest derby ever around here. Price $2000 oar knot.
Klinkhammer is one id add.
If you do okay in the river, you’ll do even better in lakes
Going to Esta Colorado in march next year and what flies should I use. Been there in the fall should I use midges
Nice list, good content 😉☕️☕️
TY very much
Also a purple haze will copy alot of the drakes
I dont tie bwo dries ,a adams im sice 16 to #22 is a must and trout will take them during any baetis hatch.sixe 18 flash back PT is a must
Yes in small sizes griffins knat will hammer trout taking small baetis
Most importantly a iris casdis is #1 for caddis
Well him being from Texas he should probably think about having bass and panfish flies. Not the trout flies unless he only fly fishes a couple of times a year
Cant beat a size 12 Royal coachman dry
biggest fish first year was 15". Then I caught a 26" monster brown on a 20 zebra midge...
This is unbelievable, isn't it? It's so stinking tiny that I almost thought it didn't work, until I finally caught a 16" one on a size 22 black zebra midge.
There are really only about 150 different fly patterns
Spencer I think he's thinking about photo chromatic Polaroids
Colour does matter to an extent you don’t see blue egg patterns for a reason
Prince nymph?
Should have threw in a San quan worm and a mop fly
No San Juan worm?!
Caddis is King
Stone pony will catch u way more then a pats rubber legs hands down
Are you seriously saying you mostly only fish mayflies in 18 and 20s? Must be a tailwater?
If it won’t take a parachute adams it won’t take anything(;
Squirmy worm on a bounce rig? 😏
@@venturesflyco hahaha love that.
In Utah, Phil Bair developed the No Seeum and the Mother Shucker flies to imitate midge and May flies. For me, they out-fish the Parachute Adams every time!!