Photo by Louis Cahill

By Bob Reece

Three points of contact provide stability.

There are a plethora of patterns that new tiers could begin with.  Yet three in particular lay out the fundamental techniques needed to create a stabile foundation for your fly tying future.

The Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail and Elk Hair Caddis have all proven their worth.  The results that these patterns have produced for anglers around the world are undeniable.   Yet equally as important, but often overlooked, is the value of these three bugs to beginning tiers.

Successful fly tying stems from mastering techniques.  Once these techniques have been mastered they can be applied to additional practices and the subsequent patterns that are created through their use.  While constructing the Woolly Bugger, tiers work with tailing materials, chenille and wrapping hackles.   The Pheasant tail provides a practicing ground for proper nymph proportions, feather bodies and ribbing materials. Lastly, the Elk Hair Caddis introduces the tier to dubbing, more precise hackle use and hair wings.

By learning and mastering these three patterns, new tiers can anchor themselves to a successful starting point.  The skill set created through the creation of these bugs reaches far and wide in its application throughout the fly tying world.

Watch these videos and learn to tie these classic trout flies.

Krystal Flash Woolly Bugger:

Elk Hair Caddis:

Bead Head Pheasant Tail:

To see more of Bob Reece’s Fly Tying videos, click on the link below:

http://www.thinairangler.com/tying-videos

To explore the private water fly fishing options at Horse Creek Ranch, click on the link below:

http://www.thinairangler.com/horse-creek-ranch-fly-fishing

To step up your tying and fly fishing game, connect with Bob Reece are your Fly Coach through the link below:

http://www.thinairangler.com/fly-coach