The Dirty Rat, featured in the Federation of Fly Fisher’s Pattern Encyclopaedia by Bob Lay of Montana, is a testament to simplicity and effectiveness in fly tying. This pattern, known for its unassuming appearance yet remarkable performance, has earned its place as a reliable choice for anglers year-round. Read More »

The big brother to the Griffith’s Gnat and Renegade fly patterns, the Grey Ugly would be more aptly named “The Sure Thing” or “Silver Bullet” when fish are feeding on large Chironomids or Mosquito!

Materials

Paul writes, “I was the guest tier on the BT’s Fly Night Zoom meeting on December 8th – Aussie Flies that work.“

The Australian wood duck, maned duck or maned goose (Chenonetta jubata) is a dabbling duck found throughout much of Australia. Read More »

The Hot Spot Soft Hackle fly is a versatile and highly effective pattern in the world of fly fishing. This innovative fly pattern combines elements of traditional soft hackle flies with a modern twist, featuring a brightly coloured “hot spot” near the head of the fly that serves as a trigger point for hungry trout and other freshwater species. Read More »

“Over the years, I’ve played around with different colour combinations and claret with yellow has proved particularly effective on Lake Wendouree, just around the corner from my Ballarat home. Hence the Wendouree Cruncher’s name: it’s proved particularly useful in a pulling team on this lake. Read More »

This can be a dropper with a dry fly or another nymph. Strip Strip pause the fly should pogo up and down. That is why it is called a Pogo.

Materials

• Hook – Togens wet Hook 14-16
• Thread – Black 14/0
• Tail – Pheasant tail fibres
• Body – Pheasant Tail fibres
• Rib – Fine copper wire (stereo speaker wire)
• Wing Case – Flash
• Thorax – Peacock herl
• Legs – Montana Fly Company Centipede Legs.

The Pheasant Tail is a popular nymph imitation used when fly fishing. It is used to mimic a large variety of aquatic insect larvae that many fish including trout feed upon. It is also widely referred to as the Sawyer’s Pheasant Tail, in relation to the original creator of this fly. Read More »

Clark’s Lady Stone Variant is a fly can be used for any stonefly (e.g., Little Yellow Stone, Little Green Stone, Salmonfly). Coordinate the thread and body colour, changing the thread to match the underwing. Use Varigated Rust, Gold, Orange or Green underwings to match these flies.  Read More »

The Bloody Mary came about as a way, after much trial, error and experimentation, of imitating the adult and larval stages of large stoneflies.

“Every so often a real gem comes to light, a fly that either answers some long-standing need, or, by virtue of it’s success just as a nondescript, is a contribution of definite value to the sport…Without question the Bloody Mary is such a fly.”