Fly tying Materials to Bring your Flies to Life
One problem established fly tiers face is getting stuck tying the same old patterns.
With as many fly tying materials on the shelves today, tying plain Jane flies should never be the case... unless your fly is called, "Plain Jane."
When I find myself in a creative jam, I often turn to these materials to add life.
Lifelike Material List #1: Senyos Laser Dub
This dubbing has become a shop favorite. We like to tie a lot of streamers up here in northern Idaho, and Senyo’s is my go-to material. With a large variety of colors on the shelves, this fine dubbing has made creating streamer heads easy.
I like to think of laser dub as a synthetic substitute for ram’s wool. If you are a believer of UV, each package is blended with thin UV fibers.
However, this dubbing isn’t only for streamers. Laser dub also makes a buggy dubbing for any nymph body.
Learn how to tie the RSS Boobie Fly using Senyo Laser Dub.
Predator Wrap for a Natural Movement
I find myself applying strands of predator wrap to almost every streamer I tie. The material is 4-5 inches long, and comes on a string (similar to chenille), so you can wrap it if needed.
More often than not, I cut the material off the string, and tie it in where most people use krystal flash. The Predator wrap is thinly barred, giving your fly a little more natural look.
Watch Jerry French tie his Summer Sculpin with Predator Wrap.
Kreelex-- A Staple Flash Material
There is a reason that a fly entirely made a Kreelex was created shortly after the material hit the shelves. Although it isn’t barred, Kreelex does a great job of displaying a mottled flash no other material can match.
Kreelex is a great substitute for flashabou when you find your flies getting a little stale. Check out Kraft’s Kreelex Streamer for motivation.
Paired with some of these high-water tactics, Kreelex could make a big difference for you.
Chartreuse Real Eyes for more UV-Light
It is a little known fact that Chartreuse Real Eyes are highly UV reflective while all other dumbbell eyes only have a light glow.
Purchase these here: Spirit River Real Eyes
Maybe next time you find yourself tying clouser minnows, try chartreuse instead of the standard red or yellow. It could be all the difference you need to have a stellar day on the lake!
Watch how Fred utilizes Real Eyes in his Predacious Fox pattern here.
OPST Barred Ostrich for a Vibrant Hue
No fly fisherman can deny that OPST made a big splash when they hit the flyshop. However, it seems like their innovative single hand Skagit head stole most of the spotlight. OPST’s barred ostrich is what I would define as boldly brilliant.
As if the vibrantly dyed ostrich plumes weren’t exciting enough, each plume is printed with several dark bars to create that perfect look.
Watch Bruce Berry tie his Flash Tail using OPST Barred Ostrich right here.