5 Essential Tips for Getting Started with Fly Tying: Insights from a Raymond Collette
With : theokayfisherman
1. How did you first get into fly fishing, and what drew you to the sport?
My introduction to fly fishing happened through Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF). I was spin fishing at a pond on Fort Meade when I noticed a group of people doing something I didn’t recognize—fly fishing. At the time, I thought fly fishing was just for trout on streams, so I was curious. I went over to check it out, and it turned out to be a group of veterans who warmly welcomed me in. That day, they got me hooked (pun intended).
About three months later, I gave fly tying a try, and that’s when I truly fell down the rabbit hole. I had been searching for a hobby that would keep my hands busy after leaving the military. I tried everything—model cars, puzzles, video games—but nothing really stuck. However, once I started making flies, it was game over. I knew I had found something I was passionate about.
2. What inspired you to start tying your own flies, and do you remember the first pattern you ever tied?
The biggest inspiration for tying my own flies was the idea itself—creating something with my own hands to catch fish. PHWFF took it a step further when I built my first rod through the program, and soon, I was fishing with flies I tied myself on a rod I had made. That sense of creation and independence was powerful.
As I got deeper into the craft, I started using Instagram to connect with other tiers. I was blown away by the incredible talent out there. One of the biggest influences on my tying style has been Son Toa, who continues to inspire me. Like many others, my first fly was the classic black Woolly Bugger—a great starting point that hooked me right in.
3. Can you walk us through your creative process when coming up with a new fly design?
I wish I had a clever answer here, but honestly, my process is rooted in laziness! Most of the time, I just sit down at the vise and start using whatever materials are already in front of me. If I run out of something—say elk hair while tying a caddis—I’ll substitute it with whatever is nearby, like CDC. Sometimes, I’ll see a cool pattern online, realize I have similar materials, and try my own version of it. It’s all about experimenting and making the most of what’s available.
4. What’s your go-to fly when you’re out on the water, and do you have a favorite species to target with your tied flies?
I don’t get out on the water as much as I’d like these days, but when I do, I prefer Euro nymphing—even though I mostly tie dry flies! My go-to flies for this style are simple, reliable patterns like the Frenchie, Hare’s Ear, and Soft Hackles.
5. What are your top 5 tips for someone just getting started with fly tying?
Watch multiple tutorials: Find five different ways to tie the same pattern and see which method makes the most sense to you.
Invest in good materials: Cheap materials can ruin a pattern, especially when it comes to dry flies—quality hackle makes all the difference.
Less is more: When I started focusing on proportions, my flies improved significantly. Clean, simple flies often outperform complicated ones.
Set goals for specific techniques: Focus on mastering one element at a time. For example, practice creating a tapered body using different materials until you understand how they affect the outcome.
Fly tying has no rules: Don’t let purists ruin your experience. It’s your fly and your time—explore and enjoy it however you see fit.
6. Beyond the technical aspects, what do you find most rewarding about fly tying, and how has it impacted your overall experience as an angler?
While tying flies is a lot of fun, the real reward has been in sharing my creations, teaching others, and being part of the community. I’ve met some incredible people through fly tying—many of whom are generous with their knowledge and always willing to help others grow. Of course, there are some gatekeepers in the community, but honestly—fuck those guys. The people who are welcoming and supportive have made this whole journey more meaningful for me.
