Behind the Vise: Dirtybugzzz Fly Tying Tips for Beginners and Beyond

With: dirtybugzzz

We caught up with Carl, a talented fly tyer and angler from Sweden, to chat about his journey into fly tying, his creative process, and what keeps him inspired. From humble beginnings by a local river to crafting intricate stonefly nymphs, Carl shares the passion and artistry that goes into every fly he ties. Whether you're a seasoned tyer or just getting started, his insights are sure to inspire.

Carl, how did you first get into fly tying? Was there a specific moment or person that inspired you to start creating your own flies?

Ive been fishing since I was 5 but started tying flies about 5 years ago. I was down by my local river fishing dryflies when I met another fisherman. We started to fish together and now 5 years later he is one of my closest friends. He was really into flyfishing like me but he was also really into tying. He made me realise that flytying is a perfect hobby when you live in sweden with 6-8 dark months every year. I am really grateful for that. Today I almost enjoy to tie my flies as much as fishing them. (Almost) I think about different patterns everyday (dont tell my wife) I Get alot of inspiration from friends and instagram. When I see i fly i like, and it looks like a challenge I normally spend the day at work thinking how i can put my own twist to it and still have a greate fishing fly that looks bad ass.

Your flies are incredibly detailed and creative. Can you walk us through your process when you sit down to tie a new pattern?

Then at night when kids have gone to bed i sit down by the vise and try to create the image in my head. Sometimes it works. I think its hard to find new patterns or its hard to now if you found a new pattern becasue a lot of things had already been tried. I try to stan creativ and even when I tie a classic fishy pattern I try to ad something to make it mine. I think people who follow me recognize my style. Want them to see that it is a dirty-bug.

Is there a particular fly or type of pattern that you’re known for, Carl? How did you develop your signature style?

Ive done alot of a stoneflynymph lately. Got inspired by some super talented tyers and changed it alot, so I would call it mine pattern now. (Attached pictures)

What tools or materials are absolutely essential in your fly tying setup? Are there any hidden gems or must-haves you’d recommend to other tiers?

The most important tools I use now is super sharp scissors from TheFlySmith and also bobbins from TheFlySmith. Tweezers is a gamechanger. Helps with the detail. And i have a necklace with a magnet on so I can keep my favorit tools close when I tie. (Carry a fly on there when fishing)

For those just starting out with fly tying, what are the top 3 tips you’d give to make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable?

To all the new tyers i would like to day welcome to an awesome hobby and a super nice community. You should start up with some easy nymphpatterns to get used to the different materials. Find a pattern you want to tie and watch a couple of videos whit it. Tie it a couple of times and you will see changes in evey tie. Feel free to ask questions, there is alot of awesome and humble tyers out there who will help out. 

Carl, is there a fly tying challenge or project you’ve set your sights on for the future? Something you’re excited to tackle next?

So I am invited to the Danish Fly Festival and I am really looking forward to that. My goal 2025 is to keep grinding and get better, do more shows and more collabs.Tie more flies and catch more trout. Instagram makes sure that i get inspired and I really hope to inspire some people as well.