The Art of Fly Tying: David’s Secrets to Tying Perfect Dry Flies

With : fishdikk

We caught up with David, a passionate fly tier and creator, to talk about his journey into the art of fly tying. In this interview, he shares the story of how he got started, his creative process, and his go-to tips for tying better dry flies. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, David’s insights are sure to elevate your fly-tying game.

David, how did you first get into fly tying, and what was it about the craft that sparked your interest?

My fly-tying adventure began when an older gentleman named Roger Thomas introduced me to the true art of tying flies. I was instantly captivated. The ability to craft a pattern tailored to my exact specifications made the process even more fascinating.

You’ve created some impressive dry flies—what’s your process for designing a new dry fly pattern?

I keep a sketchbook to jot down ideas that often come to me while driving to the trout stream. Sometimes, I'll revisit an old sketch and realize that a material or part of the fly just won't work, prompting me to find a better substitute. I have a passion for macro photography, which allows me to get up close and personal with the fish's favorite bugs. This helps me derive ideas for dimensions and colors.

David, what are some of your go-to tips or tricks for beginners who are just starting out with fly tying? Are there any techniques that you wish you had known sooner?

**Take your time!** The fly won't rush off to the river without you. If you tie in a material and don't achieve the desired result, simply unwind your thread and try again. My top tip for beginners is to start your thread two eye lengths behind the hook's eye. This prevents crowding at the hook's eye.

What are the most common mistakes you see beginner fly tiers make when tying dry flies, and how can they avoid them?

The most common mistakes I see with dry flies are proportion and eye crowding. Proportions are subjective to your area, as bugs can look different from any book or video. However, they generally follow certain dimensions that you can scale according to the fly's size. As for eye crowding, starting your thread two eye lengths behind the hook's eye gives you a reference point to stop at when finishing the fly and provides some leeway to adjust materials before whip finishing.

What’s your top 3 tip for tying better dry flies? Any specific techniques or materials that make a noticeable difference in their performance on the water?

1. **Use the appropriate size thread.** This makes all the difference in creating a clean fly. I find Semperfli to have the strongest thread at each size. For smaller dries, I prefer 8/0 to 12/0 waxed thread.

2. **Make every wrap of thread count.** Before you make a wrap, have a plan for where it needs to go and stick to that plan throughout the fly. You'll see a significant difference once you do this.

3. **Use good hackle.** While this isn’t as crucial during the learning phase and isn't necessary to fool most trout, it makes a big difference for those who take pride in their flies. Good hackle allows you to use less material to achieve the desired buoyancy. Whiting Farms has the best hackle I've used.