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Reel of the Week: Trout Pulls Angler Out of His Canoe?

A Note from Alexis Pageau (@alexis.pageau):

Reel of the Week from Alexis Pageau, be sure to follow his instagram at @alexis.pageau !


Check out the articles below:

Exploring the Congo for Goliath Tigerfish

Enter the Alaska Fly Out Giveaway

 

Exploring the Congo for Goliath Tigerfish

The goliath tigerfish is widely known as the most fearsome freshwater fish, sporting aggressive teeth and tipping the scales at 150 pounds and up. They are found in only one area of the world: the Congo River Basin. With adventure on our minds and the thought of a toothy oversized fish on the end of the line, we made our way to search for the elusive goliath tigerfish.

Lucy Mantle casts to the banks in search of goliath tigerfish.

We embarked on our Cape to Congo Fly Fishing tour, knowing this would not be an easy fish to come by. This would be the pinnacle of our fly fishing journey and records were there to be broken. Lucy Mantle, co-founder of City Flickers, the London-based Fly Fishing Club, was setting out to be the first woman to catch a Goliath on the fly. As we entered the Republic of Congo full of optimism, nothing could fully prepare us for what we would face on our lines. 

 

Getting Ready:

A goliath tigerfish fly sits at the ready to tango with the beast.

After months of research, kit prepping, and racking the brains of anyone crazy enough to have chased these monsters before on the fly, we dialed in our gear, flies, and equipment. Where we were headed, we were on our own. This meant making sure our gear was up to standards, and we had the proper flies to tackle these beasts. Heavy wire hooks, 10 and 12-wt rods, and reels able to put the breaks to fish in heavy currents were a must. With prep done, we finally found ourselves halfway up the Congo River on a 30ft dugout canoe casting into what we hoped would be Goliath territory. 

 

The Hunt for Goliaths:

We fished an untouched tributary of this awe-inspiring river drifting over the crystal-clear water, stripping our monstrous flies to entice one of these prehistoric fish. Armed with a quiver of rods each, we set out, praying that we hadn’t got this wrong and that goliaths would be hidden away, waiting to ambush one of our flies. After a slow start in the searing heat, our luck changed on the second day. I cast a fly that landed 3 feet from where the emerald green rainforest meets the river, and suddenly line was being stripped through my fingers at a speed I had never felt before. Within seconds, this beast tore through the 50-lb leader above the wire trace, and I was left with nothing but an adrenaline rush that I will never forget. The sheer power of these fish leaves nothing to the imagination; when they strike, you quickly realize that the goliath, or Mbenga, as the Congolese call them, is in full control.  

Getting back to it, I quickly had another take in quick succession. I held on as my sinking line ripped through my hands until the tiger was off before I could wrestle back any of my line. Lucy frustratingly noted the flies they were interested in were not the bespoke goliath flies tied for us, but instead small brush flies you would use to cast at smaller vittatus tigerfish. These smaller, lighter flies were soon stripped through every pool and channel until our bodies ached, and we started to fear we might not have another chance again. This was until the drop in morale was broken by Lucy when she was thrown forward and announced, “I’m in!”. 

In one swift moment, her fly was ripped upstream at an alarmingly fast rate, and a 40+lb Goliath Tigerfish broke the surface, showing us her full mammoth size. The force with which this fish was fighting quickly showed why they are so revered, and her 12-wt strained with the pressure. It powered through the fast-flowing river, tearing more line out and heading deeper into the river. Despite her best efforts to take the upper hand in this fight, the fish broke the fly line and disappeared. As we sat lamenting what could have been seeking support from the local Congolese beer, we realized that you can only appreciate this species, which has truly earned its name and reputation. 

Lucy, with the golliaths smaller cousin, the vittatus tigerfish, caught on the fly.

After 5 exhausting days, 3 goliaths lost, 1 vittatus landed, and enough fly kit destroyed by these infamous fish to fill a scrapyard, the trip was over. Sure, we didn’t land a goliath, but this was undoubtedly the most incredible experience with a rod in hand. The sheer power and mystery behind these fish is awe-inspiring, and while the goliath certainly won this round, we will be back. 

To follow Lucy’s journey to catch a goliath and the great work City Flickers is doing, check them out on Instagram: @lucy_mantle @city.flickers.

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Mayfly Outdoors Welcomes April Vokey as Ambassador for Ross Reels, Abel Reels, and Airflo

Mayfly Outdoors, a legacy brand in fly fishing, has announced its newest ambassador, April Vokey. April is a world-class fly fisher, outdoorswoman, casting instructor, and more. To learn more about this exciting partnership, check out the Mayfly Outdoors press release below.

From Mayfly Outdoors:

Montrose, CO – October 30, 2024 – Mayfly Outdoors, the award-winning manufacturer of
high-performance fly fishing products and parent company of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, and
Airflo, is excited to announce that world-renowned fly fisher, guide, author, and conservationist April Vokey has joined the Mayfly family as a brand ambassador.

Known for her work through Anchored Outdoors and years of guiding in some of the world’s
most iconic fisheries, Vokey has become a respected authority in fly fishing, conservation, and education. Her ability to connect with anglers of all skill levels, coupled with her dedication to preserving rivers, has solidified her role as a leader in the industry.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Mayfly Outdoors family. I’ve respected Ross, Abel, and Airflo for decades, and having the chance to represent them now is both an honor and a full-circle moment,” Vokey shared. “These brands stand for more than just fly fishing—they embody a deep respect for craftsmanship, adventure, and the wild places that inspire us. I’m looking forward to working with the team, sharing new ideas, and continuing the tradition of creating products that truly connect anglers to the heart of the sport. This partnership feels like the perfect fit, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

As an ambassador, Vokey will engage in a range of initiatives, including product testing,
collaborating on educational content, and offering valuable insights for product innovation. She will also continue her advocacy for conservation, working alongside Mayfly to support their ongoing commitment to habitat preservation and community-driven stewardship.

“April truly embodies what our brands stand for—performance, craftsmanship, and respect for wild places we love,” said Jeff Wagner, CEO and President of Mayfly. “We’re beyond excited to have someone with her passion, expertise, and authenticity representing Ross, Abel, and Airflo. April’s influence and knowledge will be an incredible asset as we continue to innovate and honor the traditions of fly fishing for future generations.”

This collaboration marks a new chapter for Mayfly Outdoors as the company strengthens its
ambassador roster and continues to develop industry-leading fly fishing products.

For more information visit www.mayflyoutdoors.com or follow us on social at @RossReels,
@AbelReels, and @AirfloLines.

About Mayfly Outdoors:
Mayfly Outdoors is a Colorado-based outdoor products company. Mayfly subsidiaries operate under several brand names, including Abel, Ross Reels, Airflo, Dyna-King, and Renzetti. Combined, these businesses have received more industry “Awards in Excellence” for innovation, dependability, and performance than any other fly fishing tackle manufacturers in the world. Learn more at www.mayflyoutdoors.com.

Media Contact:
Lizzie Moore
Senior Marketing Manager
Mayfly Outdoors
marketing@rossreels.com

Redington to Discontinue Wader Line: A Shift in Focus for the Iconic Fly Fishing Brand

The Best Rain Gear of 2024

How to Tie: The Dubbing Loop

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Tim Flagler with Tightlinevideo shows us the steps needed to master a fantastic skill in fly tying, the dubbing loop. 

Learn About This Technique:

Difficulty: Easy

It’s no secret that getting into fly tying can be a daunting task. Whether price point, dexterity, or knowing where to begin, there are many aspects that make tying intimidating. This winter, we are going to begin covering techniques that will break some barriers and allow you to tie your favorite patterns. There are several ways to tie flies and apply materials, but one of those most useful and one every tyer should know is the dubbing loop. 

Many patterns implement the use of dubbing, including dries, nymphs, and streamer patterns. Although the classic application of using your fingers to condense the dub around thread will work, creating a dubbing loop will give an extremely buggy profile that trout love. For saltwater patterns, this is a great way to add body to crab or shrimp flies and increase productivity on the flats. Dubbing loop’s are intimidating at first, but are a valuable and useful technique that every tyer needs in their quiver. 

Follow Tim’s instructions in this video with patience if you are a novice. This is a skill that takes time to master, but becomes easier the more you practice. Beginning small with nymphs, such as the Baetis Max, will be much more forgiving to start and is a timely addition to your tying this winter season. Take your time and pay attention to detail with this technique, as the dubbing loop is worth any grief found on the vise. 

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie using the dubbing loop!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Tightlinevideo.

Legendary Saltwater Fly Tyer Bob Popovics Passes Away

This morning, the saltwater fly fishing world lost one of its greatest legends. Bob Popovics, the visionary tyer who forever changed our sport with patterns like the Surf Candy and Hollow Fleye, passed away peacefully at 3 a.m. on November 1, 2024. After being hospitalized in late September following a tragic hit-and-run accident in Seaside Heights, NJ, Bob’s final days were surrounded by family, friends, and countless prayers from the fishing community.

Bob wasn’t just a master tyer; he was an innovator, a mentor, and a friend to anglers everywhere. His work opened doors to what saltwater flies could be—combining artistry, durability, and pure fish-catching effectiveness. For decades, Bob’s creations have inspired countless fly tyers to push boundaries, and his legacy will no doubt continue to shape the sport he loved.

To Bob’s family, friends, and all those touched by his creativity and kindness, we extend our deepest condolences. Today, the fly fishing community mourns a legend whose impact will be felt in every cast, every tie, and every fish caught with one of his patterns. Rest easy, Bob. You will be missed, but your influence will live on.

2025 F3T Behind The Lens: Dan’s Pain 2

The 2025 Fly Fishing Film Tour is almost underway, but before you see the films, get an inside look into what went into making each film in this year’s “F3T Behind the Lens” series. Also, be sure to check out the 2025 Film Tour Dates HERE to see the schedule and get tickets!

First in this year’s F3T Behind the Lens line-up is Dan’s Pain 2, a film by Ben Meadows highlighting the struggles and realities of musky fishing. We sat down with Ben to learn more about capturing this story and turning it into a film. From the various challenges faced to the inevitable hardship of musky fishing, this film captures it all. Check out the full interview below.

Flylords: How did this film turn into a reality?

Ben Meadows: “During the premier of Dan’s Pain in Austin, Texas; Austin Conrad of Virginia Trophy Guides found us after the show and said how much he enjoyed the film. The fact that it was literally a project about a guy who sucked at fishing made it unique and refreshing.

Fast forward a few years later, he hit us up and said that Dan’s Pain deserved a sequel, and that there’d be nothing funnier than going from foaming schools of tuna (Dan’s Pain 1) to the toughest fish in freshwater (Dan’s Pain 2). To be honest? We believed him. There was something so simple and hilarious about the original Dan’s Pain (one fish actually jumped into the boat… yet Dan didn’t hook one), which would set up a crazy contrast with the fish of 10,000 casts. At the same point, I also wonder if Dan hooking himself in the head in the first film, and the necessity to cast 18” flies to musky… might have had a part to play in his idea.

Regardless, we put the plan into motion last fall on getting dates and seasons organized to hopefully put us all in a successful position. We arrived on the idea of March being an ambitious and early start, which would coincide with some good brook trout fishing. It’s important to note that Dan… had never caught a trout either.” 

Photo courtesy of Ben Meadows.

Flylords: What is the biggest challenge you faced while creating this film?

Ben Meadows: “I really don’t think there was a “biggest” challenge here. Everything was challenging. Scheduling? We were at the mercy of musky patterning and movements, Dan’s construction calendar, and then a bunch of young family dynamics. That’s a scheduling nightmare. Weather? Not only did the rivers max out as we drove up to Virginia, but some of it was warm rain which moved some musky out of different holding patterns. Coordination? Extremely difficult– you want to cover as much water as possible to maximize 30,000 casts (3 boats in the water) but how are you going to make sure chase boat and “talent” boat are in the same place? And of course… musky are beyond difficult.”

Flylords: What made you choose to target musky?

Ben Meadows: “Thankfully, we can wave our hands on this one! We didn’t. We only agreed to Austin’s hilarious proposition that taking Dan from the easiest saltwater situation to the most difficult freshwater challenge would be a fantastic contrast. There would be a story no matter what.”Photo courtesy of Ben Meadows.

Can you tell us more about the characters in the film?

Ben Meadows: “Blane Chocklett probably needs no introduction to the fly audience– he’s the guy who built his life around the most difficult fly quarry… and the best flies to chase them with. But the truth is, we actually got introduced at the last second.

Blane Chocklett, legendary musky angler and Dan’s mentor in Dan’s Pains 2. Photo courtesy of Ben Meadows.

The guys from Virginia Trophy Guides said that they had an “ace up their sleeve.” When Blane drove up, we all kicked the ground a bit grumbling  “Please, Dan. Please tell us you’ve been practicing your casts”

And to be fair– we were doubly wrong. Dan had been practicing and anticipating this moment and Blane was a humble and intentional coach. He very quickly caught on to Dan’s bass and redfish instincts… and to his fishing curse. 

Dan Lantrip, cursed angler and main character in Dan’s Pain 2. Photo courtesy of Ben Meadows.

Now, to introduce Dan Lantrip? Man. He’s probably the most cursed fly fisherman we know. And that’s coming from a bunch of curse-of-the-camera touting dudes. 

If there’s an easy shot in the world? Nature will flip over to make sure it doesn’t go Dan’s way. We have honestly seen so many things go wrong that there’s no other way to describe it – he’s cursed. Just wait to the last clip of the film. Cursed.

Flylords: What is one thing that you learned while creating this film that can apply to others looking to get into musky fishing?

Ben Meadows: “As Blane says in the film– “embrace the suck.” From my angle, this style of fishing is 99% pain and 1% madness. You push and push and push, hoping that one cast will be the one. As a filmmaker, you’re trying to make sure you’re burning tape so you don’t miss that moment since you’re not promised more than one. (Honestly are you even promised one? ) And that sets up the 1% madness. You’re either ready for it, and are praying that it all stays together… or, you’re not ready for it and you’re staring at the sky, kicking yourself for not being prepared.”

Photo courtesy of Ben Meadows.

Flylords: Do you have any exciting films currently in the works?

Ben Meadows: “We’ve been overwhelmed by some wonderful stories recently. There’s the story of the fight to make jack crevalle a legitimately managed gamefish with the ASGA team.  Then the craziest combination we’ve stumbled upon – Vic – an ex-special forces soldier who’s fighting for ecological restoration between jaguars, sea turtles, and dogs on the beaches of Mexico. Then there’s Chris’s story– a guy who emerged from a traumatic childhood in North Alabama who ponders what it means to find peace in chaos – picking up fly rod for the first time and following him from Alabama to Alaska.  

Also coming down the pipe is a heli-kayaking steelheading adventure, a reflection about redfish, and a personal passion project/bonus about my own labrador retriever, Riggins, and his journey from couch potato to duck dog, to bass dog, to trout dog… all because I missed out on the first couple years of his life not realizing how talented he was. 

So yeah. Not enough coffee and hours of sleep in the world!”

Flylords: What is the key message that you hope viewers take away from this film?

Ben Meadows: ” We’ve had other projects that have a distinct message or punch point. For instance, our first F3T film “Just Like Mac” had a deep resonance about what it means to pass along something your passionate about when… time isn’t on your side. With “The Holy Well” we wanted to share the passion of a unique fishery and an epic experience. 

But with Dan’s Pain 1 and 2, they are just fun reflections of a guy who’s willing to be the butt of the joke. To laugh at themselves. To literally be cool with an entire production (and sequel) about how bad you are at fishing.

Photo courtesy of Ben Meadows.

And I dunno. Maybe there’s some relevant resonance there? In a sport where everyone is committed to be the most serious, the most focused, the most die-hard… maybe we should all take ourselves a little less seriously?

Thanks so much to Ben for taking the time to sit down with us, and be on the look out for more “behind the lens” features, and be sure to check out when the film tour is coming through your neck of the woods! Get info and tickets, BELOW.

Buy your Fly Fishing Film Tour Tickets HERE!

 

2024 F3T Behind the Lens: Only The Salmon Knows

2024 F3T Behind the Lens: Rods, Rolls & Reality on the Soča

Fishing Tips: Five Tips for Streamer Fishing

We are in the heart of streamer fishing season, so it’s time to get your approach dialed in. Check out this video from Hardman Fishing Adventures for five tips for streamer fishing.

  1. Work the streamer with your rod, not the line. 
  2. Weighted fly line is only good for certain scenarios. 
  3. Use a short leader.
  4. The lighter a streamer the better the action is.
  5. The lighter or clearer the water is, the lighter the streamer color; and the darker or muddier the water is, the darker the streamer color. 

Enter the Alaska Fly Out Giveaway

Welcome to the Alaska Fly Out Giveaway! Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the Alaskan wilderness! We’re floating, flying, and fishing from the base of Denali all the way to the stunning coastal regions of the Yentna River. Test your luck for a chance to win the ultimate “Alaska Fly Out Giveaway,” featuring over $20,000 in gear and an exclusive lodging and fishing experience at Chelatna Lake Lodge.

In addition, as Alaska Trout Unlimited is our conservation partner for this giveaway we have teamed up to create an awesome sun shirt where all proceeds go directly to Alaska TU. To raise awareness, check out the sun hoodies below designed by Casey Underwood and help support conservation efforts in Alaska! 

Alaska Fly Out Giveaway Includes: 

 

 

An Interview with Alaska Trout Unlimited & How To Get Your Sun Hoodie!

Flylords: Quick summary about Alaska Trout Unlimited? What are your goals, background, how many people are make up Alaska TU?

Alaska TU: Alaska is home to some of the most prized and spectacular rivers on the planet. The intact watersheds of Bristol Bay produce over half the world’s sockeye salmon. Roughly 15,000 miles of clean, undammed creeks and rivers flow through the temperate rainforest of the Tongass, providing optimal habitat for salmon and steelhead. Trophy rainbow trout rivers in south central and western Alaska draw anglers from around the world. Simply put, Alaska is the best of what’s left, and Trout Unlimited Alaska has spent the past two decades working to keep it that way. Our team of 15 Alaska-based staff have been instrumental in protecting these incredible places and securing safeguards for our state’s pristine rivers and wild landscapes. At the same time, we are working to identify and restore trout and salmon habitat degraded by mining, logging, and road building.

Flylords: Can you highlight one program that Alaska Trout Unlimited is working on at the moment?

Alaska TU: Although much of Alaska’s habitat remains intact, logging, mining, road building, and other forms of development have degraded and disconnected critical fish habitat in many parts of the state. Restoration projects in southeast, southcentral, and interior Alaska are reconnecting and repairing important habitat and helping ensure fish have the diversity of habitat needed to maintain populations in a warming world. We’ve partnered with the Forest Service on several projects: the Resurrection Creek restoration project in Hope is bringing Chinook spawning and rearing habitat back to a two mile stretch of the creek and on Kuiu Island in southeast Alaska, we just removed and replaced nine fish blocking culverts to reconnect nearly two miles of important spawning and rearing habitat for coho and pink salmon. We are also working with the Bureau of Land Management in interior Alaska to restore streams degraded by historical mining and prioritize future restoration projects.

Flylords: What is one of Alaska TU’s biggest success story in the past couple years?

Alaska TU: Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to the world’s most productive wild salmon fishery, has been under relentless threat from industrial-scale mining for nearly twenty years. The region’s salmon are a keystone species that support the rich surrounding environment teeming with bears and trophy rainbow trout, underpin the subsistence lifestyles practiced by the region’s many Indigenous Tribes, and drive a $2.2 billion recreational and commercial fishing economy. Trout Unlimited has been a part of the fight from the beginning, and played a major role in securing the Army Corps of Engineers permit denial and enacting EPA 404(c) Clean Water Act protections, which effectively halted the proposed Pebble Mine. We celebrate these milestones, while continuing to work diligently to defend current layers of protections and securing more permanent safeguards that protect the entire watershed from industrial mining.

Flylords: What is the biggest challenge that Alaska TU will face next year?

Alaska TU: Alaska’s ample intact habitats are threatened by projects that could compromise trout and salmon habitat and put the sustainable fishing and tourism industries and subsistence lifestyles that are pervasive across much of the state at risk. Trout Unlimited is uniquely positioned to bring strong scientific review and public scrutiny to potentially damaging projects. By advocating for protecting critical fish habitat and advancing strategic restoration projects, we are working to keep Alaska’s salmon and trout populations thriving for generations to come.

Flylords: How can individuals who are coming to fish Alaska get involved with Alaska TU?

Alaska TU: Follow us on social media at @troutunlimitedalaska, @savebristolbay @americansalmonforest or check out our website to see what comment periods, events, and other opportunities are available to protect and restore Alaska’s world-class fish habitat.

Help support Alaska Trout Unlimited and the fisheries that we love by purchasing a sun hoodie HERE! All proceeds benefit Alaska Trout Unlimited and their conservation efforts. Artwork by Casey Underwood


Your Guide to Floating Alaska

Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing Alaska

We Did The Ultimate Cast and Blast: Mallards & Mountain Brookies with Stuart Ranch

Fly fishing has a long history connected by fins and feathers, with some of the most famous flies we tie on today being crafted with mallard flank. The winter months for most fly fishing enthusiasts are spent at the vice, filling our boxes for the coming spring and summer. So we set off to collect the feathers ourselves! We ventured down to Stuart Ranch Outfitters to meet up with a new friend, Clay Forst, in search of some mallard flank of our own. When summer rolled around, we invited Clay to our home state of Colorado to take our Can-Ams up into the high country to catch wild fish on the flies we tied from our Oklahoma feathers. 

Back in December, while the banks of our local rivers were covered in snow, we migrated southeast to the heart of the central flyway in search of some mallard flank to add to our feathers for tying this winter. Our goal? To hunt two days with Clay and in those two days, harvest a mallard drake, which I would cape out to get tying material for our adventures in Colorado this summer. So, as we got there the first afternoon, we raided the Stuart Ranch Levrack and prepped the Can-Ams for an early morning to start our hunt for greenheads (Mallard Drake). 

The first-morning hunt was what Clay calls “Oklahoma Timber”. This consisted of us leaning up against mesquite trees along a popular duck hole. It wasn’t long before we accomplished our goal to get ourselves a mallard drake. While we were still hunting, it was fun to show Clay the different feathers on the bird and what we would use them for to tie our flies for Colorado the upcoming summer. There is something special about sitting in a blind or leaning up against some trees. It reminds me of team fishing a hole when you are wading or when you are in the boat with friends. The camaraderie shared makes your morning or day; whether you catch fish or see birds flying, you can still have a great time.

After wrapping up our hunt, it was time to clean the birds and attempt something Clay and I had never done before, caping out a bird. We knew the Williams bird knives were sharp, but we didn’t know how crucial that was until you try to be as precise as caping out a bird. With the bird caped out, all that was left was to let it dry out so I could get behind my vice to whip up some flies. We also set aside some of the duck to be cooked when we were up in the high country in the summer. 

Fast forward 6-months, and we were ready to hit the high country in search of some small wild fish. We followed a similar pattern to get ready for a night camping in the high country. We grabbed all of our fishing gear, coolers, and camping gear our of the Levrack, loaded up the Can-Ams to head up into the high country. 

It was apparent when we got up into the valley that we wanted to fish, and we were not in Oklahoma anymore. Clay was excited to get out of the triple-digit heat, and I was excited but nervous about testing out the flies I had tied 100 percent out of the mallard drake we had caped out 6 months prior. 

Any nerves were brought to a screeching halt with the first few casts of the trip. The brookies were eager to eat our flies in creeks no wider than 5 feet across. Once we had our share of fishing it was time to set up camp and get to my personal highlight of the camping trip. 

I had been thinking about what I was going to cook for this trip almost all summer, the meal is really what brought this project full circle. At this point we had harvested the bird, utilized it’s feathers to catch some wild brook trout, and the last step was cooking the bird. I decided to whip up some Duck and Stuart Ranch beef crunchwraps which might be my favorite camping meal of all time.

As the sun set, and we sat around a lantern (there was a fire ban, so no campfire) we all talked about how amazing this full circle moment was where we merged two passions into one cohesive experience. 

This whole project could not have been possible without Clay Forst and the incredible group at Stuart Ranch Outfitters, in addition to our excellent partners Can-Am Offroad, Levrack, and Williams Knife Co. 

If you want to learn more about Stuart Ranch, CLICK HERE


Check out the articles below:

Gear Lab: Levrack Storage

Fishing Tips: Flies That Work When No Fish Are Rising

 

How to Tie: The Allegedly Ostrich Baetis

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Cheech with Fly Fish Food ties a fantastic mayfly for late fall through winter, the Allegedly Ostrich Baetis. 

Learn About This Fly:

Difficulty: Easy

If you are new to entomology and fly tying, Baetis are apart of the mayfly family and a significant food source for most trout. Whether intentional or not, learning insect species and their life cycles are a large part of becoming a capable angler. This knowledge allows you to begin to understand and anticipate the feeding habits of trout and other fish species, leading to more productivity on the water. Fall and winter offer a chance to learn about smaller insects, such as baetis, and the Allegedly Ostrich Baetis is the perfect pattern to prepare for slower season bite. 

Beginners and veterans alike will be able to confidently and effectively tie this fly. Selecting a thin diameter thread is key for not over wrapping the body and keeping novice tyers from simple mistakes. With the smaller hook size it is important to initially take your time and make sure proportions are accurate, which will allow for quick batches after some practice. The Allegedly Ostrich Baetis is a pattern that won’t create many headaches on the vise but still requires strong attention to detail. 

Pairing this fly in a double nymph rig will be an effective winter setup. As a dropper off an anchor pattern, expect many takes to be on this one as trout turn to consume the easier food item. Depending on the size of mayflies in your water, don’t be afraid to adjust color and size to match the hatch. Enjoy the process of switching over to small patterns and technical tying this winter season, starting it all with the Allegedly Ostrich Baetis. 

Ingredients: 

Now you know how to tie the Allegedly Ostrich Baetis!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.