Mastering the Surface: Secrets to Deadly Emerger Patterns
Fly Tying, Articles Trent Jones Fly Tying, Articles Trent Jones

Mastering the Surface: Secrets to Deadly Emerger Patterns

Every now and then, you come across a fly tyer whose patterns just stop you in your tracks—clean, smart, and dialed-in for real results. That’s exactly what you get with Graeme. We caught up with him after another big season on the competition circuit, where he’s not only been stacking up national caps for Scotland but also fine-tuning foam head emergers that have become lethal on pressured waters. Over a cup of something warm (or maybe a dram), we talked about his journey, what makes a suspender midge tick, and where his tying is heading as he sets his sights on the wild brown trout of the lochs. Let’s dive in.

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Inside the Mind of a Master Bugmaker: Michael Wenzel on Realistic Fly Tying
Articles, Fly Tying Trent Jones Articles, Fly Tying Trent Jones

Inside the Mind of a Master Bugmaker: Michael Wenzel on Realistic Fly Tying

I had the chance to catch up with Michael Wenzel, one of the most dialed-in bugmakers in the game, whose flies are more art than imitation. We swapped stories about early fish, what makes a pattern work (or not), and how he’s managed to blend a lifetime of passion with patience, skill, and a deep respect for the craft. This isn’t just about tying flies—it’s about seeing the world through a trout’s eyes and building something beautiful one wrap at a time. Here's how Michael got his start, why realism matters, and the kind of dedication it takes to make a mayfly look like it’s about to take off.

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Classic Patterns, Cowboy Grit: Inside the World of Fly Tyer Blake Glover
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Classic Patterns, Cowboy Grit: Inside the World of Fly Tyer Blake Glover

There’s a certain kind of strength that shows up when life hits hardest—and that’s exactly what we saw in Blake Glover, better known in our world as The Fly Tying Cowboy. I had the chance to sit down with Blake and hear how he turned unimaginable heartbreak into a fire that fuels his passion for fly tying. From that first Walmart fly rod to pro staff roles with Daiichi, Veevus, and The Fly Hair Co., Blake’s journey is raw, real, and deeply rooted in tradition. We caught up with him to talk about the patterns he loves, the gear he trusts, and the purpose that keeps him tying flies day after day. This one’s about resilience, legacy, and the healing power of thread and feather.

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How to Fish Chironomids Like a Pro: Zach’s Guide to Stillwater Strategy
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How to Fish Chironomids Like a Pro: Zach’s Guide to Stillwater Strategy

We caught up with Zach, better known online for his razor-sharp stillwater patterns and deep knowledge of lake entomology, during a stretch of calm mornings and hungry rainbows out in Kelowna, B.C. As someone who’s spent more than a few dawns watching chironomids rise and rods bend, I was stoked to sit down with a fellow lake junkie who lives and breathes fly tying. Zach broke down his process, shared his go-to tactics for consistent success on stillwaters, and offered a few tips every new fly tier should hear. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your lake game, there’s a lot to learn from this one.

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How to Tie Realistic Mayfly Wally Wings: Step-by-Step Guide
Fly Tying Trent Jones Fly Tying Trent Jones

How to Tie Realistic Mayfly Wally Wings: Step-by-Step Guide

Create ultra-realistic mayfly wings using the classic Wally Wing technique, perfect for lifelike fly patterns that improve your fishing success. This Wally Wing technique offers realistic mayfly wings with a simple process, though note it can cause slight tippet twist on long, fast casts. Ideal for slow-action rods and short casts, it’s a must-try for fly tiers aiming for lifelike mayfly imitations.

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Inside Fly Tying Europe: How a Scandinavian Passion Sparked a Continental Movement
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Inside Fly Tying Europe: How a Scandinavian Passion Sparked a Continental Movement

Every now and then, you meet folks in this world who are so dialed into the craft, it feels less like a hobby and more like a calling. That’s exactly what we found when we caught up with the crew behind Fly Tying Europe. These are the kinds of people who grew up around vise and feather, shaped by generations of passion and purpose. What started as a family tradition in a small Scandinavian home has grown into a continental force for creativity, community, and catching fish on your own ties. We sat down with one of the founders to talk shop, dig into their story, and hear why European fly tying is thriving like never before.

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