Inside the Mind of Utrera Fly Tying: Lucas Utrera on Art, Innovation, and the Perfect Dry Fly
With: utreraflytying
We caught up with Lucas Utrera, the mind and hands behind Utrera Fly Tying, during a quiet afternoon after the hatch had settled. Over the years, Lucas has carved out a name for himself in the fly tying world—where art meets angling. As someone who’s walked miles of riverbank in search of that perfect drift, I was drawn to Lucas' thoughtful approach to tying and his deep respect for the craft’s tradition. In our chat, he opened up about how a childhood spark turned into a lifelong pursuit of artistry, precision, and innovation at the vise.
Lucas, what first sparked your interest in fly fishing, and how did that passion evolve into the fly tying artistry you're now known for with Utrera Fly Tying?
I've always loved fishing. Ever since I was a child, my father would take me to small rivers and nearby lakes. But it wasn’t until I was 12 years old that I discovered fly fishing. A friend of my father’s, who already practiced this type of fishing, lent him a couple of magazines and catalogs — if I remember correctly, one was from Orvis and the other from Winston. My father brought them home and showed them to me, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was a whole new world for me, and I was instantly hooked. A few weeks later, we visited a small fly shop, and the physical contact with the tools and materials of that little universe completely won me over. I started taking some casting and tying lessons, and I still remember the first time I saw an instructor tie a fly. It was so wonderful that I knew, in that very moment, that what I was seeing would stay with me for the rest of my life. Do I remember which fly it was? Yes — a big, buggy Kaufmann’s Stone.
Over time, my academic studies led me to explore topics related to art and design. Almost without realizing it, I began to apply some of those concepts and theories to my flies: color theory, form, symmetry, the golden ratio, artistic movements, industrial design masters, architecture... a collection of ideas that might seem far removed from the world of fly tying, but that, for me, make perfect sense.
I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of objects. I try to find it even in the simplest, most ordinary things. With my flies, it’s the same. I don’t just enjoy them for their ability to deceive a fish — there’s something deeper behind them: a well-tied fly, crafted with passion and a bit of skill, can give me several minutes of pure happiness. Simply admiring them is a joy. And to me, that means a lot. Do all my flies make me feel that way? No, of course not. Some meet my expectations, others don’t. That’s why I keep learning as much as I can. But what matters most is that I’m always chasing that one moment of “perfection” — the one that brings me that beautiful, fleeting feeling of joy.
As an UMPQUA Signature Fly Tyer and contributor to Fly Tyer Magazine, how do you approach innovation in fly design while staying true to traditional techniques?
Fly tying has a rich and storied history, shaped by remarkable individuals who gradually gave form to what we now call “contemporary tying.” I have great respect for that tradition, but I’ve also made it a personal mission to step outside the mold in search of new horizons. Whenever possible, I try to strike a balance between innovation and tradition — between the outcome of creative exploration and the nostalgia found in the classic patterns we all grew up with.
I remember that, during my early years as a tyer, I held a very conservative stance: I wanted to replicate each pattern exactly as I saw it in the books. The thought of altering even the smallest detail never crossed my mind — it felt like a sign of disrespect to the original creators. As time went on, I realized I needed to rethink that position. If I never dared to break a few rules, my ideas would remain forever locked away in a drawer.
Once I understood that, I lost the fear of trying something different — and from that moment on, my creativity exploded. Umpqua and Fly TyerMagazine are two giants in our industry, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate that they’ve taken an interest in my work. Their experience far surpasses mine, so I’m always open to hearing their feedback and learning from it.
Dry flies can be especially tricky—what are your top 5 tips for tying dry flies that not only float well but consistently catch fish?
Dry flies are truly fascinating. I still remember the first fish I ever caught with one: it was a small ant tied with black deer hair and a subtle brown rooster hackle. I can still clearly picture the moment when the trout confidently rose and took it from the surface of the water… It was an indescribable feeling for a 12-year-old boy standing in a river with a fly rod in his hands for the very first time.
As I began to understand the physics behind dry fly floatation, I started refining my techniques and became much more deliberate in my choice of materials. I believe some of the key aspects to consider are the following:
1. Proportion and symmetry are essential
Take your time and build each part of the fly with proper proportions in mind. A successful drift on the water's surface will depend largely on this.
2. Create stiff, consistent hackles
Choose high-quality feathers and practice over and over until you achieve tight, uniform hackles that ensure proper floatation. Wrap each turn of the feather with care and precision. Take all the time you need—this isn’t a race.
3. Choose your tools wisely
Dry flies are delicate creations that require precision and finesse. Having the right tools will make your work significantly easier.
4. Select your thread carefully
As a general rule, use the thinnest and strongest thread possible. You need something durable that won’t add too much bulk to the hook shank. In 90% of cases, my go-to is Nano Silk 18/0 (you wouldn’t believe how strong that little guy is!).
5. Trust your instincts
Books and articles are wonderful and extremely helpful, but no one knows your local waters better than you do. Don’t be afraid to propose new solutions and develop your own patterns.
6. Bonus – Train your fine motor skills
Fly tying is an art that demands a certain level of dexterity, and improving your hand-eye coordination will give you a real edge. Here are a few simple exercises you can try:
Use tweezers to move small objects from one container to another (like hooks or bead heads).
Cut shapes out of paper using your fly-tying scissors (just like when you were a kid).
Toss and catch small items (like a spool of thread).
Build towers with playing cards (see how tall you can get!).
Practice origami (my favorite is the classic crane).
I know it might sound a bit crazy, but training your fine motor skills will help your hands follow your brain’s instructions with confidence and precision—making you a more skilled tyer.
4. You're part of an impressive lineup of pro teams—Renzetti, Ahrex, Gulff, and more. How have these collaborations influenced your creative process and tool preferences when you're at the vise?
I grew up admiring many of these companies—not only for the exceptional quality of their products but also because many of them are part of the rich history of fly tying. Adapting to their materials and tools came naturally to me; I’m sure you’ll agree—it’s easy to get used to the good things. I feel deeply honored to have their support. At the same time, it pushes me to improve every single day. Of course, it comes with great responsibility. That’s why I strive to reach the highest possible level with every pattern I create. I believe my work should speak for itself and help spread this art form even further.
In a world where people increasingly delegate tasks to technology, promoting such a refined and meaningful craft as fly tying has become, for me, almost a personal mission.
Out of the hundreds of patterns you’ve tied, is there one dry fly that stands out as your go-to when the fish are being picky—and what’s the story behind it?
Well, it really depends on the fishing situation and the environment, but I’d say that when nothing seems to work, I usually turn to patterns with bold, striking colors. It’s a way of provoking the fish—irritating them just enough to make them move and strike at the end of my line. There’s one fly I named “LU’s Mad Parachute.” It’s essentially a parachute-style fly with a rich and vibrant color palette, and it has produced great results for me. We all know the advantages of presenting a parachute on the water; I simply added vivid, intense colors, and the fish seem to respond to it very well.
