Inside the Mind of Utrera Fly Tying: Lucas Utrera on Art, Innovation, and the Perfect Dry Fly
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.
How to Tie a Zug Bug Nymph Fly Pattern
The Zug Bug is a classic nymph pattern that features peacock curl as the primary material, giving it a unique, lifelike appeal in the water. Perfect for both beginners and experienced fly tiers, this pattern is versatile and effective. Follow these steps to create your own Zug Bug nymph fly!
Step-by-Step Guide to Tying a Small Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail
The Small Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail is a classic fly pattern, known for its delicate appearance and effectiveness in a variety of fishing conditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tie this simple yet effective fly, perfect for small streams or delicate presentations.
How to Tie the Kingfisher Wet Fly: Step-by-Step Guide
The Kingfisher Wet Fly is a vibrant, attractor-style fly that’s perfect for brown trout and sea trout. Known for its colorful appeal, it’s a traditional pattern that stands out in the water and attracts fish with its movement and bright hues.
How to Tie the Woolly Worm Fly: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
The Woolly Worm is a classic and versatile fly pattern that imitates a wide range of aquatic insects, making it a must-have for any fly angler's box.
How to Tie the Gotcha Fly: A Modern Twist on a Bonefish Classic
The Gotcha is one of the most iconic and effective bonefish flies ever created, especially for flats fishing in the Bahamas—this step-by-step guide walks you through a durable, updated version using modern materials.
How to Tie the Pistol Pete Fly Pattern
The Pistol Pete is a classic attractor streamer known for its spinning propeller blade that creates irresistible vibration and flash—ideal for catching trout, pike, walleye, and more in stained or moving water.
From Coast to Craft: How This B.C. Fly Tyer Designs Patterns That Catch Everything
We caught up with Conor, a fishy character out of Victoria, B.C., whose passion for fly design runs as deep as the waters he fishes. From chasing coho on the Sunshine Coast as a kid to crafting lifelike baitfish patterns inspired by Baja’s big blue, Conor’s story is one of salt, sand, and serious creativity at the vise. Whether you’re a seasoned fly slinger or just getting into tying, his perspective on building better flies and understanding forage species is one you won’t want to miss.
How to Tie the Euro Rainbow Warrior – Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide
The Rainbow Warrior is a high-visibility Euro nymph pattern that excels in fast pocket water, off-color conditions, and when targeting stocked trout—thanks to its flashy profile and subtle hot spot
How to Tie the Bitch Creek Nymph – Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide
The Bitch Creek Nymph is a classic stonefly imitation known for its woven tiger weave abdomen and fish-catching versatility — effective for trout, steelhead, and even panfish when fished deep. This pattern shines in western waters during salmonfly hatches but performs just as well as a general attractor nymph.
How to Tie a Classic Prince Nymph in Just a Two Minutes
The Prince Nymph is a time-tested trout fly pattern known for its flashy profile and reliable effectiveness in fast water—perfect for nymphing deep runs and pockets.
How to Tie the Prospector Stone – Step-by-Step Guide
The Prospector Stone, created by Arlo Townsend and popularized through Landon Mayer’s Guide Flies, is a weighty, impressionistic stonefly nymph that gets down quickly and performs exceptionally well across a variety of water types.
How to Tie the Quill-Bodied Walleye Wing Merger Fly: Step-by-Step Guide
The quill-bodied Walleye Wing Merger is an exceptional fly pattern for attracting fish, especially when you need a versatile and realistic imitation of aquatic insects. This guide walks you through every step to tie this effective pattern with a quill body and Walleye wing.
How to Tie Effective Nymph Patterns That Catch Fish
You know, fly fishing’s got a way of calling you out to the water, and for Dylan Gonzales, that call came early. Growing up on the golf course with his dad Eli, Dylan didn’t expect to find a lifelong passion for tying flies, but sure enough, his dad’s old vise at the kitchen table set the hook. From tying simple patterns to becoming a Signature Fly Tyer for Umpqua Feather Merchants, Dylan’s journey has been a mix of trial, error, and plenty of casting. We caught up with him to talk about how he blends simplicity with effectiveness, his partnerships with industry-leading brands, and—most importantly—how he’s still chasing that perfect cast.
How to Tie the Screaming Banshee Skating Caddis
The Screaming Banshee is a fantastic skating caddis pattern designed by Charlie Craven. With its buoyant elk hair and a tapered pearl tinsel body, it's a perfect choice for attracting fish during the caddis hatch. Here's how to tie it step by step
How to Tie the White Wulff: A Step-by-Step Guide
The White Wulff is a classic dry fly designed by Lee Wulff, perfect for imitating insects that trout love to feast on. This simple yet effective pattern is easy to tie and floats well, making it a go-to for any angler.
How to Tie the White Death Steelhead Fly: A Simple and Effective Zonker Pattern
The White Death is a proven, easy-to-tie zonker pattern designed for steelhead and trout. Here’s how to tie this great lake steelhead fly, perfect for anglers looking for a simple yet effective fly for their next fishing adventure.
How to Tie: the Super Midge Pupa Fly
The Super Midge Pupa is a killer pattern that combines the subtle shimmer of opal Mirage with the natural allure of peacock herl, making it a must-have in any angler's box. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, let's dive into how to tie this beauty!
3 Essential Tips for Tying Big Streamers That Catch More Fish
If there’s one thing that makes a streamer junkie’s heart skip a beat, it’s a well-tied fly with the perfect swim. So, we tracked down Jeff—a guy whose Instagram is packed with some of the cleanest, fishiest streamer patterns you’ll ever see. He’s been at the vise since he was a teenager, drawing inspiration from legends like Larry Dahlberg and Kelly Galloup. We talked about his approach to tying, how he fine-tunes patterns for specific fishing situations, and what’s next on his bench.
How to Tie the Meat Whistle Streamer: A Versatile Pattern for Any Situation
The Meat Whistle Streamer is a highly functional and adaptable fly pattern, perfect for dredging deeper pools and hammering the banks in any situation. Whether you're fishing in Patagonia or closer to home, this pattern is sure to get the job done.