How to Tie the Tungsten Rainbow Dart – A Fly Tying Guide Inspired by Lance Egan’s Classics
The Tungsten Rainbow Dart is a highly effective mash-up fly combining elements from Lance Egan’s legendary patterns—the Tungsten Surveyor, Rainbow Warrior, and Red Dart—designed to target pressured trout with a bright, deadly profile.
Fly Fishing After the Military: Chris Gallagher’s Journey from Soldier to Stream
We caught up with Chris Gallagher—a former infantryman, proud dad, and fly fishing team USA member—somewhere between the banks of the Delaware and the back of his old ‘97 Tacoma. Chris is a Catskills local with a deep connection to the rivers that shaped him, and his story runs deeper than just trout and tight loops. From Army life to Euro-nymph rigs and raising his kids creekside, Chris has carved out a unique place in fly fishing’s heartland. Here’s what he shared with us about the journey.
Giant Great Lakes Steelhead Chase | Flylords Fly Shop Tour S3E5
Today’s Fly Life Media spotlight takes us to the legendary waters of the Northeast with Flylords’ own Wills Donaldson. In this final episode of Season 3’s Fly Shop Tour, Wills leaves Pennsylvania behind and heads to New York to chase some of the most iconic steelhead fisheries — the Upper Delaware tributaries and the famous Salmon River. Watch as he dives into the art of tailwater dry fly fishing, honing his skills before pursuing the elusive, chrome-bright Great Lakes steelhead. Whether you’re chasing steelhead or just love the lore of these historic fisheries, this episode is packed with expert insight and unforgettable fishing moments. Let’s tie into the adventure with Wills Donaldson and Flylords!
How to Tie a Sulphur Perdigon-Style Nymph (Step-by-Step Fly Tying Guide)
The Sulphur Paragon-Style Nymph is a fast-sinking, highly effective Euro nymph designed to imitate the sulphur mayfly nymph—perfect for pre-hatch fishing in northeastern streams.
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.
The Biggest Wee Fly Fishing Competition: Lindsay Simpson’s KitKat Cup Adventure
Welcome back, anglers! Today’s Fly Life Media Video of the Day features Lindsay Simpson, a seasoned fly fishing enthusiast, bringing us round two of the legendary KitKat Cup — one of the biggest wee fly fishing competitions in the world. For over 30 years, Lindsay and a good mate have been pitting their skills against each other on the wild trout waters of Baddinsgill Reservoir. This boat-only, wild trout fishery offers a true test for any angler who loves pristine, untouched places. If you’re after a slice of wild fly fishing adventure and some friendly rivalry on the water, you won’t want to miss this one. Tight lines!
How to Tie the Silver Bullet Baetis Fly Pattern: Step-by-Step Guide
The Silver Bullet Baitis is a fast-sinking, durable, and simple fly pattern perfect for anglers looking for an effective baitfish imitation with a sleek, sparse profile.
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.
Unlocking Trout Diets with Throat Samples | Fly Fishing Tips with Rick Passek
Knowing what’s going on beneath the surface is half the battle. Today’s Fly Life Media Video of the Day comes from our friend and seasoned angler Rick Passek, aka The FlyFish Fanatic, who walks us through a throat sample system he’s been dialing in for the past 3–4 years.
If you’ve ever been stumped mid-hatch, or just wanted to up your stillwater game, Rick’s insights here are gold. He shows how a simple, affordable setup—yep, even stuff from the beading aisle at Michaels—can become a key to unlocking the trout’s dinner menu. Add this to your box of tricks and watch your catch rate climb.
How to Tie the Oil Slick Frenchie Euro Nymph — Step-by-Step Guide
Discover how to tie the Oil Slick Frenchie, a durable and effective euro nymph fly pattern that acts as a versatile attractor mayfly nymph. This pattern is perfect for anglers looking to fish with a tough, attractive fly that works great on two-nymph rigs.
Guiding in Silence: A Deaf Fly Fishing Guide’s Unique Approach to the River
We caught up with James on a crisp morning not far from the headwaters, just as the sun started to spill over the ridgeline. He's one of those anglers who doesn’t just fish rivers — he listens to them, quietly and deeply. James isn’t your average fly fishing guide. As someone who’s deaf, he’s had to carve his own path into guiding, learning to tune into the water in ways most of us miss. His story is one of grit, grace, and connection — not just to fish, but to the wild places that hold them
Tom Rosenbauer Reviews the Ultimate Fly Fishing Rain Jacket
When you're waist-deep in a cold current and the sky decides to open up, there's one piece of gear that can make or break your day on the water — your jacket. In today’s Fly Life Media Video of the Day, legendary angler and educator Tom Rosenbauer from The Orvis Company breaks down why the new Orvis Pro Jacket is the top-tier choice for any serious fly fisher. As a guide, I’ve seen a lot of gear come and go — but trust me, this jacket’s comfort, breathability, and bombproof design in wind and rain is something every angler should have in their pack. Let's hear it straight from Tom himself.
How to Tie the Fax Caddis Fly: Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Fly Fishing
The Facts Caddis is a versatile and fun-to-tie fishing fly that performs excellently on the water, perfect for trout and other freshwater species.
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.
Small Stream Fly Fishing Secrets | Best Dry Fly Rods Reviewed
As a fly fishing guide, I can tell you—choosing the right 4wt rod for small stream dry fly action isn’t just important, it’s critical. In today’s Fly Life Media Video of the Day, Curtis from Fly Fish Food takes us streamside with five top-tier 4wt rods, putting them to the test in tight quarters where precision and presentation are everything.
From affordable options to high-end sticks, this gear breakdown hits every price point—from $250 to $1200—so whether you're a weekend wanderer or a seasoned trout whisperer, there’s something here for you. If you’re chasing rising trout in skinny water, don’t miss this one. These are the true small stream heroes.
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.
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.
Fly Fishing 20-Inch Trout on a Wild River | Camping & Big Browns
If you're dreaming of big trout, backcountry campsites, and the kind of river days that live in your soul for weeks, you're in the right place. In today’s Fly Life Media Video of the Day, we join Crazy About Fly Fishing on his all-time favorite river — a stretch of water teeming with wild 20+ inch browns and rainbows. With a tent pitched streamside and the coffee steaming, he shows us how it’s done with finesse, patience, and the right gear in hand. Whether you’re scouting your next trip or just soaking in the vibes, this video is pure trout hunter bliss.
How to Tie the Amberwing Dictator Fly — A Versatile Summer Caddis Hair’s Ear Pattern
The Amberwing Dictator is a creative variation of the classic Amberwing Prince Nymph, designed for summer caddis fishing. This versatile pattern combines the signature peacock curls and biots of a prince nymph with a hair’s ear body, making it ideal for enticing fish feeding on tan and olive caddisflies in local waters.
Pro Tips from Nick Benik on Fly Tying, Macro Photography, and Capturing the Perfect Shot
We caught up with Nick Benik—better known online as @photographicflytyer—a Denver-based creator who's blending razor-sharp fly tying with studio-level photography. I’ve always believed the best anglers are storytellers too, and Nick’s journey from Evergreen, Colorado to Florida, Nashville, and back again is proof that the current will always pull you back to where you belong. Between juggling fatherhood, a full-time gig, and growing his creative presence, Nick’s found a way to elevate the art of fly fishing with a lens and a vise. We sat down to talk about his roots, his fly tying evolution, and what’s next for him on the water and behind the camera.