Fly Tying Fishing
Fly Tying Fishing
How to Tie a Stimulator Dry Fly for Trout
Stimulators are definitely one the most popular “big” flies on trout streams. They are versatile, float well, visible, easy to tie, and can imitate a lot of different things. As soon as Stone Flies or Salmon Flies hatch, Stimulators will be effective and will continue to be right up through the fall. As soon as the Stone and Salmon Flies disappear, the hoppers will be hitting the water. Hopper imitations will work well into the Fall Caddis hatch. With the exception of color variations from river to river and from hatch to hatch, the stimulator will imitate any of these bugs, as well as just looking like a tasty treat floating by.
To watch a step by step video on how to tie a stimulator follow this link: WWW.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com/Stimulator
Each river has its own variations of color and size of certain bugs that the Stimulator will imitate. As a general rule, below is a list of the colors that are typical for certain bugs and the times of year they are generally present throughout North America.
May-July: Stone / Salmon Flies
These big bugs hatch as soon as the river starts to clear and warm up. They vary in size greatly with good imitations tied on hooks from size 2 (huge) to size 18 (small) for Little Sallies. Stone Flies also vary in color widely depending on the river, so it is wise to check the colors you will need before you go. Most are some variation or combination of gray, brown, orange, tan, and or yellow.
July-September: Hoppers
The hot summer months typically produce smaller aquatic insects than earlier in the year. This however is when land insects attain their full size. Grass Hoppers are something that hungry fish are always looking for as they uncontrollably fly and accidently land on the water where they are helpless. Hoppers vary in size and color, but any good size stimulator pattern in yellow, tan, brown, green, orange, and maybe some red combination will usually bring trout to the surface. Many times though, they are wary, so the fly needs to be fished naturally and with light tippet, as the water is usually low and clear this time of year.
September-November: Fall Caddis
Known by many names such as October, Fall, and Autumn Caddis, it is not hard to figure out when these super-sized caddis are in the rivers. As far as shape goes, Fall Caddis look exactly like any other caddis. But for size, they are much bigger with patterns tied on hook sizes 6-12 being the norm. Regular Caddis can be any color, but the only color you will need for October Caddis is a creamy orange color. A stimulator with an orange body is about as good as it gets when chasing trout in the fall, almost no matter which North American river you are Trout Fishing. The odd thing about this hatch is that you will not see them emerging out of the water and flying all around like other caddis hatches. Turn over some rocks though or look in the bushes along the bank and you will find them. Just when you think there are none around is when one will scare you by crawling up the back of your neck. When they do fly you know what it is as it will struggle to stay in the air, and then hit the water and release its eggs, hopefully before getting eaten. Anyway, if you plan to be on a trout stream in the fall, be sure to have some orange stimulators in your fly box (yellow will probably work too).
Recipe:
Hook: Daiichi 1260 in size of your choice
Body: Poly Yarn in color of your choice
Head: Poly Yarn in color of your choice
Wing: Natural elk hair or other color
Tail: Natural elk hair or other color
Hackle: Dry fly hackle
Fishing a Stimulator
Stimulators are one of my favorite patterns to fish. They are easy to cast, highly visible, and the fish love them. Just squirt a little fly floatant on it and you are ready to fish. I like to fish them in fast water where fish will see them and not have much time to make up their mind as to whether or not it is real. Usually you can get by with heavier tippet with these than with small imitations. I typically use 3X or 4X, unless they are being finicky, then I will go a little lighter to 5X tippet. If I see even one stone fly in the sky throughout the day, I will immediately tie on a Stimulator of some color variation depending on the river. If there are stone flies on the water, those fish will be looking up, and a big juicy insect is too much to pass up.
Conclusion:
Stimulators are available in just about any fly shop you will visit as are the materials you will need to tie them. They are easy and inexpensive to tie and will float on the water like a boat. For more information on stimulators and to watch a video on tying them as well as other productive flies, visit WWW.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com or go directly to the fly tying pages at WWW.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com/fly tying
About the Author
Chris Jackson is an avid outdoorsman who lives in North Idaho with his wife and daughter. He owns and operates the popular website WWW.OnlineFlyFishingGuide.com
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Fly Fishing ”Fly Tying Basics” Instructional Video – DVD $29.95 From knot tying to nymphs tying, this instructional DVD is packed full of intricate and delicate techniques for tying the most effective fly patterns. Dick Talleur demonstrates a hands-on approach to teaching as he guides the viewers through the basics of tying a wide variety of flies. Viewers will learn to tie; Gray-Hackle Peacock (Wet Fly), Pale Morning Dun (Dry Fly), Adams Parachute (Dry Fly), Muddler Minnow (Streamer) and many more. |
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White River Fly Shop Fly Tying Kit – Saltwater Tying $59.99 One of the most rewarding experiences in fly fishing is catching a fish on a fly of your own creation. To help you reach that goal, the folks at White River Fly Shop have created this series of fly-tying kits that include everything you’ll need to learn how to tie your favorite flies — including a FREE instructional DVD featuring Lefty Kreh! In this kit, you’ll find high-quality tools, vise, hooks, and materials, all carefully selected to make your introduction to fly tying simple and enjoyable. This saltwater tying kit provides materials and video instruction for tying the following patterns: Lefty’s Deceiver, Bendback, Clouser Deep Minnow, Surf Candy, Half and Half, Crazy Charlie, and Lefty’s Shrimp. |
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White River Fly Shop Fly Tying Kit – Bass Tying $59.99 One of the most rewarding experiences in fly fishing is catching a fish on a fly of your own creation. To help you reach that goal, the folks at White River Fly Shop have created this series of fly-tying kits that include everything you’ll need to learn how to tie your favorite flies – including a FREE instructional DVD featuring Lefty Kreh! In this kit, you’ll find high-quality tools, vise, hooks, and materials, all carefully selected to make your introduction to fly tying simple and enjoyable. The bass fly kit provides material and DVD instruction for tying the following patterns: Bendback Streamer, Lefty’s Deceiver, Clouser Deep Minnow (baby bass), Lefty’s Popping Bug, Hackle Fly (seducer), Deer Hair Diver (frog), and Deer Hair Popper (frog). |
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White River Fly Shop Fly Tying Kit – Trout Tying $59.99 One of the most rewarding experiences in fly fishing is catching a fish on a fly of your own creation. To help you reach that goal, the folks at White River Fly Shop have created this series of fly-tying kits that include everything you’ll need to learn how to tie your favorite flies, including a FREE instructional DVD featuring Lefty Kreh! In this kit, you’ll find high-quality tools, vise, hooks, and materials, all carefully selected to make your introduction to fly tying simple and enjoyable. The effective handcrafting trout kit includes material and DVD instruction to tie the following patterns: Wooly Booger, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Nymph, Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and Flying Ant. These patterns are equally effective for sunfish angling! |
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Waterproof Charts – Knot Tying for Fly Fishing $3.49 Laminated for long life, these charts are extra-handy whether you’re miles from shore or skimming through the flats. Find the best knot for your fishing situation. It’s all here, in full color, easy to read graphics. |
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Dubbing Wax for Fly Tying $4.99 This fly tying dubbing wax is an easy-to-use formula with enough tack to handle a full range of fibers, from fine to coarse. |
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Wapsi Fly Tying Handbook $9.99 This outstanding Fly Tying Handbook is exactly what the beginner fly tier needs to ensure they sit down at the vise with total confidence. Providing clear, step-by-step instructions along with color photos, this basic Fly Tying Handbook is the best book available for mastering the fundamentals of fly tying and learning how to tie the perfect fly. Makes an excellent gift for the fly fisherman! |
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Fly Fishing Basics Video – DVD $29.95 This is our favorite instructional DVD because it thoroughly addresses the things you need to know. From casting for trout in small mountain streams to choosing the right gear for fly fishing on lakes, this outstanding DVD offers step-by-step lessons enthusiastically taught by expert anglers Jim and Kelly Watt. The DVD features segments on basic and expert casting techniques, tips on fishing lakes, streams and rivers, Entomology, knots, choosing the right rod and line for different situations and basic fly tying techniques. 90 minutes. |
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Holofusion Fly Tying Material $4.39 This Holufusion Fly Tying Material is an easy way to add a just the right amount shimmer and appeal to trout, salmon, bass and saltwater fly and streamer patterns. The semi-translucent Holofusioin fly tying fibers and can be used for accent or as the body on baitfish imitations like the world-famous Clouser pattern. |
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Clouser’s Flies: Tying and Fishing the Patterns of Bob Clouser Book by Bob Clouser $39.95 This full-color, hardbound book tells the story behind the popular Clouser Deep Minnow, including tying instructions with step-by-step color photos for this pattern and many more. Professional fly tier, long-time fly-fishing guide and author Bob Clouser shares detailed information on choosing effective hooks, thread, eyes, glue, and natural and synthetic fibers. Clouser also offers insight into his tying methods and provides a solid foundation for designing flies with confidence. In Clouser’s Flies , the author presents recipes for 17 of his most successful patterns for baitfish, subsurface freshwater foods, and surface flies-all with detailed explanations and superb full-color photographs to accompany each and every step of the tying process. 184 pages. Trim Size: 8-1/2” x 11”. 650 color photos. Publisher: Stackpole Books. |
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Microfibetts Fly Tying Material $2.99 Microfibetts are an essential fly tying material that should be found near every fly tiers work station. An important ingredient in several must have flies; these super-thin synthetic fibers feature a tapered tip for tying natural-looking insect feelers and tails. Can be used for thorax patterns, mayfly spinners as well nymph legs. Several hundred fibers per pack. |
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White River Fly Shop Fly Tying Kit – Jig Tying $59.99 This Jig Tying Kit from White River Fly Shop includes everything you need to make your introduction to fly/jig tying simple and enjoyable. In addition to the an instructional video, this complete kit comes with a sturdy C-clamp vise, a full set of fly tying tools and quality tying materials, including: 1/64 oz. jig heads 1/16 oz. jig heads 1/4 oz. football heads 1/8 oz. darter heads 3/8 oz. banana heads Instructional video (VHS) |
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7-Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit $29.99 This economical 7-Piece Fly Tying Kit includes all the essential tools a fly tier needs to be successful. This collection of high-quality fly tying tools comes with iris scissors, whip finisher, bobbin, hackle pliers, bodkin, bobbin threader and hair stacker. Also included is a durable clear plastic box. |
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Fly Tying Bodkin $2.99 Fly tiers will find this multi-purpose Bodkin to be a very useful, practical fly tying tool. Bodkins are frequently used to free-up tied down hackle fibers and other bound fibers. Plus, bodkins are tool of choice for many when it’s time for precise cement placement on finished flies. A strong, sturdy needle point is connected to a weighted handle. Color: Black. |
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Braided Fly Fishing Line to Leader Loop Connectors $4.99 Don’t waste precious time tying a difficult nail knot when you could be fishing. These easy-to-use braided monofilament loops attach to your fly line, allowing you to quickly attach a leader. A loop-to-loop line to leader connection is essential when using a tapered leader. The orange loops are highly visible and work great when nymphing. 3 pack. |
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”Introduction To Fly Fishing with Terry & Wendy Gunn Video – DVD $24.95 Geared towards beginning fly fishers, this helpful DVD will teach beginners everything they need to know to begin taking fish on a fly. Hosted by expert fly fishing guides, Terry and Wendy Gunn, this video helps unravel some of the mystique of fly fishing and puts it in terms that the beginner can apply. From equipment basics, knot tying and terminology to streamside advice for dead drifting dries and basic nymphing techniques, this DVD delivers valuable advice that?s sure to get any beginner off to a productive start. 55 minutes. |
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Scientific Anglers ”Panfish and Bass Fly Fishing with Larry Dahlberg” – DVD $17.95 For years Scientific Anglers has been helping anglers of all levels of improve their skills and increase their fishing productivity. In this DVD, expert angler Larry Dahlberg goes through the basics of fly fishing for panfish and bass. You?ll learn valuable casting techniques, great knot tying, fly rigging and where to find and the flies that catch these warm water fish. |
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Fly Tying Pseudo Eyes $5.99 Made from brass and well balanced Barbells feature built-in colored eyes with pupils Ideal for a variety of patterns Perfect for Clouser Minnows Great addition to any fly bench 12 pack Pseudo Eyes are an easy way to add weight and lifelike appearance to a wide variety of fly patterns from baitfish patterns to streamers and Clousers. Machined from brass and very well balanced, these barbell Pseudo Eyes feature colored eyes with pupils for incredible detail. Tie Pseudo Eyes in so your patterns have it all! 12 pack. |
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Waterproof Fisherman’s Knot-Tying Chart #6 – Freshwater Series Chart #2 $3.49 Solid knot tying is an essential part of successful fly fishing, and this waterproof, quick-reference knot tying chart offers detailed diagrams and precise instructions on how to tie the perfect knot. Features: Specialist Loop Knot Riffling Hitch, Extension Blood Knot Dropper Shell Knot Joining Two Lines Uni-Knot Fly Line Loop Knot Angler’s Knot Homer’s Knot Simple Loop Connection Crawford Knot Joining Coated Wire to Mono Bowline Knot Splicing a Shock Leader Joining Wire to Line Leader to Line Uni-Knot Spider Hitch Knot Rapala Knot Palomar Knot Larks Head Knot Splicing Two Fly Lines |
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Apex Adjustable Fly Tying Vise $109.99 A fantastic value for every fly tier, this incredibly versatile in-line rotary fly tying vise includes both a pedestal base and a C-clamp. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, the compact Apex vise features tool steel jaws, an infinitely adjustable tilt, hook range from 4/0 to 28 and lifetime warranty. Made in USA. Features: Pedestal base and a C-clamp Stainless steel construction Tool steel jaws Hook range from 7/0 to 32 Simple adjustment Rotary Infinitely adjustable tilt Simple lock up Lifetime warranty |
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White River Fly Shop Fly Tying Pro Hook Boxes $6.49 Get your hooks organized and increase your overall fly tying efficiency with these White River Fly Shop Pro Hook Boxes. Made from durable, clear plastic with secure latches, these Pro Hook Boxes feature deep, individual compartments with fixed dividers that are ideal for storing hooks, beads and other fly tying materials. Boxes can be labeled for even more convenience. Dimensions: 10″ x 5″ x 1.3″. Made in USA. |
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Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple with Skip Morris Video – DVD $26.95 The title says it all, and this two-hour DVD featuring expert fly tyer Skip Morris is an outstanding learning tool for every novice fly tyer. Skip takes a detailed look and explains the benefits of using many different fly tying tools, materials, and hooks, while providing step-by-step instruction for tying some of the most productive fly patterns. Skip also provides viewers with valuable insight into how to avoid common tying mistakes and how to overcome the difficulties of tying fine flies. 2 hours. |
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”Basic Fly Tying” Video – DVD $34.95 This two-disc DVD set offers beginner fly tiers detailed, crystal-clear instruction on seven essential and popular patterns, including dry flies, streamers and nymphs. From bare hook to finished fly, award winning fly tier Marvin Nolte demonstrates his expert techniques and leaves nothing out of this user-friendly instructional video. This video features separate segments on basic tools, material and techniques, including dubbing and the whip finish. More than two hours of user-friendly instruction. |
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Supreme Rotating Fly Tying Vise $19.99 Perfect for any level of fly tyer, this rock-steady C-clamp vise securely holds a wide range of hook sizes, allowing you to tie professional-looking flies. Sporting a black anti-glare finish, the rotating head allows you to work on the fly from any angle while maintaining unobstructed and comfortable hand position. Equipped with interchangeable jaws, you can quickly change between fine, tapered, and standard jaws. |
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PRO-KNOT Fishing Knot Tying Instruction Cards $5.99 PRO-KNOT Fishing Knot Cards feature 10 of the most useful fishing knots. Printed on five waterproof plastic cards measuring 2-1/4” x 3-1/2” and joined in the corner with a brass grommet, these handy fishing knot reference cards include diagrams detailing each knot-tying step and helpful tips on when each knot is most useful. PRO-KNOT Cards feature the following knots: improved clinch, palomar knot, uni-knot, dropper loop, surgeon’s end loop, blood knot, rapala knot, double uni-knot, surgeon’s knot and perfection end loop. |
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Pearl Chenille Tying Material $3.79 Pearl Chenille is a strong and dense fly tying material that incorporates bristled pearl mylar. This versatile Pearl Chenille is perfect for body-winding when a flashier fly appearance is desired. 10 feet per package. |
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Hemostat Forceps Body Piercing Plier Gold Plated Curved $7.79 Gold Plated Forceps For Sewing, Fly Tying & Hobbyists. This is a new pair of gold plated locking forceps with a curved tip. Used for medical and dental procedures, fly tying, body piercing, beading, etc. They measure approximately 5″ (127 mm) long Forceps purchased from FindingKing are not sterile and should be sterilized properly prior to use in any medical, dental or piercing procedures.We work … |
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Daylight Table Top Lamp $79.99 Daylight Table Top Lamp…Natural light is not only easier on the eyes รข it is proven to uplift the spirit and energize the body. These fine daylight-simulation lights are easy on the environment too using 80% less electricity than a normal household bulb and lasting up to 10 times longer. Comes with an 18W low heat daylight bulb allows perfect color matching while reducing eye strain. The lig… |
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Optivisor w/Lens 2 1/2 X at 8 $32.00 Optical glass binocular magnification in a headset made of lightweight, durable, impact-resistant material. Headband is easily adjustable to fit any size. Can be tilted up when not needed. Wear with or without glasses…. |
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Tying Trout Flies [VHS] $39.99 … |
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Hooked On Fly Tying, HPR1 Getting Started With Epoxy – Page Rogers [VHS] $19.95 … |
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C&F Design CFT-32 Fly Fishing Magnetic Hook Pallet Streamer Accessory $19.90 The C&F Design CFT-32 Magnetic Hook Tray – Streamer sized, tools that were designed to meet all your Fly Tying needs. A useful box for storing hooks, with a magnetic base that stops hooks falling out. Streamer sized for hooks larger than #6. Highlights of this item: Magnetic basePerfect for #6 hooks and larger Specs: Weight: 3.5 oz. (99 g.) UPC: 730884616126 Model Number: 61612 … |
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Fluorescent Swing Arm Magnifier Lamp Kit in Black with a 3 Diopter Lens $79.97 ML-245 BLK Representing premier innovation in modern lighting, Grandrich’s spectacular collection of magnifier lamps exhibit inspired design produced to assist you in any event where you will need efficient task lighting. This piece is a delight in a ravishing black finish. Features: -Swing arm magnifier lamp with a 3” diopter lens -Black finish -Push button switch on shade -Accommodates 1 x 22 … |
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The New Fly Fishing Basics $16.85 Detailed instruction is provided by ESPN’s Jim and Kelly Watt who hosted their Fly Fishing Video Magazine TV show for almost a decade. From casting for freshwater trout in small mountain streams to saltwater fly fishing for Sailfish and Marlin, this instructional program is the product of over 50 years experience gained from fly fishing every conceivable location and situation possible. Segments o… |
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Hooked on Fly Tying – Perfect Pike Patterns $15.30 Chris Helm has spent a lot of days testing and proving this wide variety of pike flies, now he shows you how to tie proven perfect pike patterns. Learn to tie: Northern Magic, Apte Style Pike Fly, Murdick Minnow, Pike Diver… |