Designed by Bob Popovics, the Sand Flea has natural motion, a realistic profile, and is incredibly effective anywhere you find sand fleas. Whether you are chasing striped bass in the Atlantic surf, corbina in the Pacific, or pompano in Florida’s wash, this fly does an excellent job at matching these crustaceans.
The Yellow Humpy is a classic attractor dry fly initially tied by Jack Horner in the 40s. He needed a fly that would sit high and dry in the fast-moving streams he frequented in northern California. Word on the pattern’s attributes spread fast, Horner’s Humpy quickly made its way to the Yellowstone region, and the rest is history. The Yellow Humpy is a time-tested pattern that has filled up dry fly boxes worldwide. The deer hair and heavy hackles give the fly buoyancy, so don’t be afraid to run a dropper nymph off its bend. Trust us, this fly floats! Follow along as Karl provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to tie the Yellow Humpy!
The Hendrickson dry fly was first tied in 1916 by Roy Steenrod for a friend named Albert Hendrickson for fishing the Beaverkill River’s famed spring mayfly hatch. The Ephemerella subvaria mayfly and the Hendrickson dry fly eventually became synonymous, and anglers now refer to the insect by the pattern’s name. You do not have to be in the Catskills in May to fish the Hendrickson dry fly; the pattern fishes well as a general attractor in faster pocket water, thanks to a design that allows the fly to sit higher in the water column. Follow along as Karl gives step-by-step instructions on tying this essential Catskill-style dry fly.
The Golden Retriever originated in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in the ’90s. Since then, it has become so popular here in Maine that many anglers associate the fly with the state. Brook trout, smallies, and land-lock salmon all find it irresistible. Once more, the pattern can be fished in various ways: Swinging, stripping, or dead drifting, the Golden Retriever will put fish in the net. Jim Finn initially tied the Golden Retriever on a 3X long streamer hook, but today we will be tying it on a jig-style nymph hook with a tungsten bead.
.The Zoo Cougar is a classic sculpin imitation from the mind of legendary streamer junkie Kelly Galloup. The Zoo Cougar pushes a ton of water and is designed to entice big strikes from predatorial brown trout. The Zoo Cougar is tied without weights, so it is best to fish it on a sinking line. Get that strip set ready, and prepare to hold on tight!
Mike Heck first tied Mike’s Midge Pupa for ultra-selective fish on technical spring creeks in Pennsylvania, where fish routinely feed on midges right below the surface film. The fly benefits from a thoughtful design where the abdomen hangs vertically in the water, similar to how a midge pupa drifts downstream. Mike’s Midge Pupa uses simple materials and is quick to tie. Whip a few of these up for when you notice fish feeding at or near the surface, but traditional dry flies are getting refused.
The Flex Fleye is an awesomely simple fly designed by New Jersey’s own Bob Popovic. The fly utilizes UV Flex which gives the fly incredibly realistic movement that predatory fish find hard to resist. You can tie this up in various colors to match the baitfish in your area, but we’re tying a mackerel imitation in anticipation of striper season here in Maine.
The Ray Charles fly is an essential pattern for the Bighorn River, other western tailwaters, as well as limestone spring creeks in Pennsylvania. It imitates a small scud or sowbug and is easy to tie up. Another bonus is that it requires only a few key ingredients. To top it off, the Ray Charles fly is easy to fish. Legend has it that even the visually impaired have caught fish with the Ray Charles pattern!
Bloodworms are common in most bodies of water and are an important part of the diet of trout. They are excellent patterns for using as the dropper of a hopper dropper rig or as a double nymph rig. Don't dismiss this simple-looking worm pattern because trout adore it. This is a fly you need in your box the next time you go after trout
Learn how to tie Bob Pop's 3 Feather Sand Flea fly pattern including step-by-step instructions, a video tutorial, pictures, and much more. Improve your fly tying skills here.
