Semperfli Fly Tying Materials

#1 supplier of synthetic and recycled fly tying materials globally, Semperfli has built a reputation founded on exceptional quality, relentless innovation, and unwavering consistency. Their commitment is straightforward: provide fly tyers with premium materials that perform identically time after time, ensuring reliability from the vise to the water. This dedication is evident in their state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, designed to produce superior products consistently. While initially focused on supplying the trade, Semperfli materials are now widely accessible through the best fly tying retailers and distributors worldwide, reaching the benches of discerning tyers everywhere. Trusted by top fly tyers across the globe , the extensive Semperfli range caters to every need, from crafting the most delicate dry flies and intricate nymphs to building robust streamers and saltwater patterns destined for challenging conditions. Whether it's advanced GSP threads, non-tarnishing wires, unique synthetic fibers, or versatile chenilles, Semperfli provides the tools to elevate your fly tying.

Groundbreaking Fly Tying Threads

Semperfli's thread selection is anchored by truly revolutionary products. The flagship is undoubtedly Nano Silk, globally acclaimed as the world's strongest fly tying thread for its diameter. This Gel Spun Polyethylene (GSP) thread is renowned for being virtually unbreakable relative to its fineness, offering incredible strength without adding bulk. It's available in an extensive range of sizes to cover all applications: the incredibly fine 24/0 (20 Denier) and 18/0 (30 Denier) for micro flies and delicate work, the versatile 12/0 (50 Denier) and 6/0 (100 Denier) for general tying, and the robust 3/0 (200 Denier) for larger patterns. Specialized variants like Nano Silk Streamer 200D , Saltwater 100D , and even a 300D Hair Stacker thread further extend its capabilities. Esteemed tyers like Hans van Klinken utilize the 20D for tiny flies and the 6/0 or 3/0 for demanding pike and saltwater patterns. The benefits are clear: Nano Silk allows for the creation of highly durable flies with minimal build-up, excels in splitting for dubbing loops, and confidently handles tough materials. Convenient collection boxes are also available.

Complementing Nano Silk is the Classic Waxed Thread (CWT), a product rapidly gaining favor among tyers worldwide and described as potentially becoming the world's favorite tying thread. Its popularity stems from excellent handling characteristics: it lies flatter on the hook shank than many traditional threads, is easier to split for dubbing loops, and offers substantial strength. CWT comes in a comprehensive range of sizes, including 18/0, 12/0, 8/0, 6/0, and 3/0, catering to diverse fly tying needs. A key advantage is the vast color selection, with up to 38 colors available, often organized into practical 'Naturals' and 'Attractor' collections, ensuring a perfect match for any pattern. Experts rely on CWT for various tasks; Hans van Klinken, for instance, favors the 6/0 and 8/0 for dubbed bodies and streamers, while using the 12/0 and 18/0 for most dry flies and nymphs.

Beyond these mainstays, Semperfli offers specialized threads for specific techniques. The Spyder Thread 18/0 is exceptionally thin yet remarkably strong (approx. 400g breaking strain), laying flat with minimal bulk and featuring a semi-translucent quality that subtly adopts surrounding colors – ideal for the tiniest flies. The Fly Tying Floss, at a fine 400 Denier, is versatile enough for small trout flies or can be doubled for classic salmon patterns. Iridescent Thread adds subtle, captivating flash , while Mono Ribbing Thread provides a durable solution for creating segmented bodies. This diverse thread range, validated by retailer descriptions praising innovation and quality , underscores Semperfli's commitment to providing the perfect thread for every fly tying scenario.

Superior Wires, Tinsels & Flash

Semperfli excels in providing high-quality wires, tinsels, and flash materials crucial for adding weight, structure, and attraction to flies. A standout feature across their wire range is the non-tarnishing finish, ensuring that flies maintain their intended appearance and effectiveness over time. These wires are available in a comprehensive array of diameters suitable for various applications, from ultra-fine 0.1mm wire perfect for delicate ribbing on nymphs and small patterns, through versatile 0.2mm and 0.3mm sizes, up to 0.5mm for larger flies or where more pronounced segmentation is desired. The extensive color palette allows for precise matching or contrasting elements, and convenient wire collections offer tyers a broad selection in one package.

For adding metallic sheen and creating durable bodies, Semperfli offers excellent tinsels. Mirror Tinsel provides a highly reflective finish, available in different widths like 1/69" and 1/32" to suit various fly sizes. Materials like French Tinsel are staples for classic patterns, such as the Cascade salmon fly. For more subtle applications, Micro Glint Nymph Tinsel adds just the right amount of sparkle to nymph bodies and thoraxes.

Enhancing visibility and triggering strikes often requires the strategic use of flash. Semperfli addresses this with materials like SemperFlash Mirror and other flashabou-style products utilized by experts like Hans van Klinken, particularly for streamers and saltwater flies where flash can be a key attractant. Edgebright offers vibrant accents perfect for tags, hotspots, or wing edges. To ensure flies reach the desired depth, Semperfli provides essential weighting materials, including traditional Lead Heavy Weighted Wire and convenient Adhesive Flat Lead Foil for adding weight smoothly along the hook shank. These materials collectively allow tyers to precisely control the visual appeal and sink rate of their creations.

Cutting-Edge Synthetics & Fibers

Semperfli's commitment to leading the market in synthetic materials is evident in their diverse and innovative range of fibers. A prime example is the highly lauded Synthetic Peacock Herl, hailed by some experts as potentially the "BEST of the BEST" new material. It offers a remarkably durable, consistent, and effective alternative to natural peacock herl, perfectly replicating its iridescent qualities without the fragility. Available in different sizes like 1mm and 2mm, it's ideal for bodies on nymphs, wets, and dries.

Addressing the need for reliable fur substitutes, Semperfli offers SemperFur and Wabbit (Synthetic Rabbit Zonker). Wabbit is particularly noteworthy as it provides the alluring movement of rabbit fur but, being synthetic, does not become waterlogged, maintaining the fly's profile and castability. These materials offer beautiful tapers and consistent quality, unlike some natural counterparts. Semperfur finds specific application in patterns like bonefish flies. Similarly, Synthetic Marabou and Crystal Marabou provide durable alternatives to natural marabou, delivering excellent movement and consistent coloration for tails and wings on streamers and lures.

Innovation extends to unique performance fibers like Poly Yarn and Dry Fly Polyyarn. With a specific gravity less than water (0.91-0.94), Poly Yarn naturally floats, making it an exceptional material for dry fly wings, posts, and buoyant bodies. Its fibrous, buggy texture adds realism , and importantly, it absorbs floatant extremely well, enhancing its water resistance. Dry Fly Polyyarn is specifically marketed as the "floating yarn". Another key material for floatation is Kapok Dubbing. This natural fiber is incredibly buoyant, reportedly supporting up to 30 times its own weight, yet it is finer than most superfine dubbings. This makes it perfect for tying high-floating, delicate dry flies, especially in smaller sizes (size 16 and down). UV-enhanced versions like Kapok Fusion UV add another layer of attraction.

The range also includes specialized synthetics like Predator Fiber for large baitfish imitations , Extreme String for saltwater flies , realistic options like Synthetic Peccary Quills and Peacock Quill Subs for segmented bodies, and SemperSkin Synthetic Shrimp Skin for lifelike crustacean patterns. This focus on synthetics provides tyers with durable, consistent, and high-performing alternatives to traditional natural materials.

Versatile Chenilles, Fritz & Yarns

Semperfli offers an impressive array of chenilles, fritz materials, and yarns designed for ease of use, durability, and enhanced fly appeal. Perhaps the most revolutionary is Straggle String, often described as the world's thinnest micro-chenille, featuring just two core strands. Its defining characteristic is the sparse distribution of fine, crinkled fibers embedded with UV flecks, which brilliantly mimic insect legs and gills while adding subtle sparkle. It's exceptionally effective for creating buggy bodies on nymphs, emergers, and Klinkhammer-style dry flies. For patterns requiring a more pronounced leg or hackle effect, Straggle Legs offers longer, similarly crinkled fibers on an ultra-fine twin core. Ice Straggle incorporates additional flash fibers for heightened attraction.

Another innovative material is Gel Core Body Micro Fritz. This features fritz material built around a flexible gel core, making it remarkably durable and easy to wrap. Its versatility allows it to substitute for various body materials, simplifying tying while enhancing the fly's resilience. It's available in convenient collections.

For more traditional chenille applications, Semperfli provides Pearl Chenille in an extensive range of sizes, from a fine 1mm up to large diameters like 8mm, 10mm, 20mm, and even an extra-large 30mm (XXL Fry Chenille) suitable for big streamers and predator flies. These chenilles often feature tinted pearl effects for added flash and depth and are used by renowned tyers.

The range includes application-specific materials like Worm Chenille, perfect for tying San Juan Worms, detached mayfly bodies, or adding hotspots , and Mopster Mop Chenille for the ever-popular Mop Fly patterns. For tyers seeking convenience, Dirty Bug Yarn offers a mottled, highly buggy yarn that serves as an excellent and quick dubbing replacement, saving time at the vise. It's also available in collections. Body-n-Rib is another time-saving innovation, featuring a dyed core that matches the outer fibers, allowing body and ribbing effects to be created simultaneously. Additionally, Synthetic Marabou Chenille provides a unique texture for streamer bodies and collars. This comprehensive selection ensures tyers have the right material for achieving texture, movement, and profile in their flies.

Essential Body, Wing & Tail Materials

Completing the fly requires materials for bodies, wings, and tails, and Semperfli provides a wide array of essential and innovative options. For buoyancy and structure, their foam products are indispensable. This includes versatile Foam Sheets (e.g., 2.5mm thickness) suitable for terrestrial patterns like ants and beetles, Chernobyl Ants, and hoppers. Double Decker Foam offers two laminated layers of different colors, perfect for creating visible indicators or two-tone bodies easily. Foam Tubes (e.g., 3mm) are excellent for crafting detached bodies or highly visible sight indicators on patterns.

For creating realistic segmented bodies, Semperfli offers natural-looking options like Perfect Quills and durable synthetic substitutes such as Peacock Quill Subs and Synthetic Peccary Quills. Catering to modern nymphing trends, they also provide Perdigon Body material, specifically designed for tying the smooth, slender, fast-sinking bodies characteristic of Perdigon nymphs.

A variety of materials are available for legs, wings, and tails. Tail Fiber Fibbets offer a classic solution for stiff tails on dry flies. The previously mentioned Straggle Legs excel at creating lifelike, buggy leg effects. Dyed Goose Biots are versatile for forming segmented bodies, tails, antennae, and delicate wing cases or upright wings. For realistic winging, especially on caddis patterns, Micro Organza provides a sheer, durable material that can be shaped with wing burners. Flat Braid is a popular choice for creating durable, slightly flashy bodies on saltwater flies and streamers. Recognizing the importance of tradition and realism, Semperfli also offers Imitation Jungle Cock Cheeks, providing a sustainable and consistent alternative to the natural feather for classic salmon flies and streamers.

High-Performance Dubbing

Dubbing is fundamental to fly tying, and Semperfli offers high-performance options catering to various needs, from adding sparkle to achieving extreme buoyancy. Ice Dubbing is a staple for many tyers, composed of micro-fine metallic strands that impart incredible sparkle and glint to bodies, thoraxes, and tails, effectively mimicking the flash of natural insects or adding a trigger point. Its fine texture also makes it excellent for blending with other dubbings in a coffee grinder or by hand to create custom mixes.

For dry flies where floatation is paramount, Kapok Dubbing remains a top choice. As mentioned earlier, its natural buoyancy is exceptional, supporting flies high on the water's surface. Its ultra-fine texture allows for neat application even on the smallest hooks, making it ideal for delicate dries. The availability of Kapok Fusion UV variants and convenient dispensers adds further appeal.

SemperSeal Dubbing provides a versatile, general-purpose option with properties potentially similar to natural seal's fur but with synthetic consistency. Its most notable feature is the extremely wide color range available (up to 41 colors mentioned), ensuring tyers can find the perfect shade for virtually any pattern imitation.

Revisiting Dirty Bug Yarn, this material serves as an effective and convenient dubbing alternative. Its pre-mixed, mottled appearance and buggy texture allow tyers to create lifelike bodies quickly and easily, bypassing the traditional dubbing loop or noodle process if desired. This focus on performance (buoyancy, sparkle) and convenience (wide color ranges, yarn alternatives) characterizes Semperfli's approach to dubbing.

Premium Beads & Eyes

Getting flies to the correct depth is critical, especially in nymphing. Semperfli addresses this with a selection of premium beads, focusing heavily on the advantages of tungsten. Tungsten Beads are significantly denser than brass or lead, allowing flies to sink much faster – a key requirement for modern techniques like Euro nymphing. Semperfli offers tungsten beads in various forms to suit different hook types and tying styles. Slotted Tungsten Beads are designed specifically for jig hooks, allowing the bead to slide easily around the hook bend for optimal orientation. Standard round tungsten beads are also available. To meet aesthetic and functional needs, these beads come in different finishes, including subtle Metallic colors and vibrant Painted options, allowing tyers to add weight and a hotspot simultaneously. While beads are prominent, Semperfli also caters to patterns requiring eyes, offering options like adhesive eyes for baitfish imitations and streamers. This focus on high-density tungsten underscores Semperfli's support for effective, modern fly fishing techniques.

In conclusion, Semperfli has firmly established itself as a premier manufacturer in the fly tying world through a dedicated focus on quality, innovation, and consistency, particularly within synthetic materials. Their comprehensive range, boasting over 1300 products , covers virtually every material category a tyer might need, from groundbreaking threads like Nano Silk and versatile options like Classic Waxed Thread, to non-tarnishing wires, cutting-edge synthetic fibers that outperform naturals, unique chenilles like Straggle String, buoyant foams, specialized dubbings, and high-density tungsten beads. This breadth ensures that tyers creating patterns for any environment – freshwater or saltwater – and employing any technique – from traditional dries to modern Euro nymphing – can find the high-performance materials they require. By choosing Semperfli, fly tyers gain access to materials meticulously designed and manufactured to help create more effective, exceptionally durable, and convincingly lifelike flies. Semperfli empowers tyers to push their creative boundaries, backed by the promise of reliability.