A family-oriented fly-fishing club covering the Port Macquarie Hastings region, NSW.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Hastings Fly Fishers newsletter — and what an edition it is! This issue is packed with stories, photos, trip reports, and reflections from a very full few months, including:
It’s been a busy time behind the scenes as well.[...] Read More » “HFF Flycast, Sept/October 2025”
In the November 7 BTS Fly Tying Friday, Al Beatty shared a valuable tip for keeping the humpy’s body clean and the hackle properly seated. He explained that many tiers accidentally let the hump crowd the belly by keeping too much thread tension.[...] Read More » “Al Beatty’s Hackle Wrapping Tip”
The Pondage Fly variants are a series of simple yet remarkably effective trout flies originally tied by Victorian angler Rod Groaters for use in the Eildon Pondage on the Goulburn River.[...] Read More » “Pondage Fly Variants”
If there’s one fly that proves the old adage “the classics never die,” it’s the Soft Hackle Zulu. Thought to be around 300 years old, this enduring pattern has earned a reputation as one of the most effective traditional wet flies ever tied.[...] Read More » “Fed’s Soft Hackle Zulu”
Among the many materials beloved by fly tiers, CDC feathers hold a special place. Short for cul de canard (literally “duck’s bottom” in French), CDC feathers are harvested from the region around a duck’s preen gland, and they bring several remarkable properties to fly patterns that make them indispensable for many anglers.[...] Read More » “CDC Feathers: The Fly Tier’s Secret Weapon”
In our fifth instalment of CDC Fly Fest, we bring you a pattern that is both minimalist and deadly effective: Lucian Vasies’ White CDC Micro Streamer.
If you enjoy using light streamers or pairing micro streamers in tandem with a larger model, this fly is a perfect addition to your box.[...] Read More » “CDC Fly Fest #5: White CDC Micro Streamer”
Successful fly fishing often comes down to how well you rig and tie your flies. The Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide from Ventures Fly Co. serves as a practical resource for anglers who want to improve presentation and increase their chances of catching fish.[...] Read More » “Rigs and Knots Guide”
This week in the CDC Fly Fest, we’re highlighting a true hidden gem: Lucian Vasies’ Micro Olive CDC Dun.
Favoured by Polish anglers on the River San and Dunajek, this delicate micro fly has proven itself far beyond local waters.[...] Read More » “CDC Fly Fest: Micro Olive CDC Dun”
The third instalment in our CDC Fly Fest brings us to a true springtime essential: Lucian Vasies’ Deadly Grannom Caddis. When trout are dialled in on caddis, this pattern delivers with a perfect mix of buoyancy, movement, and natural profile.[...] Read More » “CDC Fly Fest: Deady Grannom Caddis”
When nymphing, many anglers focus on strict drag-free drifts, precise indicators, and ultra-fine leader tweaks. But there’s a classic technique — the Leisenring Lift — that offers a simpler, more organic way to animate your fly and tempt trout out of hiding.[...] Read More » “The Leisenring Lift”