Bead Head Soft Hackle Possum Nymph

Paul introduces Fed’s Bead Head Soft Hackle Possum Nymph, humorously admitting, “What does it represent? I have no idea,” and “I don’t know if this will even fish well!”

He combined ideas and materials that have been successful on other nymphs, and aimed to “Australianise” the fly with possum and wood duck. Read More »

Purple Prince Charmings

The beautiful original fly with purple stretchy floss.
The beautiful original fly with purple stretchy floss.

The Purple Prince Charming, designed by Paul Johnson and featured in the July 2024 edition of the FFI Whip Finish Journal, represents a thoughtful evolution of the classic Prince Nymph. Read More »

Double Bead Stonefly Nymph

By Rick Flink

The double bead stonefly nymph is a highly effective fly pattern used in fly fishing to mimic the natural stonefly nymph. Known for its heavy weight, achieved through the use of two beads, this fly sinks quickly, making it ideal for reaching deep, fast-moving waters where stonefly nymphs are commonly found. Read More »

Beatty's EZ Prince Nymph Mutant Variant

With Beatty’s EZY Prince Nymph Mutant Variant Paul Fedeles brings his unique twist to Gretchen Beatty’s EZY Prince Nymph. While the original video – from Beatty’s Fly Tying Friday, 10 December 2021 – provides a comprehensive guide, Paul’s written steps and material selection add a fresh perspective to this effective pattern. Read More »

Guides Choice Hare's Ear

The Hare’s Ear Nymph is certainly among the top five most common patterns for trout fishermen, as its buggy generalist look imitates all manner of aquatic insects. This tricked-out version, by Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, adds all kinds of fish-attracting bells and whistles, such as a shiny wingcase, a large hackle, and a gaudy orange hot spot. Read More »

Orange bead head nymphs with legs

The Orange Beadhead Nymph with Legs has, as the name suggests, an orange bead head with a pheasant tail. The body is also pheasant tail, wrapped with fine copper wire (Paul uses speaker cable wire in this pattern). As an added twist this pattern also has the addition of rubber legs. Read More »

Holy Grail Caddis Pupa

The Holy Grail stands as an excellent caddis emerger pattern, widely embraced by numerous experienced trout guides in the western regions.

This versatile fly exhibits a remarkable level of natural appeal and is forgiving in its performance, allowing for various fishing techniques such as dead drifting, swinging after the drift, or even stripping it behind a streamer. Read More »

Hot Spot Soft Hackle

The Hot Spot Soft Hackle fly is a versatile and highly effective pattern in the world of fly fishing. This innovative fly pattern combines elements of traditional soft hackle flies with a modern twist, featuring a brightly coloured “hot spot” near the head of the fly that serves as a trigger point for hungry trout and other freshwater species. Read More »

A really versatile wet fly that fishes well on both lakes and rivers. Tying a Black and Peacock Spider is quick and easy. When fishing gets tough, this fly fishes well as a nymph on the lake for rising fish or when they are high in the water. Read More »

Dobson Fly

The dobson fly, or creeper, is New Zealand’s largest stream insect and looks a bit like a centipede. It is also referred to as a “toe-biter” because of its pincer-like jaws which can give a painful nip. The larvae are around 25 millimetres long and prey on mayfly larvae. Read More »