PO Box 638, Parma, ID 83660
208-861-2853 or 206-930-5012
Dreams on the Fly are the premier guides on the Owyhee River 50 miles from Boise, Idaho and the Grande Ronde River in Oregon and Washington. Your fly fishing adventures are conducted by EXPERIENCED guides that provide you the trip of a lifetime. We are Insured, Licensed & Permitted by BLM as well as other state entities. We all hold Red Cross CPR & Frist Aid Certifications
The first answer to the question would probably be, "whatever catches fish". However, as many a fly tyer would note, it would be not only the obvious, but the things most folks don't consider.
The Materials
Good quality materials like feathers from a real bird and not synthetic would be the preferable option. In these days it seems it is much more cost effective to use a synthetic material as they are mass produced. In short...easier and cheaper. But again the question comes back to...does it catch fish. The answer is yes and no!
In some flies synthetics are much more effective such as some of the saltwater flies and flies geared toward catching fish with big teeth. Consider the Barracuda with it's teeth shaped like razor blades and designed to cut through prey. Picture your teeth, they are flat across, now take them and turn them a quarter turn so they are facing front and back, now sharpen them into razorblade's, those are Barracuda teeth. Because natural materials are not as strong, the synthetics work well for this type of fly.
The Fly Tyer
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the fly. Each fly tyer has their unique style and many use there own creations. A new fly tyer might not know to bind the materials with enough wraps to hold them sufficiently. He also needs to understand that the hackle need to be tied in a particular style such as wet fly or dry fly. Bodies need to be counter wrapped with thread or tinsel for added strength. Wing placement and fastening proportionate to the fly....the list can go on and on. But the facts are those that have been tying and perfected their art are most successful with fishing their own flies.
Equipment
The fly tying equipment and tools are endless...here are a few: Vises, Bobbins, Hackle pliers, Scissors, Hair stackers, Dubbing twisters, Bodkins, Spring clips, Forceps, Tweezers, Hair packers, Wing burners, Wing cutters, Threaders, & Bullet head tools. If you need quality tools be sure to see Gretchen & Al Beatty at BT's Fly Fishing Products, they'll treat you right.
The Hooks
Any fisherman would tell you the key to catching fish is a sharp hook. Mass production is a normal method of making a hook. Most of the hooks used today are made in Japan. Often times we find hooks made in other countries such as England are not as cost effective.
We build flies from mostly natural materials.
Dave ties all of our flies specific to the fish we fish and guide for. For over 35 years Dave has tied for fishing, and commercially for over 30 years. His flies are sought after by many, however guiding with our own flies is what we love best.
If you would like a fly tying demonstration by Dave Tucker at your next event, please contact us.
What Makes a Good Fly for Fishing
