Tying simple easy to tie patterns vs. time consuming patterns

[Troutbum from Griswold]

Hey all,
Wanted to get your feedback. Torrey and I have been having a lot of conversations on tying flies and how we both agree that tying simple easy to tie patterns is the way to go. Me personally, I don't like patterns that take me a long time to tie. I like patterns that are realistic, buggy, durable,simple, and easy to tie. This way, I have an effective pattern that I can tie a lot of in a short amount of time. Of course I also think there are a lot of people that over complicate tying and try to make it seem that they need to match the fly down to it's genitals ;D Sorry, don't believe in that philosophy. I am a firm believer now that less is best and change is important. These fish, on any river, see patterns thrown at them all day long sometimes 365 days per year. Your traditional gold beads and other materials that are on so many patterns get old. To me and to the fish. I believe if you just tweek the fly a little.....add copper rib instead of cold.......copper and black beads instead of gold...........no rib at all..........substitute a dubbing............this will make a big difference. I tie a lot and the more I tie, the more simple I am getting and I love it. DON'T GET ME WRONG. I AM NOT SAYING GET RID OF THE TRADITIONAL PATTERNS. MY BOXES HAVE A LOT OF THEM. However, I am a firm believer that you can tie great patterns that are much less complex and just as if not more effective than the norm by simply tweeking the fly or tying a pattern that is all together different. I have a lot of ideas that will make some great patterns and they begin this week and I will tie up a bunch this winter. What are your thoughts?

[AaronJasper]

Easy to tie and ones that look the same from all directions seem to work the best. two great examples of this are a Lafontaine caddis larvae and an Al's rat.

[Troutbum from Griswold]

Al's rat? I hate to ask but it this a mouse pattern

[alanb_ct]

No, it's a midge pupa from the Little Lehigh, look here:
http://www.littlelehighflyshop.com

[alanb_ct]

I think pattern selection is part of your evolution as a fly fisherman. When we start tying, the exotic materials and methods are a thrill (I never searched for the urine-stained fox belly fur, but I know people that did). It's fun trying new patterns, and in a way, all these flies give you the skills you need for later on. There are also sentimental reasons. I caught my first trout on a size 12 mosquito dry in Maine with my Dad, so I still carry those, even though I almost never use them. There is also the "one-day wonder" effect, carrying flies that produced one time.

As you evolve, your catching skills improve, and you become less reliant on fancy flies (at least in your mind). Your presentation skills improve to the point where maybe the "match-the-hatch" silhouette is not quite as important to the fish. As you evolve, you also cast further and nymph deeper, and probably lose more flies. At this point, the quick tie becomes a necessity.

My current fly boxes still contain a mix of fancy ties, quick ties, and store-bought. Every year I try to simplify a little further.

[Troutbum from Griswold]

Totally agree Alan. The more skilled you are, the better the presentation. And yes it's nice to have a nice mix of patterns. Like I said, I have a nice mixture myself. It's just now, I am realizing more and more that simple patterns are the way to go. Simple to tie, realistic, durable, and a little different from the norm, they are becoming my GO TO PATTERNS.

[Fascist Killer]

Do you guys ever substitute mono ribbing for wire ribbing on your patterns? I like the ideas put forth here. What are some favorite simple patterns... The WD-40 must be one. Opie definitely try the Al's Rat. It is deadly, especially to stocked fish who are used to eating midge larvae and pupae in their tanks.

[AaronJasper]

I really don't like mono ribbing at all. It gets chewed up by the fish and the fly falls apart. Micro tubing in clear does a much better job and it is more durable.

[alanb_ct]

My favorite simple pattern is a caddis larva. Brown thread and natural hare's ear dubbing on a slightly curved hook in a size 16. That's it!

[Gregorygob]

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