Fish Flies

A look at the development of the sport over the past six centuries. Once limited to trout and salmon, today fly-fishing techniques are used to catch every fish species from minnows to marlin in rivers, lakes and oceans from the Amazon to the Arctic. From the many thousands of fly patterns developed over the centuries, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies focuses on fifty iconic flies chosen to represent the evolution not only of fishing flies and fly tying but also the sport itself. Filled with illustrations and photographs of the flies (the fifty are just the starting point—more than 200 flies are mentioned or shown in the book), as well as profiles of key characters, The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies charts the growth and diversification of this fascinating sport from the fifteenth century to the present day and its spread from Britain, Europe and Japan to North and South America, Australia and New Zealand, and now to every country in the world. The evolution of fly-fishing tackle—rods, reels, lines and hooks—is also covered in a series of essays spread throughout the book. Praise for The History of Fly-Fishing in Fifty Flies “A delightful ramble along the stream of fishing history.” —Star Tribune “This glorious book of lures will get you itching for a new toy, a new boat, a new rod—anything to experience the relaxation of this old hobby.” —Foreword Reviews

The most complete guide to fishing flies Describes every type of fly – freshwater and saltwater Covers flies from around the world Every fly is illustrated with a specially taken photograph Flies are tied by some of the world’s most famous fly-tiers

This is the definitive book on fly-tying, with thousands of fly patterns included for the enthusiast. Expert angler, fly tier, and author Terry Hellekson addresses everything from the history of fly-fishing around the world to the history of fly tying and fly-tying materials. Hellekson shares interviews with fly-tying greats of years past, along with the fascinating history and background of some of the popular individual flies, making this a great read. His colorful recollections of people and events will intrigue and delight even the most serious fly tier. He also shares years of wisdom and knowledge on fly-tying colors; fly patterns; fly-tying tools, hooks, and materials; and fly-fishing and fly-tying methods. Hellekson' depicts hundreds of intricate patterns for dry flies, wet flies, and nymphs. Mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly species are widely represented with simulations of the phases of their respective life cycles. Detailed patterns for terrestrials, damselflies and dragonflies, leeches and worms, midges, crustaceans, streamers, shad flies, steelhead flies, Atlantic salmon flies, Spey flies, Pacific salmon flies, and salmon and steelhead dry flies round out the book. This encyclopedia is organized into two distinct parts: the first section describes the origins of fly-fishing; the concepts of vision and perception of color; and the tools and materials from which artificial flies are created. It addresses dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies. The second section of the book thoroughly attends to the simulation of other insect orders, such as terrestrials and crustaceans, and then delves into the specifics of streamers, shad flies, steelhead flies, and more. Even a fly-fishing novice will be enthralled with illustrations that clarify the patterns in a reader-friendly style. Line illustrations throughout, plus more than 2,950 detailed fly patterns-including 695 flies shown in full color-make this a comprehensive fly-tying encyclopedia beyond compare. Terry Hellekson was born into the world of fly-fishing and spent his early life in Happy Camp, California, where his father had a fly-fishing guide service on the Klamath and Trinity rivers during the 1940s and 1950s. Hellekson not only fly-fished and tied flies as a youth, but he developed many new fly patterns and eventually became immersed in all phases of the fly-fishing and fly-tying businesses. He founded Fly Fishing Specialties, a wholesale and retail business. He continually exchanges information with leading experts in fly-fishing and fly tying. Hellekson has traveled the world discovering sources for fly-tying materials and other products that he sold on the international market. He has also fished many of the great lakes and rivers of the world, traveling to such far off places as Kashmir to test the waters of the Himalayas. Hellekson is one of the founders of the Northern Utah Fly Fishers and the Granite Bay Fly Casters in northern California. Through fly-tying classes and fly-fishing clinics, he has taught countless numbers of fly fishers the fine points of the sporting art. Besides the many articles he has written on fly-fishing and fly tying, he has authored two books, Popular Fly Patterns (1976) and Fish Flies (1995), with this revised edition the culmination of a lifetime of work. He has also made generous contributions to the works of other authors. He now lives and fishes with his wife, Patricia, in Montana, where they have the famous Kootenai River at their doorstep.

Sometimes the best fly is a simple one. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started with tying or an expert looking to get back to the basics, these simple wet flies, nymphs, dry flies, and streamers will often catch fish as well as--if not better than--more complex patterns. This guide shows you all the techniques, tools, and materials you need to get started. • Techniques for tying quick, durable, and effective flies • Simple flies from history, plus interviews with modern anglers such as Chico Fernández, Bob Wyatt, Daniel Galhardo, and Chris Stewart • Contains flies for and inspired by tenkara fishing

Two hundred and forty popular and effective fly patterns for fishing everywhere in North America.

This softcover, spiral book contains 28 fly patterns that can be used to match most fishing situations. Each pattern includes information on what the fly imitates, and when, where, and how to fish it. These patterns were chosen not only for their ability to catch trout, but also to show the different types and styles of commonly used flies. To reduce the number of patterns needed, natural insects with similar body shapes or stages of development are grouped together, and one or two basic patterns that imitate the insects in each group are presented. Then by changing the size and or body color of the basic pattern, you can match all of the naturals in its group. With each basic pattern there is a photograph showing useful variations of the fly or a similar pattern. Each basic pattern is accompanied by instructions on how to tie it. If you are not a fly tier, most of the patterns or ones similar to them can be purchased from a fly shop.

Fishing Flies for Africa is a comprehensive, detailed reference guide to the fishing flies for use in Africa. The author has poured over two decades of research and a lifetime of experience into this book, sharing a wealth of experience and unparalleled enthusiasm on the subject. Included in this title are over 800 flies of European, American, Australasian and local origin. The origin and developmental history of each fly is discussed, as well as its dressing, any variations, and the appropriate method for fishing with it. Additional design and tying notes are included, where applicable. Appropriate substitutes for rare or environmentally sensitive materials are listed, and the book has a serious focus on ecologically friendly fly-fishing, with an entire chapter dedicated to natural materials and their substitutions. The growing hobby of collecting flies also receives its own chapter, with useful advice on storage, framing and lighting options.

- Learn to tie dry flies, emergers, and nymphs with water-resistant CDC - Over 100 fly patterns - Para-Emerger, Split-Winged Dun, Black Flying Ant, Mighty Midge, and Skater Caddis - Patterns by Rene Harrop, Tetsumi Himeno, Piet Weeda, Elie Beerten, and others