Whenever there’s been discussion on fly tying, or encouraging fly fishers to tie their own, there’s the usual question of what is the best book to help learn to tie. My answer these days, “There’s no book past or present that has the level of detail, clarity and finesse of Davie McPhail’s videos.” I’ve been tying for four decades, for myself and small group of clients, and I’m still picking up excellent tips for tying both traditional and modern patterns from these videos. Mòran taing, Dhaibhidh.
That caddis pupa is an excellent fly, probably the most effective, just like a Sot Hackle in any river on the planet where there are trouts. Thank you very much Davie for this educational video. You are actually a great teacher. From Argentina, all the very best for you
Just tied my first one, Davie. It’s a beast to get the proportions like you did there. Shows your superb talents my friend. Come and fish in Colorado sometime…
After a break of almost 30 years, since a month (March 22) I'm back in fly fishing and ofcourse flytying. I already found some "Masters of flytying" and you Mr. Davie are definitely one of these masters. This pattern is just what I needed because the fish on my local waters prefer caddies(?) in brown colors. This pattern is going to be an absolute killer on my waters. I hope to see a book of your, let's say, 50 best patterns. This one should be one of those fifty. Ofcourse left a subscription. Greetings from the Čech Republic 🇨🇿. I pray for the Ukraine. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
A caddis that is well worth the extra work. Mine are similar with some variations depending on sedge types on the water at the time of season. Body amber claret black orange olive or natural. Thorax can match or mix it up. Some of your tips are pure gold like the method of tapering the body as you dub. Us ole sweats know but the newbies will definitely find their own flies improving from your experience. The two most important things that we must do to have our sport not only survive but thrive in the future is to not only introduce the next generations but to nurture their enjoyment and love all aspects be it fishing or the pride and achievement from catching fish from flies they have created themselves.
Davie's flies are works of art. I also find that the more I watch his videos the more I can actually understand him. I say this with no offence, I'm merely a 75 year old yank with the hearing of a former rock musician.
No offence taken Thom, I find it hard at times to understand myself as well...I'm glad you enjoy the videos and thank you for the kind words.. All the very best Davie..
Apologies for not being on here sooner and commented. Those look to be a most definite addition to the fly box for some small streams(or larger. Hell anywhere) here in Kentucky or around the country. Beautiful and beautifully tied fly Dave. Your the Master!
What a brilliant demonstration of fly-tying skills. Newcomers will think that they'll never be able to emulate that tie, but will be surprised how their expectations improve with practice. Fingers and fingernails are great tools. Davie, the volume is a bit low on this video. Not usually a problem with your films.
Great tye, I tyed a bunch of these nearly identical some years ago for clients that I guided on the Lower Sacramento River in California. I also tyed several dozen of a similar nymph with woven bodies. I tried lot of them both as point flies and droppers, what was the result? Nothing, I couldn’t get anyone to even snag a fish and at the same time fishing a Byrds Nest and maybe a Prince dozens of fish were fooled, these beautiful Caddis just looked to good, I eventually gave them away to kids who were learning the art !
This pattern is lethal. Especially in smaller sizes like 16-18. Trout despise you sir! I would like to note that everyone should be using barbless hooks unless you are fishing for survival.
Hi Dominique LeBlanc, It is certainly worth doing as I've done it on a few patterns over the years and they have fished really well, I'm glad you liked the caddis.. All the very best Davie
Hi Alencar Gonçalves, I am sorry I could not find a supplier in Brazil that sells the hooks I used in the video, I would just use what you can find in your country as I am sure they would work just as well..Thank you for the kind words.. All the very best Davie..
Hi Dr. Yurets, The reason I used the superglue was for speed as it dries really quick so that I then can colour the top of the head with the brown marker as this stops the ink from the marker from running..Then I'll coat the head with clear varnish to finish it off..You don't need to use the superglue if you are willing to wait as I would just use clear varnish colouring the head after the first coat is dry before I finish it with another coat.. All the very best Davie..
Morning David, I have used nail varnish in the past but I struggled with the strong smell that came from it but I prefer the Veniards varnish if I have to be honest.. All the very best Davie.
Hi Tam, I have been using the FNF Talon vice for a couple of weeks and found the jaws are excellent and have held every hook as good as the law, it is well made and if I hadn't the law then I would be very happy with it.. I don't have an HMH vice though it does have jaws in the same design as the law and I'm sure it will be really good though If I was you I would try and get a look at one before deciding to buy..Just like to thank you for the donation and good luck when I do the draw.. All the very best Davie
Hi Davy, Just wondering why you wind your rib on in the same direction as your thread is wound. I was always taught as a rule of thumb to ty the rib against the way the seals fur is dubbed on to hold it and basicaly cris cross the thread. Is this just an old way of tying that I do or is it just a personal preference. Thanks
Great fly Davie, thanks very much for the great instructions. I will now go into my hobby room and give it a go! Two hours from now I might have something worthy of putting on my leader (or more than likely I may not). Cheers. English Dave.
Almost always pickup a tip or two from your videos and I have been tying for53 years...self taught! Another one worth trying, modified for local conditions! 😀
Hi Joesph, Just use what you have and partridge is a great feather to use as it's a perfect colour for many of these flies... All the very best Davie..
