Book Review - Creative Flies

In our modern day traditions of fly tying and fly creation, you thought you may have seen it all. When you check out the flies and techniques in Creative Flies, you'll be changing your mind. Robert has put together some unique flies and tying techniques for this book, which are the culmination of twenty-plus years of experimentation. You'll definitely be pleased with the detailed information and illustrations that Robert puts into this book. Creative Flies is a definite must for the innovative fly tier.

About the author: Robert is a local Utah boy born and raised in the Ogden area. He is a professional fly tier and writer and frequently does fly tying demos. His articles have appeared in Utah Fishing and Outdoors, Fly Tying, Fly Fishing and Fly Fishing and Tying Journal. He has been fly fishing for more than 25 years and creating fly patterns for more than 15 years.

Review: The patterns in Creative Flies are the culmination of twenty-plus years of experimentation. Robert makes no claims that these patterns catch more fish than any other patterns. He does stress that he has incorporated in each pattern and design, the elements and ideas of what he thinks are attractive to fish. Some of the ideas have been criticized as only attractive to fly fishers and not fish. But, the patterns he features in his book have all been stream tested and have all caught their fair share of fish when presented in the proper situations and techniques.

Creative Flies is divided into four sections based on his tying techniques; Overhand Knot Weaving, Chain-Stitching, Air-Filled Body, and Foam Twister. Each section will begin with an illustrated technique, and then offers the patterns that can be tied with that technique. Robert also includes personal insight and experiences using each particular fly and tying technique.

Section 1: Overhand Knot Weaving Technique

In section one Robert explains the Overhand Knot Weaving technique and how to use it to create very neat and durable nymphs and dry flies. With a detailed illustration included, the Overhand Knot Weave is not too hard to learn. Followed by a brief introduction Robert features some his favorite fly patterns tied with the Overhand Knot Weave technique including a killer Cicada pattern that he uses on the Green River. (above: Woven Stonefly Adult)

Section 2: Chain-Stitching Technique

In section two Robert introduces a very unique tying technique which utilizes a long known crocheting method to create some killer flies. Robert learned the chain-stitch when he was ten years old and 30 years later found himself using it to tie flies. The chain-stitch technique can be used to make some near perfect mayflies, cased caddisflies (rockrollers), damsel nymphs and adults, and stonefly nymphs. (above: Chain-Stitched BWO) In this section he explains two uses for the chain-stitch; tying a chain-stitched section of yarn on a hook and forming a extended body and using a chain-stitched section of yarn to wrap around a hook. His chain-stitch illustration makes it easy to learn the chain-stitch technique for numerous nymphs and dry flies patterns which he explains in full detail. I particularly liked the damsel fly patterns he's created. And from what I hear, these flies catch fish.

Section 3: Air-Filled Body Technique

If you're looking for a new way to keep your flies afloat, this tying technique will have you dreaming up new patterns in no time. Instead of using the old standby materials such as hackle, CDC, and foam to keep flies afloat, Robert utilizes a tubing material that he calls O2 Body Material. It's a flexible hollow tubing material that is tied directly onto the hook which creates a high-floating fly body. It comes in numerous (above: O2 Stonefly Adult) sizes, styles, and colors. The O2 Body Material is best utilized for large to medium sized dry flies such as Stoneflies and Hoppers. Talk about a realistic silhouette.

Section 4: Foam Twister Technique

Have you been looking for some way of using up all the closed-cell foam laying around on your tying table? Robert has got a tying technique that will help you do just that. Robert uses thin strips of closed cell foam to create great extended body dry flies. With his simple illustration on the Twister Foam technique, you'll be tying killer dry flies in no time. Robert's Twisted Hopper pattern looks like an excellent fish catching fly. Can't wait for summer hopper fish. (above: Twisted Hopper)

If you're looking for a unique fly tying book, you've got to get Creative Flies. Creative Flies can be purchased on www.amatobooks.com or you can contact him personally through the Forums board under the member name RAW.

-- Jason Haslam