How To Tie: The Splatte Roller

The Splatte Roller

The Splatte Roller is a pattern by Umpqua Feather Merchants signature tyer Shea Gunkel. This is a perfect little caddis pupa/emerger pattern for the South Platte River and many other Colorado drainages. An excellent blend of just a few materials creates a fly that works as an attractor but is still very imitative. I like to fish this as the lead fly with a heavier point fly such as a Pat’s Rubber Legs or a Jigged Biot Stone.

Learn More “How To Tie: The Splatte Roller”

How To Tie: The Sparkle Emerger | McFlylon Variation

The Sparkle Emerger (McFlylon Variation)

Originally created by Gary LaFontaine, master of the caddis lifecycle, this pattern varies only slightly. Using McFlylon in place of the Antron (Sparkle Emerger) yarn the rest of this pattern remains. I find that this material is a little easier to work with as you don’t have to card your fibers together and can clip right from the hank. If you are fishing a caddis hatch and the fish don’t seem to be slamming the top water they might be gorging on the emergence. Try this guy and it will undoubtedly put fish in the net.

Learn More “How To Tie: The Sparkle Emerger | McFlylon Variation”

How to Tie a Stimulator: Video

There is some debate as to who really created this fly. There is no question however that it catches fish!

This is one of my all-time favorite dry flies as it works in many situations. Stimulators are a great pattern for mimicking Stonefly’s, Hoppers and even large Caddis flies. The large elk hair wing and fully hackle wrapped body makes it sit on top of the water like a T-Bone on a pile of mashed potatoes. Who could resist? (Not many vegan trout I would guess). Learn More “How to Tie a Stimulator: Video”

Manhattan Midge, Fly Tying, Fly Tie, Fly Tying Tuesday, Fly Fishing,

How to Tie a Manhattan Midge Fly: Video

Developed by Forest Dorsey, son of the famous fly tier, author and guide Pat Dorsey this is a go-to midge emerger for all tailwaters. I was recently fishing this pattern on clear creek outside of Idaho Springs in Colorado and it put some of the bigger fish in that river in my net. Fish it as a dropper below a Parachute Adams or in a tandem fly rig with weight or a heavy lead fly.

Now let’s see what you can do. #avidmaxflytyers

Learn More “How to Tie a Manhattan Midge Fly: Video”