First Fly Advice.

[David Thomas]

Just managed to make space for my tying kit which has been sitting in boxes for a while. So I'm ready to start having a go at tying my own flies now!
I fish smallish rivers for wild brownies and was thinking of starting on something like an adams variation, any suggestions on what might be achievable for a first timer? I'm expecting it to take a good couple of months before i can tie anything that will even raise the slightest bit of interest in the water! It would be great to post some pics up to get feedback from other forum members.

Ta, Dave.

[christy27]

Not so sure drys are the easiest to start with. I'd go for nymphs, pheasent tailed are easy enough. I've just tied my first gold ribbed hares ear and honestly it was a doddle and looks like it should. Might find adams et-al a bit fiddly at first. Better to start with something not to fussy and ease your way forward. That way you will get a feel for things so to speak. Good luck.

[seanie]

I'd agree with christy27. Maybe dries are not the best to start off with. I'd start with spiders and nymphs to begin with. after that move on to winged wets and bumbles. This will all give you a good grounding in hackles and proportions.

[steve collyer]

If I were you, Dave, I'd start with a few of the traditional spider patterns & work your way from there.
The b&p spider was the standard beginners starter pattern years ago.

[arkle]

When you get a chance, take a look at the superb videos on Gwent Angling Society

[scotfly]

You might find this useful to get you started... UKFlyDressing - Absolute beginner to first complete fly

[emerger1981]

Originally Posted by David Thomas

Just managed to make space for my tying kit which has been sitting in boxes for a while. So I'm ready to start having a go at tying my own flies now!
I fish smallish rivers for wild brownies and was thinking of starting on something like an adams variation, any suggestions on what might be achievable for a first timer? I'm expecting it to take a good couple of months before i can tie anything that will even raise the slightest bit of interest in the water! It would be great to post some pics up to get feedback from other forum members.

Ta, Dave.

not really youl be suprised once you get started, if you mainly fish drys then drys it is otherwise agreed nymphs are nice to start with.
look at davie mcphails demos on youtube he covers everything youl need

[David Thomas]

Thanks for the advice guys.
I'll give the B&P Spider a go. Was hoping for some flys that I can fish on the rivers now as the trout are starting to take the drys, heard that the F-Fly is a fairly easy dry pattern? Just about to order a load more materials so i'll make sure I've got stuff in to cover them.

Ta, DT.

[ickypimp]

i would disagree with the notion that spiders are a good fly to start with...

they are simple for sure BUT there in lies the problem, there are spiders and there are well tied spiders.. game hackles are soft and prone to breaking especially in the hands of an inexperienced tier, i find cock hackles far more robust..

PTN or GRHE are good options...

for a dry i would suggest the grey duster, similar to the adams buy much simpler , no hackle point wings and only a single hackle feather instead of the 2 for the adams.

[David Thomas]

So... Thought i'd try 5 patterns to start with given peoples advice:

Pheasant Tail Nymph
Gold Ribbed Hairs Ear
Grey Duster
F-Fly
B&P Spider

All sound good?