Unlike mayflies and stoneflies, the caddisflies undergoes a “complete development”. The former develop from nymph to finished insect immediately, while the caddis leaves the larval stage as a pupa, which seeks to the surface or crawls on something to hatch into a finished caddis. All stages of the development are important for the fly tyer to imitate, but the pupa is in many cases the most desirable and easily accessible to the fish.
By Håkan Karsnäser
Continue reading “The Foampuppa Grandis”
Salmon are curious creatures, no doubt. One look at a salmon fisherman’s fly boxes will tell all about how they have spawned a plethora of creations in form, style and color.
It seems that color is one of the primary determiners in salmon fly design and it has recently undergone quite a transformation with new synthetic and natural fluorescent shades popping up every year. These bright, flashy beasties all seem quite a bit much to these aging eyes and I find myself reaching for the more subtle patterns of the New Brunswick and Gaspesian tyers, where flash is more confined and acting as a proof of life.
By Steve Silverio
Continue reading “The Evening Whites”
During late spring and early summer, the largest mayflies in our waters, Ephemera danica and Ephemera vulgata, emerge. In English, they are known as mayflies, a term that has become synonymous with all mayfly species, even those that do not hatch during this period. For many fly fishers, a newly emerged mayfly epitomizes fly fishing itself, and it’s easy to understand the fascination with these insects.
Continue reading “Mayflies”
Simple and effective dry fly:
Dry fly fishing in Denmark is not quite as gloomy an experience as some rumours make it out to be. There are both beautiful trout and fine streams to be found out there for the seeking fly fisherman. Stuff some simple and effective CDC flies into the box and get ready to extend your season with the fly rod.
By Peter Lyngby
(this artickle has been published in the danish magazine “Sportsfiskeren”)
Continue reading “Wigdell’s CDC Spent”
When Daniel D. Holm finally cracked the code to catching Danish salmon, he was certain the flies deserved part of the credit. A series of experiments and diligent test fishing have been distilled into three seasonal variations of the same basic design. Join Daniel as he shares a simple recipe for salmon success.
By Peter Lyngby
(this artickle has been published in the danish magazine “Sportsfiskeren”)
Continue reading “Astrid, Tilda, and Horstsokken: The Easy Salmon Fly Trio”
For many years, bucktail – deer tail hair – was a fairly inexpensive and easy-to-find material. Recently, however, it has become both costly and difficult to source. The reason is simple: demand has surged, especially among tiers who create flies for predator and saltwater fishing. As so often happens, much of the inspiration comes from the United States and the popular coastal fishing found there. In the pursuit of large, powerful predatory fish, fly tiers developed patterns that rely heavily on bucktail. Its properties and length have made it extremely popular, allowing tiers to create large flies that are still relatively light and move beautifully in the water. Even very large flies—such as Bob Popovics’ famous “Beast Fleye,” which can be tied up to 20–30 cm—remain castable with a fly rod.
Bucktail-legend Bob Popovich showing one of his Beastflies.
Continue reading “Hollow Sik”
The design and styling of salmon flies have changed significantly over the years. Initially, these flies were made exclusively from feathers and silk, but today they often incorporate various hair materials. Over time, the choice of hair has also evolved. Early hair-wing salmon flies were tied primarily with deer hair, squirrel, and calf tail—all fairly stiff materials. In the 1980s and 1990s, however, Scandinavian fly tiers began favoring softer materials like fox tail and raccoon dog. It was during this period that tying salmon flies on tubes became the norm.
By Håkan Karsnäser
Continue reading “The Evolution of Salmon Flies: Appearance and Styling”
Gaula, Norway — Where Our Passion Meets the River
At Ahrex Hooks, fly fishing has always been about more than products. It’s the time spent by the water, the quiet moments before a take, the creativity at the vise, and the simple joy of fishing a fly you tied yourself.
That passion is the foundation of our new concept: From Vise to Water.
It’s our way of taking the craft from the tying desk all the way to the rivers that inspires what we do — turning ideas into experiences, and patterns into memories.
Continue reading “From Vise to Water”
As the coastal waters cool down, shrimp once again move closer to the shore. Morten Jensen often explores unconventional coastal spots with calm, clear waters, where his favorite fly, the Agne Shrimp, frequently tricks the elusive autumn sea trout.
By Peter Lyngby
(this artickle has been published in the danish magazine “Sportsfiskeren” and the online magazine “In The Loop Magazine”)
Continue reading “Autumn is (Also) Shrimp Season”
Among the most classic salmon flies and patterns that most fly fishers recognize, even if they don’t fish for salmon, are Jock Scott and Green Highlander. However, many are also familiar with names like Black Doctor, Silver Doctor, Blue Doctor, Durham Ranger, and Thunder & Lightning. What many don’t know is that all these latter patterns were created by the same person.
Continue reading “Silver Grey Tube Variant”