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Mayfly Tombola - 2 Detached Duns & A Spent

I managed to venture out onto the water over the weekend - it was epic! The wild fish on my local Derwent are usually pretty selective when feeding, and gently take any offering I pass by their noses. However, over the weekend I arrived at my favourite pool and could hear some very splashy rises - I couldn't see anything specific hatching but could see the fish attacking something very vigourously. After a little time spent watching, I saw a couple of Mayfly rise from the surface - so I tied on a Mohican Mayfly - and the fish went nuts for it! I only had a couple with me (as I was not expecting to be using Mayflies for at least another couple of weeks). I did have some Detached Body Duns, which I used to the very same effect. It was one of those "Red Letter Days" that keep you coming back for more! Up here in our corner of North Yorkshire we very rarely see a Mayfly before the end of May, but they seem to be appearing very early this year (as our Mayfly tracker is showing) - it must be to do with the nice and settled warm spell we are currently enjoying. As well as focussing on the 'detached body' Mayfly variants in today's missive, I've also a bit of a treat for you .. Introducing ... The Mayfly Tombola I've been thinking of a way to do something nice for all of our loyal community - yes, that's you - and then the penny dropped when I was a local village fete over easter! Let's do it like a tombola, but instead of picking a raffle ticket that ends in either a '5' or a '0' - and winning a jar of jam that you will pass on to next year's raffle - let's do something a little different. Our Mayfly Tombola will run until midnight tomorrow, you'll have to scroll to the end of this email to find out all the details! But, back to the detached body Mayflies ... On my local river I usually find the best sport to be had is in an evening - from around 6pm into the dusk - so only a few hours - but the signs are very positive for the coming weeks - I may have to leave the fly fairies to it, and take a few afternoons off! The afternoon is when the Dun / Spinners come out to play and in the evenings the "Spent" mayfly patterns are king. As a quick reminder - the majority of Mayflies only live for one day. During this time they: Hatch (Pattern Match: Emerger) Mature into an adult (Pattern Match: Dun) Mate (Pattern Match: Spinner); and Die (Pattern Match: Spent) It's the ones that have had their fun and gone to the river in the sky that we are trying to imitate on an evening. When a mayfly expires they float on the water with their wings outstretched, as below: TOP TIP: Reducing Leader Twist - when fishing with flies which have large wings - like Mayflies, this will induce twist in your leader (there's nothing you can really do to stop it). The majority of Mayfly patterns (especially the spent ones) have wings which act just like helicopter rotor blades and spin when you cast them. The best way to combat this is to: Reduce the length of your leader Increase the diameter of your leader Try shortening the overall length of your tapered leader to around 6ft and step up your tippet diameter - use 3X or 4X. Once the fish really switch on to the Mayfly they become indifferent to your tippet, so step it up where you can. As we are discussing the Mayfly (and why shouldn't we, this is the exact time of year to do it), we have a pretty special offer on the very best detached body Mayflies we can supply - The Mohican Mayfly & ayfly Dun - they are works of art, you won't know wether to hang them on the wall or fish with them!  When fishing the Mayfly hatch during the day, there's no better fly to use than a Detached Dun style imitation - and these are the best. We have these available now and ready to find a new home in your fly box. Here they are: Detached Body Mayfly Dun If you arrive at the water in the mid-afternoon - Remember you are looking for sections of river which are below a slow-running silty section and preferably where the river narrows. This funnel effect will act as a conveyor belt delivering the mayfly to the waiting trout. The better-sized trout will be at the head of the pool, so steadily work your way up. Once the Emergers appear on the water it's time to break out the detached body mayfly Dun and Spinner imitations. Ok, you've sold me on them, "What's the price?" I hear you ask - we are making all of these flies available to you either individually (from only £2.75), or in packs of 5 or 10 from only £12 - which includes Free Delivery to anywhere in the UK - in our Eco-Friendly packaging. Mohican Mayfly The Spent Mayfly If you see Spinners dancing above you on an evening, pay very close attention to the water for softly rising fish, and look for dead Spinners caught in small pockets of dead water behind rocks or debris. If you find any, pick them up so you can get a good idea of their size and colour and then select an appropriate pattern. Slightly darker in colour to the spinner, some mayflies die as soon as they hatch. These are an easy target for trout, sometimes they actively target these in preference to the hatching flies. In which case these are the go-to flies.A classic mayfly imitation, super buoyant and tied to exacting standards. This pattern imitates those mayflies which die hatching or after mating. One of the most effective Mayfly imitations when spinners are on the water. All of our individual Mayfly patterns are available either individually (from only £2.75), in packs of 5 or 10 (from only £12.00) - which includes Free Delivery to anywhere in the UK - in our Eco-Friendly packaging. Get them while you can, as we did run out last year! Go on, you know you want to! The Mayfly Tombola I hope you like the header image from this email as much as I do - it adorns the book we released last year, 80+ pages all about fishing the Mayfly - you can grab your copy here, for only £9.99. We've been thinking of a way to let all our loyal community - yes, that's you - get hold of one - for FREE, and then the penny dropped when I was at our local fete! Let's do it like a tombola, but instead of picking a raffle ticket that ends in either a '5' or a '0' - and winning a jar of marmalade which you will pass on to next year's raffle - let's do something a little more digital. So here's the deal: Just place an order with us before midnight tomorrow (14th May), it doesn't matter how much for - we're good like that, we would appreciate it if the order was over £20 but it's not a requirement! If your order number ends in an even number, then we will add one of our "Fishing The Mayfly" books to your order for free (usually £9.99). If you order one of our Mayfly books as a part of your order, we will refund you the cost of the book if your order number ends in an even number. That's it. We've only around 50 of our books remaining, so they will only last us a day or so. This virtual tombola will run from the time you receive this email until midnight tomorrow (14th May), or until we run out of books - whichever is the sooner! Our Mayfly Tracker ... An Update Over the weekend I asked you to help us with our 2025 Mayfly Tracker project - you didn't disappoint! and we've already had a fantastic response. I've updated the tracking page with the info I have received so far - click on the button (or image) below to view the updated tracker. Essentially, as soon as you see Mayfly hatching on your local water, get in touch letting me know where, and I will then plot it on a live map for all to see. If you wish to contribute, (and we hope you will) as soon as you see a Mayfly hatch on your local water, please get in touch, by sending me an email (richard@barbless-flies.co.uk) to let me know the hatch location, and I will then update the live map.   Have fun out there!        

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Mayfly Tombola - 2 Detached Duns & A Spent

The 2025 Mayfly Radar - Tracking The UK Mayfly Hatch

UK Mayfly Hatches "In the heart of spring, when the world blossoms with the whispers of new life, the rivers of the UK dance with a delicate enchantment known as the Mayfly hatch. These magical few weeks are fondly dubbed 'duffers fortnight' a name that hints at the grace bestowed upon even the most inexperienced anglers." - A. Fellow-Duffer, 2024 *** This email is quite long, please read to the end as we need your help! *** Fly fishing has a very tight community where we all want to help each other, as it's 'duffers fortnight' coming up we thought it was the ideal time to draw on the community intelligence to launch something new. It was during this mythical fortnight, back in 2022, that I received an email from a good customer across the pond in the USA. The email just contained a link - with the words "Watch this!" - generally this type of email gets filed in the bin (they are usually some sort of scam/hacking attempt), this one was a little different as its subject was "Mayflies Everywhere", so I copied the link into a secure browser and tentatively clicked the link - this was the result: To save you a click - It was a news report from a TV channel in Cleveland Ohio, showing biblical swarms of Mayflies - even picking them up on the weather radar - If you want to watch the news report, just click on the image above. This planted the seed of an idea in my mind - I then promptly forgot all about it until this time last year when I was walking the dog (in a howling gale) on the Scarborough cliffs - the seed suddenly germinated and I had a bit of a EUREKA moment. This worked great last year - so we're doing it again ... The idea, which like a mayfly, took two years to form, was ... what if we could track Mayfly hatches across the UK in (near) real-time, so all anglers knew when to expect the hatches? The Barbless Flies budget doesn't quite stretch to using our own radar equipment, so I thought - let's do it the analogue way! So, here's the idea: We will draw upon the community we have built over the last 10 years - yes, that's you - and ask you to supply us with the information, essentially, as soon as you see Mayfly hatching on your local water, get in touch to let me know where and I will then plot it on a map for all to see. I've setup a dedicated page on our website to host all the info - there's no need to bookmark the page as it will be liberally linked to throughout our website - but if you do want to bookmark it for future reference it's https://www.barbless-flies.co.uk/mayfly-tracker. Here's the current map (with no hatches plotted): And, here's what we hope the map will look like in the next week - it should make it very easy to track the progress of Mayfly hatches throughout the UK: If you wish to contribute - and we hope you will - as soon as you see a Mayfly hatch on your local water, please get in touch, by either sending me an email (richard@barbless-flies.co.uk)  or clicking the button below (which will open up an email) and let me know the hatch location, and I will then update the live map. You can also report a Mayfly Hatch through the dedicated UK Mayfly Hatch Tracker page on our website: This will hopefully help all anglers plan for one of the most anticipated hatches of the season. I hope you like this initiative and, as always, I would welcome any feedback you may have. Happy Mayfly Spotting! If you are in the market for some really successful Mayfly patterns, can I introduce you to: Our Mayfly Taster Selection I always really look forward to this time of year, as it marks an important transition from early season sport (nymphs & spiders etc) to more top-of-the-water, dry fly action (hopefully!). With that in mind, we are introducing even more Mayfly imitations this year, so stay tuned to these emails over the coming weeks for quite a few new individual flies. We are starting this year's Mayfly season with our tried and tested Mayfly Taster Selection - one each of all the essential lifecycle stages of the Mayfly in one handy selection. This 'taster' selection allows you to find out which flies are working best for you, then you can order them individually. As soon as the trout switch on to Mayflies, these should be your 'go to' patterns. We are supplying the whole Mayfly lifecycle in a selection of 6 flies (6 patterns - 1 of each), see (and click on) images and links below for more details: We have already stocked up on Mayflies and these are available now, only £14 for the Mayfly Taster Selection. Mayfly Nymph A Mayfly nymph imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) and weighted with a bead to help this large fly sink. These nymphs are tied on AHREX FW531 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly nymph.    Mayfly Emerger A Mayfly emerger imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) with a little foam tied in at the head to allow the fly to sit correctly on the water. These emergers are tied on Ahrex FW531 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.   Mayfly Loop-Wing Emerger A Mayfly emerger imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) and looped wings, to allow the fly to sit correctly on the water. These emergers are tied on AHREX FW503 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.   Mayfly Dun A Mayfly Dun imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) with a grey poly-yarn sighter post. These Dun imitations are tied on AHREX FW525 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.he hatching flies.   Mohican Mayfly A detached body mayfly imitation, super buoyant and tied to exacting standards. This fly has very short wings, which helps reduce leader-twist when casting. Make sure you have plenty of these, the trout love them! The most effective Mayfly imitation when spinners are on the water.   Spent Mayfly A Spent Mayfly imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) tied with outstretched poly-yarn to imitate the dying mayfly - there are the go-to flies when fishing on an evening. These Spent Mayfly imitations are tied on AHREX FW525 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly. Get them while you can, as we did run out last year! Barry really liked his Mayflies: Have fun out there and remember to report any Mayfly sightings via our dedicated page!                          

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The 2025 Mayfly Radar - Tracking The UK Mayfly Hatch

Very Very Caddisy & The Cutting EDGE of Fly Design

Here at Barbless Flies, May, June & July are by far and away our busiest months, you will often find both Jack and I burning the midnight oil at least 6 days a week: getting all of your orders out in a timely fashion, working on new fly patterns whilst also continuing to write books/articles and emails. I often find that by the end of the day, I am completely exhausted (both mentally and physically), so I don't often fish in the evenings - I prefer to sit quietly with a good fishing book and a glass of something Scottish!  During these three months, I try to plan my fishing trips accordingly, and fish very early in the morning - I have to drive alongside the river on my way into Barbless Flies HQ, so it would be rude not to stop for a cast or two (or three) while the mornings are still so light. The two pre-production versions of these fly patterns contained in this email are ones I first 'road tested' with great success exactly 1 year ago today! TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our selections are sometimes sold out (I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me). I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your 'Match The Hatch' fly selection. This email is all about two different fly patterns, the Rolls Royce Caddis & The EDGE Emerger, both of which are spectacularly successful at this time of year. Both of the patterns are tied using the very best quality materials on AHREX hooks - the best hooks there are. Grab Yours here: At this time of the day, one of the most popular dry fly imitations I use (outside of the Mayfly hatch) is the humble Caddis/Sedge pattern - these are nocturnal insects that return to the water to lay their eggs, just as I'm arriving on the river. This email includes two different patterns which are perfect for this time of year, the first of which is ... The Rolls Royce Caddis There are many different variations of Caddis/Sedge fly, but today we have one of the very best Caddis/Sedge patterns available - it's the Rolls Royce of Caddis patterns. It was originally devised in the USA (where it's called the Cadillac Caddis), so we've anglicised it and renamed it to the Rolls Royce Caddis - it's the combination of a detached body and elk-hair wing which makes it deadly when fished on the faster more ripply water - it floats high on virtually all types of water and will fool fish throughout the UK, no matter which river (or stillwater) you are on! This Caddis / Sedge imitation is perfectly proportioned and tied with a small detached body and elk-hair wings - it will not need any extra floatant to keep it riding hight all day (or morning) long. Caddis - Top Tips Caddis (or Sedge) flies are best used in either the early or late part of the day, as this is when the flies are at their most active. These Caddis flies are deadly in the smaller sizes just at twilight! When fishing with a Caddis fly, it's always worth giving it a little twitch every now and then if you are not getting attention from the fish. When you watch the naturals, their flight is very haphazard and they always land on the water with quite a commotion - they are not the daintiest of movers! Keep this in mind when covering rising fish. Our Rolls Royce Caddis pattern has been tied by our Artisan tyers using the highest quality materials, it is tied on an AHREX FW525 and available in three different sizes 14, 16 & 18. As we know this will be a very popular pattern, we have bundled it into a selection which includes three or each hook sizes - nine flies in total:   We've only got 40 of these Rolls Royce Caddis Selections available - I'm keeping a few dozen back for myself, to use (lose) over the next 6 weeks or so! Our Rolls Royce Caddis Selection contains 3 each of sizes 14, 16 & 18. That's nine flies in total, for only £15.00 delivered free of charge to anywhere in the UK. Keep reading for more info on the Caddis/Sedge - you'll be glad you did ... Please Remember: We've only 40 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - These flies can also be bought individually here if you would like to top up your selection! Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at only £15 for the selection, these will not hang around for long! Want to know a little more about the Caddis/Sedge? What is it? There are around 30 distinct Caddis/Sedge species found throughout the UK, Europe and Russia. These Caddis flies are known as "humpless case-maker Caddis flies". These flies are easily identified as they will generally be the only fly on the water flying as if it is drunk (i.e. very haphazardly). Please Note: You will often see these flies referred to as either Caddis or Sedge; they are both the same and are interchangeable as far as the fly angler is concerned. Location(s) They are found in every part of the British Isles. They can be especially prolific in Central, Southern and South West England; in Wales and Northern England (Ribble and Eden), and in parts of Scotland. Most Caddis flies are only found in running water, they prefer gently running water, so you do not usually find them hatching in very high and fast-flowing rivers. The various caddis flies usually start hatching at the beginning of April and will continue through right until the end of September. When do trout take them? Trout will take Caddis in any one of its three stages (nymph, emerger and dry). Caddis will generally hatch during the warmest part of the day (anytime between 11am and 3pm), so this is when to try an emerger pattern. Caddis usually hatch from shallower water and don't give the trout much of a chance to intercept them on their way to the surface. The best time to use a caddis imitation is either in the evening or in the early mornings when the adult females return to the water to deposit their eggs - time to give your new Tri-Colour Caddis flies a try. These flies should be fished as you would any other dry fly, and they should be used as soon as you start to see the insects on the water; this can be anytime from about 18:00 until after dark and very early in the morning. This email includes two different patterns which are perfect for this time of year, the second one is ... The EDGE Emerger This version of a Shuttlecock emerging Olive is one of the best imitations I have tried on our local river - I think it's the added flash in the tail which sparks the fish's interest! We asked our Artisan fly tying masters to tie us a fly pattern which embodies all that we have setup with our "The Fly Fishing EDGE" learning centre - and this was the result - a fairly simple pattern at first glance, the detail is outstanding, and it works! Here it is: This emerging Olive imitation is perfectly proportioned and tied with a small thorax, bare body, two flash tails and a CdC Shuttlecock wing - you will need a little floatant on the CdC tips to keep this fly floating just in the surface. We are making this pattern available today in sizes 14, 16 & 18, and also as a selection: We've only got 50 of these exclusive EDGE Emerger Selections available, so act fast to secure yours! Our The EDGE Emerger Selection features a carefully curated assortment, three each of sizes 14, 16 & 18. In total, you'll receive nine expertly crafted flies, all for just £15.00, with free delivery to anywhere in the UK! Please Remember: We've only 50 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - These flies can also be bought individually here if you would like to top up your selection! Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at only £15 for the selection, these will not hang around for long! Tight lines & have a great weekend.              

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Very Very Caddisy & The Cutting EDGE of Fly Design

A Mayfly Amuse-Bouche - Just a Taster of Our NEW Mayflies Patterns

A Taster for Mayflies? I saw my first Mayfly over the weekend, but it wasn't on the river - it was in the car park at Barbless Flies HQ! It's fairly common to see the odd lone Mayfly braving the easterly winds we usually have here, but nothing which will stir too much interest from the fish - I'm hoping the nice weather which is forecast for the coming weekend will really spur them on - but up here in North Yorkshire, we don't generally get to cast a Mayfly imitation in anger until the last week of May. However, things seem to be happening a little earlier this year - so, you never know! I always get really excited when I see a big yellow DHL van pull up outside the office, as this can only mean one thing ...  As of last Thursday, we've now received all of our NEW Artisan Mayfly patterns I thought it was a good idea to give you the chance to try a "taster selection" of our stunning new Individual Mayflies, so you can see which ones work best on your local waters. Think of them as an 'amuse-bouche' of the fly fishing world, giving you a few of our wide range of mayflies, and allowing you to see which ones work best on your waters. It will not be long now until the trout start to realise exactly what they are missing out on and start to 'look up' in earnest. We are starting the 2025 Mayfly season with a taster selection of our Artisan Mayflies. In total there are 6 patterns (covering each of the Mayfly lifecycle - from nymph to spent), supplied in our eco-friendly packaging, for only £14.00 (which includes FREE delivery to anywhere in the UK) - that's a 17.6% discount on buying them individually, just click on any image or button below for a closer look. Towards the end of this email, we also have a very special set of Mayflies - we're calling it our Luxury Artisan Mayfly Selection which is stuffed full of our Artisan Mayflies and supplied in one of Jeff Jones' Oak fly boxes - hand-made in Wales. The quality of these mayflies has to be seen to be believed, they are all tied on AHREX hooks - the best in the business - we're sure you cannot find better quality anywhere else! We are supplying this Taster Selection of Mayflies as a selection of 6 flies, each one a different stage of the Mayflies lifecycle. We usually run out of Mayflies, but this year will be different, we are determined to have them available to you for the full Mayfly season - they are all in stock and our shelves are groaning under their weight, we literally have tens of thousands of them - so fill your boots! Why not grab a Taster Selection today, see which ones work on your water, then top-up your box throughout the season - at only £14.00 for the Full Artisan Mayfly Taster Selection, they are a bargain! Get them while you can, as we did run out last year! So, What's Included In The Taster Selection? One each of These Bad Boys: Mayfly Nymph A Mayfly nymph imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) and weighted with a bead to help this large fly sink. These nymphs are tied on Size 10 AHREX FW531 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly nymph.   Mayfly Emerger A Mayfly emerger imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) with a little foam tied in at the head to allow the fly to sit correctly on the water. These emergers are tied on Size 10 AHREX FW531 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.!   Loop-Wing Emerger A Mayfly emerger imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) with a little CdC loop tied in at the head, to allow the fly to sit correctly on the water. These emergers are tied on Size 10 AHREX FW503 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.   Mayfly Dun A Mayfly Dun imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) with a grey poly-yarn sighter post. These Dun imitations are tied on Size 14 AHREX FW525 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.   Mohican Mayfly A detached body mayfly imitation, super buoyant and tied to exacting standards. This fly has very short wings, this helps reduce leader-twist when casting. These Mohican Mayfly imitations are tied on Size 12 AHREX FW525 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.   Spent Mayfly A Spent Mayfly imitation in White/Cream & Brown (the natural colours) tied with outstretched poly-yarn to imitate the dying mayfly - there are the go-to flies when fishing on an evening. These Spent Mayfly imitations are tied on Size 14 AHREX FW525 barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly.   We are supplying this Taster Selection of Mayflies as a selection of 6 flies (imitating each of the Mayfly lifecycle stages). We have already stocked up on these Mayflies and they're available now, at only £14.00 for the Mayfly Taster Selection - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere in the UK. Go on, you know you want to! Fancy A Little Luxury? Why not treat yourself, or a good fishing friend, to a Luxury Artisan Mayfly Selection. A really nice hand-made (by Jeff, in Wales) Oak fly box, stuffed full of Mayflies: Our Luxury Artisan Mayfly Selection is a selection of flies to imitate the full lifecycle of the Mayfly (nymph, emerger, crippled, dun & spent). We are supplying this full selection, giving you three each of our wide range of Artisan mayflies, allowing you to see which works best on your waters. In total, there are 18 Mayflies supplied in one of Jeff Jones' Hand-Made (in Wales) Oak Fly Boxes. All of these flies are tied using strong AHREX (FW503, FW525 & FW531) barbless hooks, in the appropriate size for the insect stage (sizes 10 & 14) using the best quality materials available on the market. We are supplying this Luxury Selection of Artisan Mayflies as a selection of 18 flies (three of each of the Mayfly lifecycle stages). We have already stocked up on these Mayflies and they're available now, at only £75.00 for the Luxury Selection - which includes FREE delivery. TOP TIP: Reducing Leader Twist - when fishing with flies which have large wings - like Mayflies, this will induce twist in your leader (there's nothing you can really do to stop it). The majority of Mayfly patterns (especially the spent ones) have wings which act just like helicopter rotor blades and spin when you cast them. The best way to combat this is to: Reduce the length of your leader Increase the diameter of your leader Try shortening the overall length of your tapered leader to around 6ft and step up your tippet diameter - use 3X or 4X. Once the fish really switch on to the Mayfly they become indifferent to your tippet, so step it up where you can. Generally, once the fish are confidently taking mayflies they will not be shy of leaders, try dropping your leader length right down and using a thicker diameter. Try removing your tapered leader altogether and just using 4ft to 6ft of 5X tippet direct to your fly line with some of the larger flies - like the Mohican Mayfly.   Have fun out there - it's about to get really good! P.S. If you would like to buy any Mayflies individually - from only £1.75 each - you can find them all by clicking the button below:  

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A Mayfly Amuse-Bouche - Just a Taster of Our NEW Mayflies Patterns

A Stunning Emerging Buzzer Selection - For all you Stillwater Addicts

Last weekend I saw the first signs that Spring is really with us as my wife and I took our dog (Ronnie) for a walk around a local stillwater. The sun was just at its peak, and towards the back of the lake - sheltered from the light breeze - there were clouds of buzzers, all hatching in the dappled sunlight. As the buzzers are just starting to get going and the fish are activley looking to hoover the emergning insects up, we've a specialist pattern for all you Stillwater addicts today, we've just received these stunning buzzers into Barbless Flies HQ this week (we've been waiting to see these in real life - they really are stunning!) - ones you may not have seen anywhere else (especially in barbless form) - Emerging Buzzers. Read on McDuff for more info, images of the selections, and some background info on buzzers and how to get the best out of them when fishing this 'emerging' style of pattern ... We only have a very limited supply of these emerging Buzzers (and once they are gone there will be no more until next year), so if you would like some, you will need to be quick!! This style of midge/buzzer imitation is another that is not made available very often, it is an imitation of the adult midge as it ascends the water column. These are really successful in the shiny colours and are best fished just under the surface, either as a part of a team or suspended under one of our Dinkhamers (see the end of this email). When you see a buzzer in its natural form, there are two things that are very apparent: They are bigger than you first expect – ranging in size from 8mm to 15mm (a size 10 to 16 hook) They are very thin Just to whet your appetite, here's a look at them - they are all perfectly proportioned and fantastic representations of the real emerging insect: This selection of Emerging Buzzers (one of our most popular Stillwater fly selections), has been put together by popular demand. The selection contains two each of all our Barbless Emerging Buzzers (click on any image or button to get a closer view of the flies): Black Emerging Adult Buzzer Claret Emerging Adult Buzzer Copper Emerging Adult Buzzer Olive Emerging Adult Buzzer Orange Emerging Adult Buzzer This is the perfect selection of flies for fishing any buzzer hatch - especially in May or June, just keep them in (or near) the surface film and let the wind do the rest! This selection contains 10 Barbless Emerging Buzzers (all in a size 12), supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. Available now for only £18 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere in the UK - you will need to be quick though, as we only have a few selections available. Go on, you know you want to! A 'Washing Line' With A Dinkhamer Twist ... We've called these flies 'Dinkhamers' as they are klinkhamer style flies tied with tippet rings in their tails - specifically for use with the Klink n Dink method of suspending a nymph/buzzer underneath. They can also be used as a part of a 'Washing Line Rig' when used on a stillwater: To keep these flies floating, all you need to do is run a small amount of floatant through the hackle and post - you will be amazed at how many fish take the Dinkhamer! Our Dinkhamers are available individually in a choice of sizes (size 14 for suspending smaller nymphs/buzzers; and size 12 for use in the larger rigs) or these flies are also available in various selections. Individual Dinkhamers - from only £1.65; and Dinkhamer Selections - from only £18.00 All our flies are shipped in our eco-friendly packaging and delivered FREE of charge to anywhere within the UK. Buzzers are the pupal form of midges (chironmidae) – they are the form between the larva (bloodworm etc) and the adult flying insect. They are the most abundant food supply that a Stillwater trout will encounter. Buzzers are found in all waters at all times of the year but are especially abundant in the Spring months of April, May & June – this is the best time for buzzer fishing in UK stillwaters. Buzzers are generally seen just under the surface of the water and as far as the fly angler is concerned, we try to imitate them at the stage where they are transforming into the adult: Why Are They Important? Buzzers are important to the fly angler as this is the staple food of any trout which has been in a Stillwater for any length of time. As so, it is important to understand how best to fish them. Buzzer fishing is not just about the fly you use, it’s more about the style and how they are fished. Top Tips When Fishing Buzzers When it's Still: Use a floating line, long leader and a team of three buzzers. Cast out, and before the flies start to sink, pull the line to straighten out the leader. Then pause (keeping in touch with the flies) and wait for the flies to drop, takes usually come with the buzzers on the drop. You should spot a take before you feel it, keep an eye on the fly line and leader for any abnormal movement. If the buzzers hit the bottom, just a few pulls on the fly line should bring them back to the surface, and you can start again by letting them sink. When it's Windy: Still use a floating line, but this time use a shorted leader. Check the direction of the wind and cast out across the wind (i.e. the wind is side-on to you) - always make sure the wind is to your left shoulder if you are right-handed (and the right shoulder if you are left-handed). Again, using a team of three buzzers, cast out and allow the buzzers to drift with the wind. You should not need to retrieve your line, as the wind will make sure your leader straightens up. Again, you will usually see the take before you feel it - just remember to strike in the opposite direction to the direction your flies are moving. Once the flies have drifted as far as you think possible, lift the flies slowly from the water, it's surprising how many fish take your buzzers as you're about to re-cast!.   Tight lines

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A Stunning Emerging Buzzer Selection - For all you Stillwater Addicts

The Danica Dance - Part 1

Ready ... Set ... Go ...Mayfly Anyone? I've started to hear of the odd Mayfly coming off the rivers of the South and South-West - I also saw a single on up here in North Yorkshire on Saturday when I was on the water - so thought it was about time that I started to turn your attention to the larger flies in our boxes - The Mayflies. I always really look forward to this time of year, as it marks an important transition from early season sport (nymphs & spiders etc) to more top of the water, dry fly action - hopefully! I recently wrote a little piece about the Mayfly season over on our The EDGE Learning Centre (only £7.50 per month if you would like to subscribe, there are also some freebie articles available) here's an excerpt: "Beyond the natural phenomenon, this period has also evolved into something approaching religious observance within the fly fishing community. Anglers book their holiday time months in advance. Fishing clubs hold special events. Time-honoured traditions are maintained and passed to new generations. What makes this period so culturally significant is how it connects modern anglers to centuries of tradition. When you cast a Mayfly pattern during Duffers Fortnight, you’re participating in a ritual that generations before you have experienced in nearly identical fashion. The same excitement, the same rises, the same satisfaction when a brown trout breaks the surface to take your fly – these experiences create a thread through time connecting today’s anglers with those who fished these same waters centuries ago." We are starting this year's Mayfly season with our tried and tested Mayfly Lifecycle Selection which we've slightly tweaked / updated for 2025 - it includes all the essential lifecycle stages of the Mayfly in one handy selection. As soon as the trout switch on to Mayflies in the early parts of the season, these are the flies you should be reaching for. As a quick reminder, the Mayfly (or Ephemera danica to give it its scientific name) has a very specific lifecycle which all fly anglers need to know (please also see the end of this email for more details on each of the Mayflies lifecycle stages and how to fish them):   The Mayfly Selection was one of the very first selections of flies which we produced - all the way back in 2014. Dave Wiltshire kindly reviewed our Mayfly Selection quite a few years ago and it is still exactly the same now (with only a few minor tweaks for 2025) - why change a successful selection of flies: "These really are top quality flies. They are tied with fine attention to detail, good materials and perfect proportions. They are bespoke, beautiful flies with a price tag that would usually result in disappointment for the fly buyer. Not in this case." - Dave Wiltshire We are supplying the whole Mayfly lifecycle (Nymph, Emerger, Dun & Spinner) in a selection of 16 flies (4 stages - 2 of each in sizes 10 & 12), see (and click on) images and links below for more details. We have already stocked up on these Mayflies and they're available now, only £24 (including FREE delivery within the UK) for the full Mayfly Lifecycle Selection. Get them while you can, as we did run out last year! The Mayfly Lifecycle Selection The Mayfly Nymph A Mayfly nymph imitation in dark olive and weighted with a bead to help this large fly sink. These nymphs are tied on long-shank barbless hooks and correspond to the actual size of a Mayfly nymph.   The CdC Mayfly Emerger This fly sits in the surface film of the water and immitates the emerging mayfly. These are best tied with CdC as this sits above the surface film and can be easily identified. A great pattern for those early hatches.   The Loopwing Mayfly The most effective fly I used last year as a mayfly imitation. With its looped wing behind the thorax, this fly just needs a little floatant (easily added to the loop) and it will float all day!   The Mayfly Spinner Once the mayfly has returned to the water to lay its eggs, they die and float on the surface, this is the spinner. The spinner is an easy target for Trout, and they can gorge on them in the early evenings.   Here's a review we received from Kevin of our Mayfly Selection: Tight lines and make sure you're ready for the Mayfly bonanza.  

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The Danica Dance - Part 1

Wolfram - The Fly Anglers Springtime Friend

Wolfram (aka Tungsten) With the river season now in full swing. I thought it would be a good idea to look forward to targeting trout in the tricky conditions which are prevalent during late April and Early May - specifically 'pre-Mayfly' trout when the water is usually still cold. Targeting trout in these conditions usually means 2 things: You will be using nymphs; and They will need to be small(ish); and Need to be presented somewhere near the bottom That usually means nymphs equipped with some form of bead - usually Tungsten. Tungsten is most commonly found in lightbulb filaments, but us fly anglers have used one of its properties to our advantage - tungsten is a very dense mineral and when powdered and formed into beads (usually by metal injection moulding) they can weigh up to four times that of the same sized brass bead. TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our selections are sometimes sold out (I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me). I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your Spring Tungsten Nymph Selections. This email is all about Tungsten and how it has transformed the 'nymphing' game - especially when the fish are not looking up. We've revamped our most successful Tungsten Nymphs and have just received them at Barbless Flies HQ, ready for a swin on a water near you: *** Grab yours today, these are the most popular flies we have ever sold - and they never hang around for long! *** Before I get onto the nymphs themselves - and which ones to use - I want to take you back to school for a History & Chemistry lesson ... When you look up the element Tungsten in the periodic table, you will see it has the symbol 'W'. This is due to the element historically being known by two different names - Wolfram & Tungsten, officially the name Wolfram was dropped in 2005. The name 'Wolfram' comes from a different mineral, wolframite, which also has a high content of the element we now call tungsten. Wolfram is believed to be derived from the German for 'wolf's foam'. Many centuries ago mid-European tin smelters observed that when a certain mineral was present in the tin ore, their yield of tin was much reduced. They called this mineral 'wolf's foam' because, they said, it devoured the tin much like a wolf would devour a sheep! Whereas, the word Tungsten is derived from the old Swedish name for 'heavy stone', a name given to a known tungsten-containing mineral. Tungsten is the name which has now stuck - I'm not too worried about what it's called, all I know is that fishing in Spring would be much more difficult without it! As well as its obvious weight advantage, the real properties which make tungsten ideal for nymphs are: Its Compact Size: Tungsten beads are small and can be used to add weight without significantly increasing the overall size of the fly. This is particularly important in smaller nymphs, where imitating natural insect sizes is crucial for success. Its Versatility: Tungsten beads are available in various sizes, shapes, and colours, providing fly tyers with a wide range of options to create different nymph patterns. This versatility allows us to match the specific characteristics of the insects we are trying to imitate. Improved Sensitivity: The density of tungsten allows for better sensitivity when fishing nymphs and other subsurface patterns. We can more easily detect subtle takes or changes in the behaviour of the nymph, leading to increased hook-up rates. Their Consistency: Tungsten beads are known for their consistency in size and weight, providing a reliable option for fly tyers. This consistency helps maintain the balance and performance of the nymph in the water. Generally, when targeting trout in the earlier parts of the river season, keep in mind the following: The faster and deeper the river, the heavier the nymph Target the area behind any type of structure in the water (think boulders, bridge supports & weed beds) Where allowed, it’s better to fish a team of flies (spiders) in the early season, with the heaviest fly on the point. I've put the first point above in bold, as it's the most important part. So, which nymph patterns should be your first choice? Our most successful Tungsten Nymphs ever! We've just received a delivery of our most popular (and successful) tungsten nymphs, updated for 2025 with new materials,  in all sizes - ideal for any 'pre-Mayfly' conditions you will face. The selections below all contain patterns from our most popular tungsten nymph selection, in sizes ranging from 10 (Jumbo) to 18 (Micro) - click on any image or button below to see the full details of the nymph patterns included: These are the first nymphs I use in the earlier parts of the season. Each of the above Tungsten Nymph Selections contain the following patterns in various sizes: Red-Neck Pheasant Tail Nymph Copper Pheasant Tail Mary  Olive Quill Nymph Orange-Head Pheasant Tail Mary Hare's Ear Nymph  The various configurations in each selection are: Jumbo Tungsten Nymph Selection - contains 20 nymphs - 2 of each of the above 5 patterns in sizes 10 & 12, for each of the five patterns below for only £24 - that's a 22% discount on buying the nymphs individually!. Tungsten Nymph Selection - contains 20 nymphs - 2 of each of the above 5 patterns in sizes 14 & 16, for each of the five patterns below for only £24 - that's a 22% discount on buying the nymphs individually!. Micro Tungsten Nymph Selection - contains 15 nymphs - 3 of each of the above 5 patterns in size 18 for only £18 - that's a 22% discount on buying the nymphs individually!. The Ultimate Tungsten Nymph Selection - contains 50 nymphs - 2 of each of the above 5 patterns in sizes 10, 12, 14, 16 & 18 for only £59.50 - that's a 25% discount on buying the nymphs individually!. Click any image or button in this email to go directly to the nymphs. *** Stock up on these while you can, they always sell out fast! *** Go on ... fill your boots - and your 'pre-Mayfly' boxes - we've only limited quantities of these so grab yours whilst you still can! Tight lines

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Wolfram - The Fly Anglers Springtime Friend

The Leisenring & Hindy Effect - The Ascending Flymph

It's A Flymph ... We've something a little different for you this week, which is equally at home in both rivers and stillwaters - it's a Flymph. Please Note: Flymphs are designed for both Rivers & Stillwaters - there's a section at the very end of this email detailing all you need to know about "Fishing a Flymph" and we've also included a section on a nymph which is really doing the business at the minute on rivers - The Spring Jig. I came across the term 'flymph' when doing a bit of research on a pattern we have planned for Autumn this year, and then a couple of days later it cropped up again on a Facebook post by a friend - ii'm sure it's secretly listening to me - who had tied some up and was having great success with them on both rivers and in stillwaters. So I contacted him to get the low-down on the pattern and what it is about them that makes them so successful. If, like me, you'd never heard of such a fly before then Read on McDuff ... I purchased a copy of the definitive text on the Flymph (The Art of Tying The Wet Fly and Fishing The Flymph;  by J.E. Leisenring & V.S. Hidy, 1971). Within the book a Flymph is defined as: "A wingless artificial fly with a soft, translucent body of fur or wool which blends with the under-colour of the tying silk when wet, utilising soft hackle fibres easily activated by the currents to give the effect of an insect alive in the water, and strategically cast diagonally upstream or across for the trout to take just below or within a few inches of the surface film."  So essentially a flymph is a spider / soft-hackled wet fly that is fished just under the surface - similar to what we know today as an emerger pattern (or a Cruncher in stillwater circles). As these are a pretty new to us pattern to us, I thought we would dip our toes in the water with the most popular design and get our Artisan fly tying masters to show us their interpretation. Here is the final product - we've called it the Hare's Ear Flymph: It seems that the way these nymphs are tied (and fished) is the key to their success. They are tied with quite thick bodies wrapped in flat tinsel and soft hackles (very different to traditional spider patterns). They are then cast 'up and across' when on rivers (or around weed beds and any moving water on stillwaters), and allowed to sink a little. With their bodies being tied quite straggly (to trap air) it can be difficult to sink them at first - that's where that bottle of Xink that you've never used before comes in handy! By keeping in touch with the fly as it moves in the water column, you can detect takes immediately. You can also impart action on the flymph by slowly raising and lowering your rod tip whilst the flymph is in the water - similar to an 'induced take'. The flymph was created by James E. Leisenring and Pete Hidy in the 1930s and 1940s. Leisenring was a master fly tier from Pennsylvania who, along with his fishing companion Hidy, developed this style of fly to better imitate the vulnerable transition stage of aquatic insects. They observed that trout often feed most aggressively on insects during their emergence phase - when insects are rising from the streambed toward the surface but haven't yet reached it. During this phase, the insects are particularly vulnerable as they shed their nymphal shucks and transform into adults. The flymph was designed to have specific characteristics that differentiate it from standard wet flies or nymphs: Soft, mobile materials that pulse and move naturally in the water A translucent appearance that suggests the emerging insect Often tied with hackle fibers that suggest the forming wings of the adult fly Usually fished with a "swing" technique in the water column These flymphs are tied on a Size 16 AHREX FW503 - the perfect size to imitate the majority of natural emerging insects. They are now available in three forms: Individually - for £1.90; or Pack of 6 - for only £10.00; or Pack of 12 - for only £18.50   *** If these prove to be as successful as we expect, then we will have our guys tie them in lots of different pattern variations *** The Spring Jig ... From reports I'm getting back to Barbless Flies HQ, these Spring Jigs are really doing the business on the rivers at the moment - fill your boots: The Spring Jig is a generic nymph, in that it represents many olive and caddis nymphs, and is often used as a searching pattern. Its shaggy appearance resembles many species of nymphs when they shed their skins or shucks as they progress into the next stage of their life. These nymphs are tied on a Size 14 AHREX FW551 jig hook with a 2.5mm gunmetal tungsten bead. They are now available in three forms: Individually - for £1.95; or Pack of 3 - for only £5.25; or Pack of 6 - for only £9.75 *** Fill Your Boots *** Flymph fishing bridges the gap between nymph and dry fly techniques. These flies are designed to be fished in the water column — typically just below the surface — where they mimic emerging insects that are vulnerable and highly attractive to feeding trout. The soft hackles and natural materials create a lifelike presentation that can be deadly effective when fish are keyed in on emergers. Here's a quick rundown on how to get the best from them in either Rivers or Stillwaters:  Tackle and Leader Setup Rod and Line Selection: Rivers: 8.5-9ft 4 or 5 weight rod with a medium-fast action works well Stillwaters: 9-10ft 5 or 6 weight rod offers better casting distance Line: Floating line for most situations; occasionally an intermediate sinking line for deeper stillwater presentations Leader Setup: River Setup: 9 to 12ft tapered leader ending in 4X-5X tippet (5X for clearer water, 4X for slightly coloured conditions) Stillwater Setup: 12 to 15ft leader to allow the fly to sink naturally without line influence Tippet Material: Fluorocarbon for subsurface work provides less visibility and sinks better than monofilament River Techniques Upstream Cast and Swing Cast upstream at a 45-degree angle Allow the fly to sink slightly as it drifts downstream Control slack line to maintain contact with the fly As the fly passes your position, let it swing across the current The take often comes at the beginning of the swing Across and Down Cast directly across or slightly downstream Mend line as needed to control the drift Let the fly swing through the target area After the swing completes, let the fly hang for a moment before recasting Vary the retrieval speed with small strips or twitches to imitate struggling emergers Pocket Water Presentation Cast to the head of small pockets where feeding fish hold Use a shorter line for better control Allow minimal drag-free drift before the swing begins Watch for subtle takes as the fly drops into the pocket Stillwater Techniques Figure-of-8 Retrieve Cast to likely feeding areas and let the fly sink to desired depth (count down) Begin a slow figure-8 retrieve with your line hand Vary the speed to find what triggers strikes Incorporate occasional pauses to mimic struggling insects Wind Drift Method Position with the wind at your back Cast and allow the wind to naturally move your fly across the water Add minimal tension to your line to stay in contact Subtle rod tip movements can impart lifelike action to the flymph Static Presentation Cast to a suspected feeding area and let the flymph sink Keep a direct line to the fly but with minimal tension Allow natural water movements to animate the fly Watch for line movement indicating a take Particularly effective during sparse hatches or when fish are rising subtly The most important aspect of fishing a flymph is maintaining proper line control while allowing the fly to move naturally in the water. Because takes can be subtle, especially in stillwaters, staying alert and maintaining contact with your fly without creating unnatural movement is essential to success.   Tight lines & have a great weekend.

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The Leisenring & Hindy Effect - The Ascending Flymph

Time Is Precious, Use It Wisely - The Evening Rise

When Reality Bites ... I vividly remember a vision I had 12 years ago ... I seemed to have found my calling - and it wasn't in the IT industry - it was spending time on the riverbank, with a fly rod in my hand. What if I could turn my passion into a business? - That way I could indulge my passion for fly fishing as and when I wanted - and call it work!   TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our selections are sometimes sold out (I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me). I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your Evening Rise fly selection. This email is all about the Evening Rise, a time which any 'time-pressed' angler should aim to fish. In this email, we are launching our Evening Rise Selection - a selection of 12 flies, 3 of each of the most productive 'evening' patterns. All the patterns are tied using the very best quality materials on AHREX FW503 hooks - the best dry fly hooks there are.   My dream was endless days by pristine rivers, casually testing our own products while the sun dappled through the trees. I'd cast lazily from dawn to dusk, my office would be a riverbank, and my meetings would be with trout - hopefully! Fast-forward to reality: Both Jack and I are usually elbow-deep in packaging materials, squinting at website analytics, and watching the perfect fishing day dissolve into emails about hook makes and sizes. This is especially true as the season progresses and we become steadily busier. The closest I get to "casting" most days is lobbing the packing waste into the recycling bin! My drive to and from the office takes me alongside my local river - the Yorkshire Derwent - where I often catch the odd glimpse of rising fish as I am passing. Last year I found that the best way to indulge my passion - whilst also balancing a work and family life - was to grab just a few hours on the way home, usually after 6pm.  Catching that brief window when the world seems to slow down, the fish emerge, and I can remember why I started this madness in the first place - don't get me wrong, I really love what we're building here at Barbless Flies, but it's always good to reflect, and where better than on the riverbank during an evening rise. The Evening Rise The evening rise is when trout seem to lose their inhibitions and begin feeding with the enthusiasm of teenagers at a freshly stocked fridge. It's as if they've been attending underwater finishing school all day, practicing proper etiquette and selective feeding, only to throw it all away as twilight approaches. The river comes alive during these golden hours. The water's surface transforms from a peaceful mirror into what can only be described as a "fish riot" with rings appearing everywhere as the insects end their life and the fish start to break the surface. The brevity of the evening rise really concentrates the mind. There's no time for overthinking or changing flies seventeen times. It's fishing distilled to its purest form: observe - cast - connect - repeat. For the whole of last season I was experimenting with different flies on my evening sessions, I finally settled on the perfect selection - specific to the Evening Rise ... and here they are: NEW for 2025 - The "Evening Rise" Selection The Barbless Evening Rise Selection is a selection of 4 styles of commonly used flies - which seem to produce results after 6pm. It's not about perfectly imitating exactly what's on the water (as there are lots of different insects), it’s more about how the fly sits on, and in, the water - presenting the correct silhouette. For only £20.00, we are supplying 4 different styles of flies which are perfect for the 'evening rise' - In total there are 12 flies supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. These flies will work on evenings throughout the year, but work especially well both before and after the main mayfly hatch. All of the flies included within this selection are tied on the best dry fly hooks in the business - AHREX FW503 (see the individual fly descriptions below for more details). Looking back through my own River Almanac notes, by far the most successful pattern for the evenings was our size 18 Mini Sherry Spinner - It just seemed to give a great silhouette the fish just loved - especially when fished in any slack water: Our Barbless Evening Rise Selection is now available as a selection of 12 flies (3 each of 4 specialist 'evening' patterns): The Evening Banker - A midge version of this popular klinkhamer style fly - these work especially well in the evenings. These have been tied with a contrasting grey Z-Lon post, which has exceptional buoyancy and sits just right on the water. Our selection contains 3 of these, all tied on a size 18 AHREX FW503 barbless hook. The Hot-Spot Palmer - A style of pattern which comes into its own in the evening. They are tied with a palmered style body which presents the fly perfectly on the surface film, just as a spent natural would appear. This version includes a black body and chartreuse hot-spot head. Our selection contains 3 of these, all tied on a size 14 AHREX FW503 barbless hook. The Mini Sherry Spinner - Another classic spent/spinner imitation. Tied on a size 18 AHREX FW503 barbless hook with a stripped peacock herl body and Z-Lon flat/spent wings. Our selection contains 3 of these. The Bumble Palmer - This is a style of pattern which is often overlooked, they come into their own in the evening. They are tied with a palmered style body which presents the fly perfectly on the surface film. This version includes a contrasting brown and yellow body. Our selection contains 3 of these, all tied on a size 14 AHREX FW503 barbless hook. Our Evening Rise Selection contains 12 flies in total and we are making them available to you today for only £20.00 - click any button or image in this email to see the selection of flies in much more detail. As always we offer FREE Delivery on all orders for delivery within the UK.   *** We only have 40 of these selections available, so if you would like one you will need to be quick! *** Each of the flies included in our NEW for 2025 selection can also be bought individually for only £1.90 each, using these links: The Evening Banker The Hot-Spot Palmer The Mini Sherry Spinner The Bumble Palmer *** Go on, you know you want to! ***           This section is for all anglers whose calendar looks like a game of Tetris gone wrong, and want to get a little time away to embrace the evening rise. It's proof that in fly fishing, as in life, sometimes the most magical moments come in the smallest packages of time. Just remember to pack a torch — you may need it to get back to your car! The Evening Rise: Equipment choices simplify during the evening rise. Rather than carrying an extensive arsenal for every contingency, evening rise fishing often requires just a handful of proven patterns matching the hatches likely to occur. - our Evening Rise Selection is perfect. This streamlined approach removes decision paralysis and lets you focus on the fishing itself. A small box of appropriate flies (see above), a single rod, and minimal gear means less preparation time and more fishing time. The fish themselves often display less caution during the evening rise, making them more forgiving of imperfect presentations. This forgiveness doesn't make the fishing easy - technical challenges remain - but it does make it more accessible across skill levels. For the angler with limited practice time, this margin for error means more satisfaction within your time-constrained fishing windows. If your fishing time is precious and limited, make the evening rise your priority. Plan your fishing not by days available but by evenings possible. A strategic approach targeting these golden hours will yield more satisfaction than scattered full days when conditions might prove challenging. Even if you can only fish once or twice a month, choosing evenings strategically puts quality fishing within reach of even the busiest schedules. As darkness finally claims the river and the last rings of rising trout fade from the surface, and you make your way home, be pleased that you've participated in one of fly fishing's most hallowed rituals, connecting to waters and traditions that have remained unchanged, despite our rushed modern lives. In the evening rise, even the busiest angler finds what we all ultimately seek on the water - not just fish, but moments of perfect alignment with the natural world and ourselves. I know it sounds a little fanciful, but fishing the evening rise really is food for the soul. Easter Deliveries Please Note: As it's the Easter Bank Holiday this weekend, If you do require your flies in time for any fishing forays over the weekend, please select the 1st Class Tracked option at the checkout - it's only an extra £2.50, but you will receive your flies on time! Royal Mail will be collecting from us as normal this Thursday (17th April), we will then not have another collection from Royal Mail until Tuesday 22nd April. Tight lines & make the most of your evenings!

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Time Is Precious, Use It Wisely - The Evening Rise

What do Coco Chanel, Henry Ford & Barbless Flies Have In Common?

Was Henry Ford Fly A Fly Angler? I like to think that at some point in his life Henry saw the light and picked up a fly rod! He is famously known for his quote: "Any customer can have a car painted in any colour that they want, so long as it is black," When I was starting out on my fly odyssey, I didn't know the names of the insects which were hiding under rocks and flying around my head. There are days when knowing your sedge from your spinner makes all the difference ... When matching the hatch perfectly is what turns tentative refusals into takes. We believe in that - we sell flies for that & I fish that way too But, there are also days when knowing every Latin name still doesn’t help! What do you do then ... you reach for the fly fishing equivalent of Coco Chanel's "little black dress". TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our selections are sometimes sold out (I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me). I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your "It's Just Black" Selection. This email is all about which flies to use when you've no clue what's happening! In this email, we are launching our NEW for 2025 "It's Just Black" Selection - a selection of 15 flies, 3 of each of five black fly bankers - they're all 'buggy' fish-catching patterns! All the patterns are tied using the very best quality materials on AHREX hooks - the best hooks there are. The "Little Black Dress" Syndrome Definition: A piece of clothing that can be worn in any situation and still looks like it belongs. The fly fishing world has its own "little black dress" equivalent, these are flies which don't look out of place in any scenario. We all love to follow the rules and "match the hatch" wherever we can. But ... There are also days when none of that matters. When trout are feeding mysteriously, sporadically - or not at all! That's when you need a backup plan that will (hopefully) outperform the main one. When the most effective thing you can tie on… is something small(ish) - and black.   But Why Black? It's simple really - Black is Versatile - Simple - Confident It creates contrast. It silhouettes cleanly. It works when everything else gets ignored. Flies stand out in low light and glare Matches nothing exactly, suggests everything vaguely Equally useful for both seasoned and newer anglers Designed for efficiency — not guesswork These are not the flies you reach for instead of matching the hatch. They're the ones you reach for when the hatch isn’t making any sense. Get the flies that work when the rules don't ... NEW for 2025 - The "It's Just Black" Selection The Barbless "It's Just Black" Selection is a selection of 5 styles of commonly used 'black' flies - which seem to produce results when nothing else does! These are for:  Match-the-hatch anglers who’ve learned that not everything can be matched  Minimalists who like one fly to do multiple jobs  Realists who know that conditions aren’t always textbook This isn’t about rejecting expertise. It’s about acknowledging the moments when expertise takes a back seat to instinct. For only £22.50, we are supplying 5 different styles of 'black' dry flies - In total there are 15 flies supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. These flies are great all year round, but work especially well for those tricky days when nothing else seems to work. All of the flies included within this selection are tied on the best hooks in the business - AHREX (see the individual fly descriptions below for more details). Our Barbless "It's Just Black" Selection is now available as a selection of 15 flies (3 each of 5 predominantly black patterns): The Black Dun - A classic version of this popular black gnat/midge fly. These have been tied with upright wings, which makes it ultra-realistic and helps it sit just right on the water - it also makes it really easy to see! The Black Griffith's Gnat - One of the best flies (and many anglers only fly) used in the late spring and summer months. Great in warm still conditions on rivers with a low flow, spooky fish and low levels. The Black Sedge - The smaller sedge/caddis usually do not create much surface action early in the season. But on a day with some sunshine to warm up the surface you will encounter small sedges/caddis everywhere. The Black Emerger - A fly put together by Niklas Dahlin. Designed with inspiration from a fly one of his friends created, the `Hairdresser´s Midge`. Tied to mimic the emerging midge with a slim body and white poly-yarn wing. The Black Head Palmer - Try fishing this Black Head Palmer as an emerger with no fly dressing first. It will float for the first few casts and then it will slowly sink under the surface, this allows you to see which method works best and which the fish are interested in on that specific day. Our "It's Just Black" Selection contains 15 flies in total and we are making them available to you today for only £22.50 (that's a 20% saving on buying the flies individually) - click any button or image in this email to see the selection of flies in more detail. As always we offer FREE Delivery on all orders for delivery within the UK. *** We only have 40 of these selections available, so if you would like one you will need to be quick! ***  Each of the Black flies included in our NEW for 2025 selection can also be bought individually for only £1.90 each, using these links: The Black Emerger The Black Griffith's Gnat The Black Sedge The Black Dun The Black Head Palmer *** Go on, you know you want to! *** Perfect Stillwater Patterns ... Daddy Dinkhamers ... We had a fantastic response to our email with our 'Almost' Barbless Daddies - thank you to everyone who helped us clear our shelves. There are still a few of the offending patterns remaining, if you want to grab your bargain flies today, click on any of the options below: Individuals - only £1.60 each Pack of 6 - only £9.50 Pack of 12 - only £17.50 F i l l  Y o u r  B o o t s ... Tight lines & make the most of this nice weather!

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What do Coco Chanel, Henry Ford & Barbless Flies Have In Common?

The Fly Fishing Equivalent of 'The Little Black Dress'

Was Henry Ford Fly A Fly Angler? I like to think that at some point in his life Henry saw the light and picked up a fly rod! He is famously known for his quote: "Any customer can have a car painted in any colour that they want, so long as it is black," When I was starting out on my fly odyssey, I didn't know the names of the insects which were hiding under rocks and flying around my head. There are days when knowing your sedge from your spinner makes all the difference ... When matching the hatch perfectly is what turns tentative refusals into takes. We believe in that - we sell flies for that & I fish that way too But, there are also days when knowing every Latin name still doesn’t help! What do you do then ... you reach for the fly fishing equivalent of Coco Chanel's "little black dress". TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our selections are sometimes sold out (I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me). I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your "It's Just Black" Selection. This email is all about which flies to use when you've no clue what's happening! In this email, we are launching our NEW for 2025 "It's Just Black" Selection - a selection of 15 flies, 3 of each of five black fly bankers - they're all 'buggy' fish-catching patterns! All the patterns are tied using the very best quality materials on AHREX hooks - the best hooks there are. The "Little Black Dress" Syndrome Definition: A piece of clothing that can be worn in any situation and still looks like it belongs. The fly fishing world has its own "little black dress" equivalent, these are flies which don't look out of place in any scenario. We all love to follow the rules and "match the hatch" wherever we can. But ... There are also days when none of that matters. When trout are feeding mysteriously, sporadically - or not at all! That's when you need a backup plan that will (hopefully) outperform the main one. When the most effective thing you can tie on… is something small(ish) - and black. But Why Black? It's simple really - Black is Versatile - Simple - Confident It creates contrast. It silhouettes cleanly. It works when everything else gets ignored. Flies stand out in low light and glare Matches nothing exactly, suggests everything vaguely Equally useful for both seasoned and newer anglers Designed for efficiency — not guesswork These are not the flies you reach for instead of matching the hatch. They're the ones you reach for when the hatch isn’t making any sense. Get the flies that work when the rules don't ... NEW for 2025 - The "It's Just Black" Selection The Barbless "It's Just Black" Selection is a selection of 5 styles of commonly used 'black' flies - which seem to produce results when nothing else does! These are for:  Match-the-hatch anglers who’ve learned that not everything can be matched  Minimalists who like one fly to do multiple jobs  Realists who know that conditions aren’t always textbook This isn’t about rejecting expertise. It’s about acknowledging the moments when expertise takes a back seat to instinct. For only £22.50, we are supplying 5 different styles of 'black' dry flies - In total there are 15 flies supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. These flies are great all year round, but work especially well for those tricky days when nothing else seems to work. All of the flies included within this selection are tied on the best hooks in the business - AHREX (see the individual fly descriptions below for more details). Our Barbless "It's Just Black" Selection is now available as a selection of 15 flies (3 each of 5 predominantly black patterns): The Black Dun - A classic version of this popular black gnat/midge fly. These have been tied with upright wings, which makes it ultra-realistic and helps it sit just right on the water - it also makes it really easy to see! The Black Griffith's Gnat - One of the best flies (and many anglers only fly) used in the late spring and summer months. Great in warm still conditions on rivers with a low flow, spooky fish and low levels. The Black Sedge - The smaller sedge/caddis usually do not create much surface action early in the season. But on a day with some sunshine to warm up the surface you will encounter small sedges/caddis everywhere. The Black Emerger - A fly put together by Niklas Dahlin. Designed with inspiration from a fly one of his friends created, the `Hairdresser´s Midge`. Tied to mimic the emerging midge with a slim body and white poly-yarn wing. The Black Head Palmer - Try fishing this Black Head Palmer as an emerger with no fly dressing first. It will float for the first few casts and then it will slowly sink under the surface, this allows you to see which method works best and which the fish are interested in on that specific day. Our "It's Just Black" Selection contains 15 flies in total and we are making them available to you today for only £22.50 (that's a 20% saving on buying the flies individually) - click any button or image in this email to see the selection of flies in more detail. As always we offer FREE Delivery on all orders for delivery within the UK. *** We only have 40 of these selections available, so if you would like one you will need to be quick! ***  Each of the Black flies included in our NEW for 2025 selection can also be bought individually for only £1.90 each, using these links: The Black Emerger The Black Griffith's Gnat The Black Sedge The Black Dun The Black Head Palmer *** Go on, you know you want to! *** Perfect Stillwater Patterns ... Daddy Dinkhamers ... We had a fantastic response to our email with our 'Almost' Barbless Daddies - thank you to everyone who helped us clear our shelves. There are still a few of the offending patterns remaining, if you want to grab your bargain flies today, click on any of the options below: Individuals - only £1.60 each Pack of 6 - only £9.50 Pack of 12 - only £17.50 F i l l  Y o u r  B o o t s ... Tight lines & make the most of this nice weather! 

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The Fly Fishing Equivalent of 'The Little Black Dress'

Bosnian Maj Nymphs - Our 'Secret' Spring Nymphs

Our 'man in Bosnia' has been 'on the tools' once again - with some more very tempting nymphs - specifically tied for success in April and early May - when our water is just that little bit cooler. We try to plan all of our specialist fly selections at least 3 to 4 months in advance, when asked what we were planning for April, we wanted to do something a little different, so I asked him to surprise us and tie something which he would use himself, for trout in the earlier parts of the season when the rivers are still colder. His reply was "I will tie you some secret patterns, which are the first nymphs I try on any river here in April and May" - which had me intrigued, we had no images to go on, and because I trust his judgement I said, "go for it". The first time I saw these was when they were delivered to us on Friday - to say I was impressed is an understatement! Check out these Bosnian bad boys ... Our Bosnian Maj Nymph Selection contains 12 nymphs (4 different patterns, 3 of each in a size 14).  As we've only got 40 of these Bosnian Maj Nymph Selections available, we'll get straight down to the offer: Buy a selection of Bosnian Maj Tungsten Nymphs today for only £24; or Include one of Jeff Jones's stunning hand-made Oak fly boxes for an additional £36 - bringing the total for the fly selection including one of Jeff's stunning Oak fly boxes, to only £60. To view or buy our Bosnian Secret Nymph Selection, just click on any image or button contained within this email. Keep reading for more info and detailed images of the nymphs - you'll be glad you did ... I asked 'our man in Bosnia' to give me a little info about these nymph, here's what he said: "These nymphs are tied on an AHREX FW541 Curved Nymph barbless hooks in size 14, designed for excellent hook penetration and durability. The fly is weighted with a 3.5 mm copper tungsten bead, ensuring it sinks quickly to the desired depth. Veevus Stomach thread is used as a base for the body, providing a strong foundation and smooth surface for the segmentation. Over the thread, is wrapped Troutline Tapered Synthetic Quills (size M) to create a realistic, segmented abdomen. Four different colour of quills have been used: Light Olive, Olive, Red & Yellow. These specific quills create a variation in shade and contrast, making the fly more attractive in different water conditions. The thorax is covered with Veevus Flat Braid in black, adding a slight sheen and additional contrast to the fly. To create a natural, lifelike appearance, the legs are made from Hare’s Mask dubbing, which gives the fly a buggy, slightly spiky profile that enhances movement in the water. To enhance durability and add a natural 'wet look', both the body and the thorax (flat braid) are coated with Raidzap UV Resin and cured under a UV light. This not only protects the fly from wear but also gives it a slightly translucent finish, mimicking the natural sheen of natural insects. With its realistic segmentation, natural buggy appearance, UV-coated durability, and weighted design, this nymph is perfect for targeting trout in both fast and slow-moving water. The combination of synthetic and natural materials ensures durability while maintaining an enticing, lifelike look underwater." So what nymphs are best for tempting those early season trout? Usually, trout look to nymphs when feeding in the early season/colder water. These nymphs have been tied to fish as deep as possible, with 3.5mm copper-coloured tungsten beads - to keep your nymph where it needs to be, on the bottom. They are all tied on the best barbless nymph hook available on the market today - the AHREX FW541 Curved Nymph - perfect for all your early season nymphs. Our Bosnian Maj Nymph Selection contains three each of these 'Bosnian Bad Boys': Light Olive Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g Olive Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g Red Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g Yellow Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g Early season nymph fishing is more about finding the fish, so it's important to keep on the move and only pass your nymphs through a lane a couple of times - if there's a fish there they will usually take it straight away. Top Tip: if you are fishing in coloured water, use the Red Maj nymph. Coloured water usually means that the river is running higher than usual, this nymph is designed to stand out in coloured water and trigger a more inquisitive response. Generally, the water levels at this time of year are average to high, so he's added a 3.5mm tungsten bead to the superb AHREX FW541 Curved Nymph hook for that little bit of extra weight. Our selection of 'secret' Maj Nymphs includes 4 different patterns, with 3 each of the following Bosnian 'Bad Boys': Light Olive Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g Olive Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g Red Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g Yellow Maj Nymph - Size 14 AHREX FW541 - weight 0.37g These specialist early season nymphs are all tied on size 14 AHREX FW541 Curved Nymph barbless hooks. Please Remember: We've only 40 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - Our Bosnian flies always sell out within a few hours of being released! Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at £24 for these selections, these will not hang around for long! Fishing in April can be very challenging, depending on which part of the British Isles you are located. Generally, the further South and West you are the better the fishing will be at this time of year – the North and Scotland always seem to lag a couple or three weeks behind the South of the British Isles as far as hatches and river fish activity go. Manage your expectations – You’ve probably been waiting for the first trip of the season for a while, and if you’re anything like me, thinking of nothing else but those first few (very rusty) casts! Don’t go expecting to ‘bag up’, once the season opens the water is generally still very cold and the fish less actively feeding. River choice is a key factor at this time, if you're lucky enough to have a choice of river, it’s always best to target the smaller streams where possible, you will stand a much better chance of success. It’s also best to time your trips to when you are more likely to see active fish in front of you – between 11am and 2pm. So, now is the time to act accordingly, have a nice and leisurely breakfast - a Full English is my preferred option - at a local cafe – got to support those local businesses. Arrive at the river for around 10:30 and get set up – always keeping an eye on the water for any movement. Early Season Watercraft – Searching for those early season fish is where watercraft comes into play more than at any other time of the year. Watercraft is the art of looking, listening and watching the water (and the environment around you) and then decoding the signals to give you an indication of what is happening, then using tactics based on what you see. A typical example of this is seeing a Wagtail on the riverbanks, these birds are notorious for arriving on the river just before an Olive hatch starts, if you see one – tie on an Olive emerger and wait! Early Season watercraft is far too big a subject to go into detail here. If you would like to read more there are a couple of fantastic books I would highly recommend - as we wrote them! FLY Series: Early Season River Fishing £9.99 FLY Series: Watercraft (How To Read Water) £9.99   Finally, Even though we are forecast for some nicer weather over the next few days, don’t let any bad weather put you off, so long as the water is fishable, ignore the conditions – some of my best early-season days have been when there’s a gale blowing and it’s about to rain. Tight lines & have a great day.

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Bosnian Maj Nymphs - Our 'Secret' Spring Nymphs

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