So, you've decided to dive into the wonderfully addictive world of fly tying! It's a rewarding craft that allows you to create custom patterns, match local hatches perfectly, and experience the ultimate satisfaction of catching a fish on a fly you tied yourself. But as you browse the aisles of a fly shop's tying section or look online, the sheer volume of materials can be overwhelming.
Where do you even begin?
Don't worry, we've got you covered. To get started without breaking the bank or feeling lost, focusing on a few versatile, essential materials is key. These core components will allow you to tie a wide variety of fundamental and effective patterns, from classic nymphs to simple dry flies.
Here are the 7 essential fly tying materials every beginner tier should have in their kit:
1. Fly Tying Thread: The Backbone of Your Fly
What it is: Specialized thread used to bind all other materials to the hook shank. It comes in various sizes (deniers) and colors. Learn more about thread denier here.
Why it's essential: You literally can't tie a fly without it! It's the foundation upon which everything else is built.
For Beginners:
- Size: A good all-around size to start with is 6/0 (like UNI-Thread 6/0) or 70 denier. This is strong enough for beginners to learn with but thin enough for most trout flies.
- Colors: Black is the most versatile. Olive and Brown are also excellent starting colors as they match many natural insects.
- What you can tie: Everything!
2. Fly Tying Hooks: The Starting Point
What it is: Specially designed hooks for fly tying, available in a vast array of sizes, shapes, and wire gauges to imitate different insects and suit various fly types.
Why it's essential: The hook is what catches the fish! The right hook provides the correct profile and strength for your pattern.
For Beginners:
- Standard Dry Fly Hooks: For practicing dry flies like the Adams. A size #12 or #14 (e.g., Mustad Heritage R73XAP-TX) is a good start.
- Standard Nymph Hooks: For learning nymph patterns like the Hare's Ear or Pheasant Tail. A size #12 or #14 (e.g., Mustad Heritage Curved Caddis C49XSAP-TX) is versatile.
- What you can tie: The foundation for all your patterns. Start with standard profiles before branching out.
3. Dubbing: Creating Buggy Bodies
What it is: A fluffy material (natural fur like rabbit or hare, or synthetic) that is "dubbed" (twisted) onto the tying thread to create the body of the fly.
Why it's essential: Dubbing gives bodies a lifelike, "buggy" appearance and texture that fish find irresistible. It’s used in countless nymph and dry fly patterns.
For Beginners:
- Hare's Ear Dubbing: (Like Hareline Dubbin' Hare's Ear). Extremely versatile, naturally buggy, and comes in various natural shades. Perfect for Hare's Ear Nymphs and other general patterns.
- Fine Dry Fly Dubbing: (Like Wapsi Superfine Dubbing). Used for creating neat, tapered bodies on dry flies. Adams Grey or Olive are good starting colors.
- What you can tie: Hare's Ear Nymph, Pheasant Tail Nymph (thorax), Adams dry fly body, many emergers.
4. Hackle Feathers: For Legs, Tails & Floatation
What it is: Feathers, typically from the neck (cape) or back (saddle) of a rooster or hen, used for tails, legs, wings, and collars on flies.
Why it's essential: Hackle provides movement, creates an attractive silhouette, and in the case of stiff rooster hackle, helps dry flies float.
For Beginners:
- Brown or Grizzly Rooster Cape/Saddle: (Like what might be found in a Whiting Fly Tiers Variety Pack or Indian Saddle). These are staples for dry fly hackle (Adams, Elk Hair Caddis) and tails.
- Hen Saddle Patch: (Like Wapsi Hen Saddle Patch). Softer fibers, excellent for legs on nymphs, soft hackle collars on wet flies, and some emerger patterns.
- What you can tie: Adams (hackle, tail), Elk Hair Caddis (hackle), Pheasant Tail Nymph (legs/thorax if using hen), soft hackle wet flies.
5. Pheasant Tail Fibers: The Nymph-Making Hero
What it is: Long, stiff fibers from the center tail feather of a ring-necked pheasant.
Why it's essential: These fibers are incredibly versatile and are the primary material for the classic Pheasant Tail Nymph. They can be used for tails, bodies, legs, and wing cases.
For Beginners:
- Natural Pheasant Tail Clump: (Like Wapsi Pheasant Tail Clump). A single tail feather will provide enough material for many, many flies.
- What you can tie: Pheasant Tail Nymph (body, tail, wing case, legs), various mayfly nymph imitations.
6. Chenille: Quick & Easy Bodies
What it is: A fuzzy, yarn-like material with fibers radiating from a central core.
Why it's essential: Chenille is fantastic for creating quick, durable, and attractive bodies on larger nymphs, streamers, and some wet flies. It's very easy for beginners to work with.
For Beginners:
- Medium Chenille: (Like H&H Rayon Chenille). Black, Olive, or Brown are great starting colors.
- What you can tie: Woolly Bugger bodies, San Juan Worm variations (though specialized material exists), simple streamer bodies.
7. Elk or Deer Hair: For Buoyant Wings & Heads
What it is: Hollow, buoyant hair from elk or deer, commonly used for wings on dry flies and heads on some streamers.
Why it's essential: Its natural buoyancy is perfect for dry fly wings that help patterns float high. It's also relatively easy to stack and tie in.
For Beginners:
- Comparadun Deer Hair or Elk Hair Patch: (Like Wapsi Deer Hair, Short & Fine or general Elk Hair). Natural or bleached/dyed tan is very versatile.
- What you can tie: Elk Hair Caddis wings, Stimulator wings, heads on simple sculpin patterns, Comparadun wings.
Beyond Materials: Essential Tools
While this article focuses on materials, remember you'll also need a basic set of fly tying tools, including:
- A Fly Tying Vises
- Bobbin
- Scissors
- Hackle Pliers
- Bodkin
- Whip Finisher
Ready to Start Tying? Consider a Kit!
Building your material collection piece by piece is fun, but for a beginner, it can also be a bit daunting to ensure you have what you need for your first few patterns. This is where a starter kit shines.
If you're looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to get all these essential materials (and often the tools too!) in one package, we highly recommend the Wapsi Fly Tying Starter Kit.
The Wapsi Starter Kit is specifically designed for beginners and typically includes:
- A quality vise and essential tools.
- A curated selection of fundamental materials, including many of those listed above like hooks, thread, dubbing, hackle, chenille, and hair.
- Often an instruction booklet or DVD to guide you through tying your first flies.
It’s an excellent way to hit the ground running, learn the basics, and start building your confidence at the vise. With a kit, you'll be well on your way to tying effective patterns like the Woolly Bugger, Elk Hair Caddis, and Hare's Ear Nymph – all foundational flies that catch fish!
Happy Tying! Feel free to explore our full range of fly tying materials and tools as you progress on your fly tying journey.