a photo of a fly tying class held by the Herts Branch of the Flydressers Guildnovices (left & right) take instruction

Fly Tying Classes at the Flydressers Guild

The fly tying classes are held on the 2nd Monday of the month, the Herts Flydressers Guild has 3 distinct levels of instruction, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced fly dressers. Each class is structured to the abilities of those attending. They are light-hearted affairs and everyone is able to contribute to the class.

Novice's Fly Tying Class

The Novice's Fly Tying Class is aimed at teaching those members that are new to fly tying the foundation techniques needed to tie basic fly patterns in a course that is in 7 parts. The fly patterns that are tied during the classes include both lures and nymphs. As the classes continue, more intricate fly tying skills are introduced enabling different fly patterns to be attempted. Downloadable Novices' Fly Tying Course Notes are available here.

It must be noted that to get the best out of these classes, it is wise to practice tying the fly patterns / tying techniques at home. This will help reinforce those techniques learnt during the tying class and allow a smooth progression through the tying techniques needed to succeed in tying quality flies.

For those new to fly tying, in order to limit the inital financial outlay, the fly patterns tied during the classes can all be tied on a similar range of hooks and materials.

a photo of a fly tying class held by the Herts Branch of the Flydressers Guild

Advice on tools, materials and fly tying techniques is always available from the Class Tutors, either on fly tying class evenings or via the telephone. We are always ready to help and advise. If in doubt please take advantage of our experience, and buy correctly. Cheap tools should be avoided, buy the best you can afford, "Tying Kits" typically do not include quality tools and are probably best avoided. Good quality fly tying tools will last a lifetime whereas cheap tools will cause nothing but frustration. Should you be unable to bring tools or materials to a class, there are usually some loan tools and enough materials to go around.

The Novice's Fly Tying Class Fly Patterns

The Novices Fly Tying Class follows a programme that takes the novices through the necessary skills and techniques in order to tie a range of simple flies that catch fish. The programme is structured in 7 parts so that each techniques builds upon the last allowing the novice to be able to tie a variety of patterns with each technique learnt.

Intermediate and Advanced Fly Tying Classes

The Intermediate and Advanced Fly Tying Classes are aimed at those members that are experienced enough to tie a range of fly patterns and want to move to more advanced fly patterns and techniques such as split wings, married wings, weaving and exploring the techniques of semi-realistic fly tying. These classes are informal and the evening's tying is often chosen by those who attend.

traditional wet fly wing semi-realistic beetle fly tying pattern