Beginner’s Fly Tying: Egg Patterns

Fall is upon us and  winter is not far off. In the last two weeks, the Maryland DNR has announced a number of trout stockings of our state’s ponds, lakes, and even some streams (those which have appreciable water this time of year). It’s time to change from fly patterns which worked when there was an abundance of hatching aquatic bugs (damselflies, mayflies and caddisflies), and size down to much smaller fly patterns (e.g. midges) — or patterns which simulate other fish foods that are prevalent during the colder months, such as fish spawn or aquatic worms. 

This month our Beginner’s Fly Tying class will be learning to tie two proven ‘winners’ for late fall and winter fly fishing: the bead-head salmon egg and Estaz egg patterns. As noted in a recent internet listing by Loren Williams regarding the success of egg patterns he states, “more likely the patterns’ success is due to some appealing nature that only the fish know. In fact, I think many of these patterns work precisely because they do not look like the hundreds of real eggs tumbling by. They get the attention of the fish and the fish react by taking the fly.”

Join our Beginner’s Fly Tying session on Tuesday evening, November 21st, at 7:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, West Patrick St. Frederick.