Does anyone have a soft hackle pattern that works well when Water Boatman are present? I thought I had a pattern in my archives, but no. I remember it to have a tinsel body, in gold?!? It did not look anything like a realistic water boatman.

Thanks Hans! Do you tie this in a tan as well? The dragonfly nymph in my area are olive to tan in color

Great video. I tied several up with materials I have. But I am lacking llama. I used a craft hair with acceptable results. The hook substitute I used was probably the weakest link. Is there a llama substitute or where can I purchase it in the US? My Google search wasn't all that definitive. At least...

Take the Adams for my example and possibly a focus of my question. If I tie the hackle with only grizzly is it a variation or a new fly. If I use moose hair for the tail....if I use coq-de-leon for the tail or for the hackle.? I wasn't concerned about styles of flies as much as the same fly tied wit...

You are one of my heroes because of your tying expertise and community stature Your word is gospel of fly tying! Teach me oh mighty one.

A question for Hans but would like to hear from all who wish to weigh in on the question. Here it is: How many changes to a pattern make the fly a variant? Follow up question: How many changes result in a new fly?

Can anyone help me understand the name Cruncher? Is it a style? How is it different from a chironomid pattern aside from the soft hackle?

Thanks for the advice. I guess I want to tie with the original materials and have that experience. I'm taking Bill up on his offer. I'll keep trying until I get it under control.

What suggestions do you have for working with tying wax? I bought some and find it very hard, at least harder than I would have thought. I can work a small piece between my finger and thumb OK but it goes HARD in just a few seconds. I have tried to heat it with light from a lamp. Again, good for a f...

A number of soft hackles call for mole dubbing as the thorax. No color is indicated. When I go to buy mole it seems to be in brown or black. Should the mole be brown? Or, does it not matter?