Fly Tying Fundamentals 4 Week Workshop 101

This popular workshop is designed to get you started into the creative world of fly tying. We use state-of-the-art Regal Vises to get you trained properly and efficiently.

In this 4-week introductory course, students will learn proper techniques, tool management and learn the skills needed to build a strong foundation for creative tying.

We will teach you modern and commercial methods to help you manage vise time and select proper materials for creating flies. Also ideal for tyers who have not had formal training but want to learn proper technique and tricks of the trade.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Understanding the tools of the trade. Half-hitching and whip finish techniques. Learning your way around a hook.

Tying the Woolly Bugger – understanding the flow and steps of this fly creates your foundation.

Carey Special/ Soft Hackle fly – learning collaring and ribbing techniques.

Week 2: Focus is on creating proper wing cases and shellbacks. Learn the truths and myths about dubbing as well as reverse wrapping and dubbing twister techniques. Scuds, PT Nymph and Hares Ear.

Week 3: Streamer Work. Learn to create streamer flies for rivers and lakes:
Proper Tinsel practice and the art of spinning is covered.

Week 4: The Art of the Dry Fly. Learn proper proportioning for these finicky flies. Learn the figure 8 and posting techniques, Tom Thumb and Catskill dry flies (Cahill Dark/Light).

Your Instructor:

Dennis Gamboa is a professional commercial fly tyer. He has been commercially tying flies for over 35 years and teaching fly-tying classes to the fishing community in beautiful British Columbia for over 30 years. He is renowned for his original takes on both classic and contemporary fly patterns. Dennis is also a valued member of numerous pro teams worldwide, solidifying his global recognition and impact within the fly-tying community.