Davy Wotton Fly Tying Classes
Davy and friend tying flies. Learning to tie flies adds
a whole new dimension to the joy of fly fishing.
My Tying Background
My first introduction to the art of fly tying was in the 1950s. At that time l was
given the materials and tying tools that belonged to one of my school masters. Thus began
my passion for fly tying and its relationship to fishing and catching fish. In the 1960s l
began to tie flies commercially, at that time very much the old school of thought still
existed so far as fly patterns were concerned. This factor alone allowed me to gain a
great deal of knowledge and skill to reproduce the traditional flies.
New ways of thinking and the introduction of synthetic materials leaned me into the new era of developing new fly tying techniques and innovate new fly patterns. Many of my fly patterns are commercially produced by the world's major producers of fishing flies. Since the early 1970s l have contributed and had published a good 100 articles and features for both fly fishing magazines and books all over the world, related to fly tying techniques and the introduction of new fly patterns. So too l have been featured on many TV shows, produced fly tying videos, and travel country at the request of fly fishing organizations to demonstrate my tying skills.
General
Class Information
As with my fly fishing and fly casting classes, tying classes are available on an
individual, corporate, or group basis. I also speak at fly fishing club and other
organization meetings on the subject of tying.
A tying class can be part of your other activities. You may have a selected period of time dedicated to casting or fishing as well as fly tying. The minimum period of time per person is two hours. Courses are also offered by Half-Day (four hours) and Full Day (eight hours). Course fees vary based on the length of the class, location, and prevailing international currency exchange rates. Please contact me to discuss your specific class desires.
I have a number of very specific fly tying courses. We can also set up a class according to your interests. Here are just a few more possibilities you may want to consider:
1. The Caddis Fly From Larva to Adult
This specialized class focuses on the life cycle of the caddis and the flies that
catch fish during that cycle. We will tie larval imitations, move on to the two primary
stages of the pupa - rising and emerging. Finally we will tie the emerged adult in
resting, skating, and oviposting phases.
2. The
Mayfly
Learn how to tie nymphs, emergers, duns, and spinner phases of the mayfly. We will take
into account the various nymphal stages of species, such as the free swimmers, stone
clingers, and general suggestive effective nymph patterns. We then move on to the
ascending nymph, then to the emerger stages. We will pay particular attention to the dun
stage, and finally the adult spinner.
3. Emergers
The most vulnerable stage of an emerging insect is at the transition from
nymph/pupa to the winged insect. In this tying class you'll deal with that aspect of
effective fishing flies for many species such as the caddis, mayfly, and midge.
4. The Midge (Chironomids)
By general definition most fly fishers classify midges as small flies. However
midges are true chironomids. In this tying scenario we deal with the stages of chironomids
from pupal stages to emergence and adult. This is a great class because it puts you on the
right path to effectively coming to terms with midge hatches.
5. Scuds, Sows, & Nymphs In General
There are a number of fly
patterns that no fly fisher should be without in the scud, sowbug, and nymph
classifications. This class teaches the tying of these essentials from simple hares ear
and pheasant tail nymphs as well more innovative fish catching nymph tyings.
6. Streamers & Bait Fish
Almost all predatory fish species may be caught on streamer and bait fish patterns.
In this class we tie many of the effective streamer and bait fish patterns with emphasis
in learning the skills of forming bodies and wings along with other essential tying
techniques. Included in this class is the Davy Wotton shad/bait pattern - a deadly bait
fly.
7. Traditionals
Throughout the history of fly fishing certain patterns have become classics. These
wet flies and soft hackles of the past gave me my first introduction to fly fishing.
Without a doubt they are some of the most effective fishing flies ever. This class
instructs in all aspects of tying these classic styles - tails, bodies, wings, hackles,
etc. This is one of my most popular fly tying classes.
8. Terrestrials - Ants, Hoppers, Beetles,
Etc.
Terrestrials (land born bugs) form a very important food source for many fish
species. You will learn how to tie many imitations of established and credible patterns
such as the Whitlock hopper, ants, beetles, and a number of other terrestrials never to be
without for many fish species.
9. Salmon & Steelhead Flies
Classic salmon flies are aesthetically beautiful to look at. They also require a
high level of tying skill. This class takes you through all of the elements required to
tie the salmanoid flies - tails, tags, butts, bodies, wings, hackles, etc. Spey flies
likewise require that attention to detail, which you will learn in this class.
10. Fly Tying Techniques
Fly tying skill demands proficiency in dubbing, hackling, winging, deer hair
stacking, spinning, etc. In this class we deal with tying techniques instead of any
particular pattern or style. You will learn many things that will improve your overall
tying.
