Accomplished anglers depend on a box filled with a variety of finely tied, realistic and impressionistic flies. Today, we are fortunate to be able to choose between thousands of different patterns which can be purchased at one’s favorite pro shop. However, it is true today, as it was 100 years ago, that the best way for an angler to build and maintain their fly box is tie their own flies. Fly tiers have an advantage in that they are able to design and create patters, with deadly accuracy, to match the insect they are attempting to mimic. Does this mean that a proficient fly tier will catch more fish than those who choose to purchase their flies? Most of the time, the answer is yes!

The Idaho Angler prides itself in have the largest selection of tying materials in Idaho. We also employ several of the best tiers in the west. Here at The Idaho Angler, fly tying goes hand-in-hand with our passion for fly fishing. For us, the feeling of catching the fish of a lifetime can only be surpassed by catching the same fish on a fly tied by our own hands.

The Idaho Angler provides first class instructional tying lessons to tiers of every level, from beginner to expert. In our beginning fly tying class you will tie several of what we feel are the best patterns for our region, all along learning essential techniques used in tying nearly every fly imaginable. In our intermediate level classes we focus our attention on the beauty of small, delicate dry flies and techniques that might be considered problem areas of the less experienced tier. Additionally, throughout the year, we proudly host some of the great names in fly fishing and tying today. These classes are typically geared towards the intermediate to advanced level tiers. Announcement of these classes will appear on this web site and in our bi-monthly newsletter. (We encourage you to subscribe on line to receive our newsletter via e-mail, free.) If one of our planned classes doesn’t fit into you schedule, we also offer private tying lessons which are tailored to whichever area of tying you would like to cover.

Getting set up to tie flies doesn’t have to be a monumental undertaking. In fact, you will probably find that tying your flies will ultimately save you money. Once you’ve made the initial investment of a vise and tools you will find that the materials used to tie most flies are modestly priced.

• Renzetti Apprentice Vise $79.95
  The Renzetti name is easily associated with quality fly-tying materials and this vise is no exception. It is an easy-to-use C-clamp design capable of holding hooks from size 28- 1/0. The cam-operated jaws are fully adjustable.
• Bobbin $3.00
• Scissors $10.00
• Hair stacker $10.00
• Bodkin/Half Hitch Tool $1.99
• Whip Finish $6.00
• Hackle Pliers $3.50

Tying your own flies is more than just an extension of fly fishing. It is an art in and of itself. Whether you’re preparing for an exotic trip or a day on your local water, or just trying to fill a winter’s afternoon, you will find that tying your own flies is a fun and stimulating recreation. We hope you’ll come and learn with us.