1. Troutnut Forum
›
2. Fly Tying
›
3. School Art Project

Hey guys, I'm homeschooled and my mom assigned this project:

I have to present 1/2 dozen+ framed flies as an art project for this homeschool talent show.

First, I'm not really comfortable with my tying yet, so I don't want to show off anything already, but its a requirement,so...

I need some advice! -What species are easy to imitate? I need labeled pictures of what species the fly is imitating as well, I can probably get those right here on troutnut!

Also, what flies do you think will look "cool" to the average passer-by? I can tie some effective patterns, but would rather tie some "pretty" patterns for this "show-and-tell" ordeal. I got a book from the library and I'm going to work on extended hair bodies for some good looking mayflies.

I think you're on the right track with extended mayfly bodies. Those always have an elegant look. Maybe try some cut wings on them, too.

Classic salmon flies are always eye-catchers, but they can be tricky to tie and require materials you wouldn't have at a beginner's tying bench.

Cased caddisflies could be good to imitate, too. And beetles are pretty easy. Trying for realistic antennae, legs, and tails might be good for artistic purposes, although they're not always so important to the fish. You might also consider printing out small photos (you can use the ones from this site if you like) of the bugs your flies imitate, and showing the real thing next to the imitation. I think that would make it more impressive to anyone viewing it who doesn't know what the real insects look like in the first place.

Thanks Jason-

I just finished an Adams-ish dry with an extended body. It looks alright I guess, but the extended body is a little sloppy from uneven thread wrapping. Practice should take care of that, I thought it was pretty good for a first!

I think I have a plan now - I've printed out life cycle diagrams for mayflies and caddisflies, and I'm going to tie one fly for every life cycle of both.


What is cut-wing?

Here's an example: http://www.flytyingworld.com/component/content/article/34-flies/591-CutWingQuillBody.html

Nick -

Since it is an art/talent competition that I assume will be judged by non-fishers, I would advise a little less emphasis on the science and a little more on the visuals. Perhaps some larger flies with more color? Streamers perhaps? I think Jason was on the right track with the Salmonfly idea. You could tie them simplified. Go buy a pack of size 4 or larger salmon hooks (they are up-eyed and black finished) and have fun whipping a bunch up, all with squirrel tail wings. Just vary the hackle/tail/floss body with different bright colors. You don't need to add fur thoraxes, tags, and such - just simple tinsel ribs on a floss body. You could also tie some with white or black bucktail if you want to vary the wings too.

Purple Peril (var.) #1/0



Material list:

Hook - TMC 7999
Thread- black 6/0 Uni
Tag - silver flat tinsel
Tail - purple pheasant tippet
Rib - small silver oval tinsel
Body - purple floss
Thorax - violet seal fur
Hackle - folded purple hen
Wing - Grizzly (Red or Fox squirrel opt.)