Matt7082

I have done this with Clear Cure Goo...works ok on small-ish nymphs, but really it's easier and more convenient to use a bead or lead.

I don't feel like you are overstepping boundaries with those questions. With more experience, you will understand how different flies behave, and how fish react to them. As you gain experience, the more important questions you will want to ask are, "what level were the flows? Water temp? Weather conditions? What bugs were present? what phase were the bugs in? etc..." If you were asking me what pool I was fishing in, and what time I was there, then I might say you are overstepping a bit. You shouldn't be afraid to ask questions...but really, the best way to learn is by spending time on the water. And in my opinion, it's best to stick to the basics when it comes to rigging, and fly selection, and fly tying. You will develop some fly preferences after spending time fishing, and then be able to tie flies specifically the way you want for your particular scenarios.

Search for Eric Leiser's woodchuck caddis. Great pattern, simple to tie, and very effective! I also tie a nymph using the guard hairs for the tail, and the underfur for dubbing...looks nice, but it hasn't been a homerun for me...

I'd say they look pretty good for you first time. It takes a little bit of practice. Another useful packing tool is an empty pen. Just take the ink thingie out of a pen, and you got it. That olive color you're tying with should work for mice. From my experience, I've done ok with several different colored mice...I don't see why olive wouldn't work. Another pattern to check out is a marabou muddler. It looks like you've got the materials for it. The muddler in olive has been a good fly for me. You can simply add a cone or lead to the hook for some weight.

Just let me know what Patterns you'd like to tie. Or pics would work too.

Check out some mouse patterns. They are fun and easy to tie, typically using deer hair and one or two other materials which can easily be substituted....and they are a hoot to catch fish on!! Also, PM me some flies you're tying, and an address I can send some materials to. I've got plenty of materials I can spare, and certainly wouldn't mind sharing with a young man getting a start in the sport!

I'm assuming this swap is full....but if there are still any openings, I'd like in on it.

I'll typically fish a #6 rubber-leg stone with about 15 turns of .25 lead, and a big tungsten bead. This fly is super fast and easy to tie, and is one of my go-to's. It is also very effective in fast water. I also like a purple of yellow prince #10-12, again with some lead and a tungsten bead.

^^^What FlyTire said^^^ That should get you tying just about everything. Once you gain more experience with tying, and water time with your flies, you will be able to select more specific materials. For most of my flies, I use hares ear dubbing, and some synthetics for the few dries that I tie.

Hey folks. Snowed in, here in Connecticut...once again... Been tying since I was a child. I mostly tie beginner level nymphs and dries...which happen to fish well for me too. Got into tying large articulated streamers this winter, and have been having lots of fun with it. I live ablock away from the beach, so the majority of my time on the water is spent chasing stripers. Looking forward to getting in on a few swaps in the near future.