The hellgrammite is the larval stage of the dobsonfly. They will hatch from egg masses in trees, above ground level where the larva then crawl into water. Once there they will spend 2–3 years underwater, usually inhabiting the swiftest sections of larger streams and rivers. Hellgrammites are voracious predators of…
The Grannom Caddis – often referred to as the "Mother's Day Caddis" – hatches toward the end of April and lasts about two weeks. At emergence, caddis can take off immediately after reaching the surface. They are strong fliers and don’t need to set wings. Trout will chase these, often jumping out…
In this video, I demonstrate how I like to tie an isonychia nymph. The isonychia nymph – commonly called the "Slate Drake" nymph – is a fast swimmer and emerges from deep water then swims to rocks and weeds to molt as a dun. They are great flies to have…
Learn to tie the "Easy Cicada" pattern from DFTU's Rich DiStanislao.
Rich DiStanislao ties his version of a parachute mayfly dun.
Due to the health risks created by the COVID-19 virus, our chapter cannot in good faith offer our customary face-to-face fly-tying course in the Spring of 2021. For obvious reasons, there is just too much close contact between student and mentor when trying to teach a beginner to tie trout…
As our members certainly know, COVID-19 brought unanticipated disruptions to all aspects of our health and social lives, including to the Doc Fritchey chapter’s annual fund-raising banquet, which was scheduled and cancelled three times. Because the banquet is our chapter’s main source of project funding for the year, the chapter’s…
Ever want to try fly-tying as a hobby? It has great appeal to fishermen, the hobbyist, the artist, and biologist. It brings out creativity, artistic flair, interest in entomology, and perfection in matching natural insects. For me, this has become a lifelong amateur profession, and it helps me pass many a…