Fly Tying Time

About this time every year, a few sportsmen decide they are going to learn to tie flies. They may have enjoyed a few experiences with fly-fishing, and they now might think it could be nice to learn to tie their own flies.

I am not sure I would recommend going out and buying a bunch of fly tying equipment and materials without having first seen what you might be getting into. Fly tying can be a fascinating, life-long hobby. However, it can also be a frustrating, short-term disaster.

The John Kennedy Chapter of Trout Unlimited (Blair County) is offering some opportunities for sportsmen to see whether fly tying is something they might consider attempting. At its Jan. 2 meeting, the chapter is organizing a fly tier’s roundtable that will feature eight or ten local amateur and professional fly tiers. Among the tiers who could be present are Bill Anderson, president of the Little Juniata River Association; Ron and Shawn Holsinger, proprietors of Holsinger’s Fly Shop near East Freedom; Creg Strock, proprietor of Aquatic Imitations in Frankstown; and Walt Young, a former multi-state amateur fly-tying champion. Other excellent fly tiers may also be on hand. This would be a good time to observe what some terrific fly tiers like to do when tying.

At the Feb. 6 chapter meeting, Shawn Holsinger is scheduled to make a solo presentation. Holsinger operates a YouTube channel, and he has filmed more than 500 videos explaining how to tie various flies. These videos are available on the Holsinger’s Fly Shop website.

Chapter meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held at the Allegheny Volunteer Fire Department, Sugar Run Road, Altoona.

For sportsmen who already have the bug to learn to tie flies, the chapter is again offering an eight-week series of free fly-tying classes (equipment and materials provided). Classes will run from 9 a.m. to noon each Saturday beginning Jan. 6 and ending Feb. 24. Classes generally fill rapidly, and you must register to participate. To register, call Scott Kavanaugh at (814) 515-4788 or Jerry Green at (814) 934-7046. You can also register via the chapter’s email at johnkennedytu@gmailcom. For the most part, classes are aimed toward beginning fly tiers. The instructors are long-time fly tiers and have much experience in helping sportsmen develop fly-tying skills.

If you cannot attend the classes, you can learn to tie flies by watching online videos, such as those offered by Shawn Holsinger. One young Williamsburg fly-fisherman learned to tie by watching online videos, and his flies are already better than the ones I tie.