From Al:

I grew up in Michigan and have fished as long as I can remember. After graduating college, I moved to California and gravitated toward fly fishing almost exclusively. I have been tying “seriously” since 1983 and have been a tying instructor both independently and for several Colorado fly shops since 2000. In 2005 I also began guiding along Colorado’s front range. Currently I am a member of Whiting Farms Pro Staff and am employed by PEAK Fishing and I have several fly patterns commercially available. In addition to guiding, tying instruction and demos, my wife Diana and I own and operate our own company geared primarily toward flyfishing education services. More detailed information is available at www.alrittflies.com.

RECIPE:

• Hook:  Daiichi 2451 sz 2 through 4
• Articulated Shank:  55mm through 35mm
• Flymen Fishing Company Sculpin Helmet:  Large or Small - Brown
• Tail:  Marabou, Black Barred Tan (tied on hook) supported by several wraps of Brown Saddle Hackle
• Butt:  Marabou, Black Barred Tan supported by several wraps of Brown Saddle Hackle
• Body:  Laser Dub, Tan underneath, alternating bands of Brown and Dark Tan on top
• Flash:  Krinkle Mirror Flash, Root Beer
• Collar:  Schlappen, Grizzly Varient Brown

Willy discovered his passion for fly fishing at the early age of six. Shortly thereafter, he began tying his own flies for trout, salmon steelhead, and shad. Willy found his love of lake fishing early and has continued to fish stillwaters, becoming known far and wide for his expertise and knowledge. He has fished all over northern California, Idaho, and Montana. From famous blue ribbon trout rivers to high mountain lakes and reservoirs, from farm ponds to the big lakes, Willy has guided for over twenty years in Montana and Yellowstone National Park. Willy has continued to develop his fly tying skills and is currently a signature tyer for Brookside Flies out of Denver, Co. He is the Assistant Manager of Montana Troutfitters of Bozeman. He uses any number of Echo fly rods to ply his craft, including our spey and switch rods and is currently working on the new design of Airflo fly lines for special presentation on lakes. Spey casting may be a new approach for lake fishermen in the US, but in Europe it is a common practice allowing for long distant casts from the shoreline.

RECIPE:

• Hook : 3xl size 8   #285  Dia - Rikki
• Thread : 3/0 Mono cord
• Tail : Pearl Krystal Flash
• Body : SLF Prizm dubbing olive brown
• Under Body : .20 lead
• Wing : Squirrel Zonker strip
• Collar : Wrapped pine squirrel

Thanks to Hatchfinders Fly Shop for hosting us again!

Doug Mcknight is a Livingston, Montana based Fly Tyer, Guide, Artist,
and is a regular contributor to the weekly fly. He is a fly designer
for Umpqua feather merchants, and his website is
www.bigwaterstudio.com.

Recipe:

• Hook: Wapsi Super Jig Hook
• Thread: Flat waxed nylon
• Tail: Olive zonker strip
• Belly: Mouse Grey Zonker strip, rainbow crystal flash
• Fins: Dyed Olive pheasant saddle feathers
• eyes: large mono nymph eyes
• Head: Dark olive furry foam, glued with Zap Goo

For the last ten years, Steve has demonstrated his tying skills in Oregon,
Idaho, Montana and California at Federation of Fly Fishing events. He has
tied at the International sportsman's Expositions in Sacramento, San Mateo
and Pleasanton, California. Steve has also tied at the Fly Fishing Show in
San Rafael, California.

Steve enjoys fly fishing the California Delta for Largemouth and Striped
Bass. He also takes pleasure in fishing the neighboring Sierra's for
various species of trout. He is a member of the Tracy Fly Fishers, enjoying
the club functions, speakers and the camaraderie of its members. He is a
proud member of the Whiting and Daiichi Pro Teams.