Looking for interesting fly-tying ideas? These new materials open up many cool possibilities

Flies are often described as creations of “fur and feathers,” an evocative term beloved by anglers for its classiness and alliteration. Since at least the 1800s, however, many flies have included artificial materials, in particular metallic tinsel, which added lethal flash to Victorian-era patterns. It’s a reminder that while fly fishing can seem hidebound, there have always been innovators who look at something shiny or interesting, and wonder if they can lash it to a hook.

The following are three newish fly-tying materials that have quickly found a home on my bench. They’ve been around for a few years, yet I don’t see them in too many other Canadian fly boxes, suggesting they haven’t really caught on here. That’s probably because these products emerged from saltwater and predator fly fishing, which are still fairly niche in this country. But they offer a lot of interesting, creative and fish-catching possibilities, and they’re perfect if you want to try some new patterns or just noodle around at the vise this winter…