Clod Hopper

"Master the Brassie: The Ultimate Heavyweight Nymph Fly for Unbeatable Success"

The Essence of the Brassie
A minimalist yet powerful nymph fly, the Brassie is expertly designed to imitate small aquatic larvae with remarkable precision. Its sleek profile and weighted construction make it a must-have in any angler’s arsenal.

Tying the Perfect Brassie
To create this effective fly, start with a short-shank hook in sizes 18 to 22. The body is crafted from tightly wound copper or brass wire, giving the Brassie its signature weight and flash—key features that ensure a rapid sink and irresistible underwater shimmer.

Adding the Finishing Touches
The thorax, made from delicate peacock herl, adds a touch of iridescence and natural allure. A simple thread head, secured with a whip finish and head cement, completes the fly. While the pattern is straightforward, mastering the even wire wraps and handling the fragile herl requires skill and patience.

"Master the Brassie: The Ultimate Heavyweight Nymph Fly for Unbeatable Success"

What the Brassie Imitates
This versatile fly excels at mimicking small aquatic larvae, including midge and caddis larvae. Its slender shape and metallic flash also make it a convincing imitation of midge pupae and tiny mayfly nymphs, fooling even the most selective fish.

Where to Fish the Brassie
A true all-rounder, the Brassie shines in diverse water conditions. In fast-moving rivers and streams, its weight ensures it reaches the strike zone quickly. Meanwhile, in still waters like lakes and ponds, it’s the go-to choice for anglers needing to target deep-holding fish with speed and precision.

Watch and Learn: Brassie Fly Tying Video
For a step-by-step guide on tying this powerhouse nymph, check out our detailed fly-tying video and elevate your fishing game today!

"The Royal Coachman: A Timeless Attractor Fly for Trout and Grayling"

A Classic with Striking Appeal
The Royal Coachman is a legendary fly pattern, renowned for its vibrant, eye-catching design. Primarily used to target trout and grayling, this fly stands out with its bold colors and irresistible profile, making it a favorite among anglers worldwide.

Crafting the Perfect Fly
Tying the Royal Coachman is an art in itself. Using a short or medium shank hook, this pattern combines peacock herl and red floss to create its iconic body. The tail, crafted from golden pheasant tippet fibers, adds elegance, while the wing—made from white or cream-colored calf tail or duck quill slips—provides balance. To finish, a brown or grizzly hackle is wrapped at the head, creating a full, bushy collar that enhances its lifelike movement on the water.

"The Royal Coachman: A Timeless Attractor Fly for Trout and Grayling"

Why Fish Can’t Resist It
Unlike flies that mimic specific insects, the Royal Coachman is an attractor pattern designed to provoke strikes through sheer visual appeal. Its bright colors and bold profile trigger aggressive takes from opportunistic fish, making it an excellent choice when trout or grayling are feeding unpredictably or when you need a reliable surface pattern.

Ideal Fishing Conditions
This versatile fly shines in challenging scenarios. Whether fishing in turbulent currents, discolored water, or when fish aren’t focused on a particular hatch, the Royal Coachman’s high visibility ensures it gets noticed. It’s equally effective across diverse freshwater environments—from rushing streams and rivers to serene lakes and reservoirs—proving its worth in any angler’s fly box.