Hardy Shadow Fly Rod Review

Review of: The Hardy ShadowUse: A good all round entry level rod Rod ActionSlower rod action, suited to beginner to intermediate users. SizesRanges from 8′ 6″ to 14′, single or double handed rods. QualityHardy rods are built to a high standard. The Shadow is no exception. PriceRanges from US$350-$500, but can be found cheaper from … Read more

Hardy Zephrus Fly Rod Review

Review of: The Hardy Zephrus Use: A good all round high end rod Rod Action Fast rod action, suited to intermediate to advanced users. Sizes Ranges from 8′ to 10′, all single handed rods. Quality Hardy rods are built to a high standard. The Zephrus is no exception. Price Ranges from US$650-$800, but can be … Read more

Hardy Wraith Fly Rod Review

Review of: The Hardy Wraith Use: A good all round high end rod Rod Action Fast rod action, suited to intermediate to advanced users. Sizes Ranges from 9′ to 10′, all single handed rods. Quality Hardy rods are built to a high standard. The Wraith is no exception. Price Ranges from US$850-$900, but can be … Read more

Hardy Zenith Fly Rod Review

Close up of the rod

UPDATE: The Zenith has been replaced by the Zephrus. Check our review of the Zephrus here. In this review we are going to look at the Hardy Zenith Fly Rod Series. We’ll look at real user opinions, the pros and cons of the series and how they stack up. We’ll also show you the best … Read more

Hardy Jet Fly Rod Review

UPDATE: The Jet Range is no longer manufactured by Hardy. Read the review on its successor, the Demon here. Today we are going to look at the Hardy Jet Series of fly rods. We are going to review the best and worst features, compare how they stack up against other rods in their class, and … Read more

Caddis Lifecycle and Essential Flies

While mayflies are often insects that fly fisherman get most excited about, caddis flies are one of the most common types of insect on the water. As a result it is essential to have selection of caddis flies tied in colours and patterns matching the insects on your water. We’re going to talk about how … Read more

Caddis Emerger

Caddis Emerger Pattern

This nice caddis emerger pattern uses New Zealand wool and partridge feathers as part of its components.  More detailed than the Klinkhammer it is still a relatively easy fly to tie.

Materials needed:
Caddis Emerger
Hook: 1X-long dry-fly hook (e.g. Dai-Riki #300), sizes 14-18.
Thread: Olive, 6/0.
Bubble: White New Zealand sheep wool.
Body: brown rabbit fur dubbing.
Hackle: Hungarian partridge.
Thorax/head: Dark brown rabbit fur dubbing.

Green Caddis Larva or Nymph Pattern

Caddis nymph

Caddis flies are one of the more common insects on trout streams.  Often when trout aren’t active on the surface they will be feeding on nymphs below.  Thus having a good selection of colours and sizes of them in your fly box is essential.  This great video details how to tie a simple caddis fly nymph pattern.

Bead Headed Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Pheasant Tail Nymph is one of those patterns that you should have lots of in different sizes and colours in your fly box.  The bead headed version should be amongst those when a bit of sparkle or weight is needed (when trying to get the nymph to sink faster).  This video shows how to tie the bead headed version.