As far as tying this pattern, it takes a lot of patience for someone new to the hobby. There are several technical aspects to the fly all happening in a very small space.
- The Ramblings of a Fly Fisherman
The Royal Wulff
This is all about visibility! The Royal Wulff doesn’t really imitate anything; it’s just an attractor pattern. In fact, if you are fishing on a day that the trout are being very selective or in the middle of a hatch, this pattern will probably frustrate you as many fish will seem to go out of their way to avoid it. I find this pattern works best in rougher water and on days when the trout are actively feeding. It’s really easy to spot, which is a very good thing in the foam! You want to keep it moving quickly so avoid attempting this one in slow moving pools.
As far as tying this pattern, it takes a lot of patience for someone new to the hobby. There are several technical aspects to the fly all happening in a very small space.
As far as tying this pattern, it takes a lot of patience for someone new to the hobby. There are several technical aspects to the fly all happening in a very small space.
Why is fly tying so important?
It makes a birthday gift very easy when you have other fly fishermen in the family!
Sharpen Your Hooks!
It’s such a simple idea, but one that many fly fishermen miss. When we create these flies, we are often starting with laser sharpened hooks. However, after the fly is taken in and out of the fly box a few times; gets stuck in our vest, snags on rocks, branches, the net, and certainly after we catch a few trout… Well, the hook has seen better moments. Fishing with a dull hook, especially those of us out there that use barbless, can usually mean the difference between an up-close release and a long distance one!
Sharpening hooks is easy. I use a hook sharpener that you can pick up at nearly any fly fishing shop. I also know some that use something as simple as an emery board. Make a point to check your hooks while on the river and before each trip.
Lefty Kreh recommends a very simple test to determine the sharpness. Simply drag the point of the hook slowly across your thumb nail… If it catches, you are good to go. If it doesn’t, sharpen it!
Sharpening hooks is easy. I use a hook sharpener that you can pick up at nearly any fly fishing shop. I also know some that use something as simple as an emery board. Make a point to check your hooks while on the river and before each trip.
Lefty Kreh recommends a very simple test to determine the sharpness. Simply drag the point of the hook slowly across your thumb nail… If it catches, you are good to go. If it doesn’t, sharpen it!
More Stimulators!
Okay… So I have gone a little stimmy crazy. What can I say? This is a great pattern, its fun to tie, and there are TONS of variations. The one pictured here is similar to the original, but I switched out the orange dubbing for peacock herl and I added some rubber legs. This fly will work great for trout as well as panfish and possibly bass. I can’t wait to try this one out!
The Stimulator
This is probably one of the most popular patterns to fish, especially for those out there that are new to fly fishing. Stimulator patterns offer a wide variety of advantages. They are easy to spot and follow after the cast. They mimic a wide variety of insects including hoppers, large caddis, and adult stone flies. They also have enough bulk and floating capability to enable the fisherman to attach nearly any small to medium size dropper nymph. While I have gotten a fair number of hits on the pattern itself, I have found that it actually serves a better purpose… as a stimulator (hence the name). By fishing this fly , you have the ability to alter a trout’s fishing lane bring him closer to the subsurface nymph or midge that is a better match to the natural food that he may be feeding on.
For those reading this that feel this pattern is too complicated to tie for a novice. The one pictured is actually only my second attempt. It is reasonably simple, especially if you have been reading Charlie Craven’s book!
The Stimulator
For those reading this that feel this pattern is too complicated to tie for a novice. The one pictured is actually only my second attempt. It is reasonably simple, especially if you have been reading Charlie Craven’s book!
The Stimulator
