Fly Tying Materials

Discover an extensive selection of Fly Tying Materials at Angling Active. Whether you're an experienced fly tyer or just starting, our range offers all you need. From premium feathers and threads to hooks and beads, we have the essentials for creating effective flies that attract fish. Explore a variety of vibrant colours and finishes to match your whatever fly you’re tying.


Elevate your fly tying experience with our top-quality materials, carefully curated to ensure your creations are not only effective but also durable. Shop now and tie flies that entice and hook your prized catch. Angling Active is your trusted source for all things fly fishing and fly tying!


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56 Items

Franc N Snaelda Soft PVC Tubing - Angling Active
from £3.25
Flybox Mosaic Dubbing Original Mix – Angling Active
Special Price £3.47 RRP £3.50
Pro Sportfisher Pro Angel Dubbing - Angling Active
Special Price £3.47 RRP £4.99
Flybox Stripped Quills
from £3.15
Flybox Mini Gel Core Fritz – Angling Active
from £3.27 RRP £3.40
Flybox Gold Shimmy Chenille - Fly Tying Materials
from £3.17 RRP £3.25
Fulling Mill Parapost Yarn - Angling Active
from £2.99
Turrall Fly Rattles
from £2.99 RRP £3.99
UTC Ultra Thread - 70 140 Fly Tying Materials
from £2.99
Veniard Goose Biot Strips Feathers - Nymph Trout Fly Tying
from £2.99
Veniard Ibis Substitute Feathers - Wet Trout Fly Tying
£3.25
Veniard Short Cock Neck Hackles Feathers - Salmon Wet Trout Fly Tying
from £3.45
Rabbit Patch
£2.99
Veniard Booby Eyes - Fly Tying Material
from £2.99
Veniard Firefly Lumi Beads - Fly Tying Material
£3.25
Veniard Firefly Hot Beads - Fly Tying Material
from £3.25
UTC Mirage Tinsel
from £3.25
Micro-Cellular Plastazote Foam Block - Orange
from £2.99
Veniard Flat Lead - Fly Tying Material
from £2.99
Adhesive Lead Foil
£3.25
Veniard Glo Glow Bright Suede Chenille - Fly Tying Material
from £3.25
Holographic Tinsel Spool - Fly Tying Material
from £2.99
UTC Ice Blue Pearl
from £2.99
Muskrat Fur Piece
£3.49

Overview

Fly tying is both an art and a science, allowing anglers to enjoy crafting fly imitations of the natural prey of fish. The choice of materials can significantly influence the success of a fly, both in terms of its attractiveness to fish and its durability. Here's a dive into the myriad of materials available to the modern fly tier.


What are the basic categories of fly tying materials?

Fly tying materials can be broadly categorized into:

  • Natural Materials: These are derived from animal or plant sources. Examples include feathers, fur, hair, silk and wool.
  • Synthetic Materials: These are man-made materials specifically designed or adapted for fly tying. They include materials like foam, rubber legs, synthetic hairs, tinsel, and more.

Common Natural Materials:

  • Feathers: From birds like chickens (hackles), ducks, turkeys and pheasants. Used for wings, tails and bodies. They can also be used for hackling a fly, giving it a "leggy" appearance.
  • Fur and Hair: Sources include animals like deer, rabbit, squirrel and artic fox. These materials can be used for tails, wings, bodies and more. Rabbit fur, for instance, is commonly used in "zonker" style lures and streamers.
  • Silk: Used mainly for tying traditional wet flies and for creating smooth, shiny bodies on certain dry flies.
  • Wool: Often used for creating thick, dense bodies on nymphs and wet flies.

Common Synthetic Materials:

  • Foam: Used primarily for terrestrial patterns like heather flies or beetles. Provides buoyancy and a unique profile.
  • Chenille: A fuzzy material used for creating thick bodies on patterns like Woolly Buggers or Cat's Whiskers.
  • Flash: Thin, shiny strands that reflect light. Can be added to wings, tails or bodies to increase visibility and attractiveness.
  • Synthetic Hairs: These mimic natural hairs and can be more durable. Examples include EP fibers or Craft Fur, often used in saltwater fly patterns.
  • Rubber Legs: Used to add movement and a lifelike appearance to flies, especially terrestrial patterns.

Other Essential Materials:

While not strictly natural or synthetic, these materials are integral to fly tying:

  • Thread: Used to bind materials to the hook. Comes in various colors and thicknesses.
  • Wire and Tinsel: Used for ribbing, adding weight or creating flashy bodies.
  • Beads and Eyes: Added to the head of flies to give them weight, help them sink or add a realistic appearance.

In summary, the world of fly tying materials is vast and diverse, offering tiers endless possibilities in creating effective and imaginative fly patterns. Whether opting for traditional natural materials or innovative synthetics, the right choice can make all the difference in enticing that elusive fish to bite.