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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68 Items

Veniard Large Saddle Hackles – Angling Active
from £3.75
Fulling Mill EZ Egg Yarn Mini Pearl – Angling Active
from £3.50
Fulling Mill Ultra Dry Dub – Angling Active
from £3.75
Hareline Dubbin Ultra Chenille
from £3.50 RRP £3.99
Hareline Hares Ear Ice Dub
from £3.50
Veniard Edge Brite
from £3.75
Veniard Pheasant Cock Wing Quills Feathers - Trout Fly Tying
£3.75
Veniard Pheasant Cock Brown Neck Feathers - Fly Tying
£3.50
Veniard Pheasant Cock Ringneck Daddy Legs Feathers - Trout Fly Tying
£3.75
Veniard Pheasant Cock Ringneck Hopper Legs - Trout Fly Tying
from £3.75
Veniard Pheasant Hen Centre Tail Feathers - Wet Trout Fly Tying
£3.50
Hareline Dubbin Fluorescent Bead Chain - Medium - Fly Tying Material
from £3.50
Veniard Large Cock Neck Hackles Feathers - Salmon Wet Trout Fly Tying
from £3.75
Veniard Guinea Fowl Plumage Feathers - Salmon Wet Trout Fly Tying
from £3.50
Veniard Micro Rubber Legs
from £3.50
UNI Phosphorescent White Glo Floss
£3.75
Plastic Wasp Grubs
£3.50
Hareline Dubbin Bead Chain Eyes - Fly Tying Material
from £3.50
Hareline Edge Bright
from £3.75
Hareline Dubbin
from £3.50
Hareline Micro Fine Dry Fly Dub
from £3.50
Veniard Hare Patch - Fly Tying Furs Hairs Materials
£3.50
Veniard Epoxy Eyes - Fly Tying Materials
from £3.60
Flybox NEON 15 - Fly Tying Materials
from £3.75

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.