Just a slight variation of the X caddis with a bit more floatation. It matches the Firehole caddis too perfection but offers a bit more visibility for those anglers that have difficulty in seeing their fly. Like the White Miller Soft Hackle this is the dry fly version and seems too work best for the hatched Nectopsyche.

For years, the dominant caddis on rivers like the Firehole and Madison in Yellowstone National Park, has been the Hydropsyche. However, just like the Epeorus mayfly, the Nectopsyche caddis is now the predominant caddis too appear. With its distinct mottled cream tan legs and sparkling light colored body, it is a favorite fly for many anglers that wish to fish this pattern subsurface or floating in the film. No need for indicators with this pattern, you can see it or feel it.

There are three maybe four dry fly caddis imitations that I can think of that a fly fisher must have in their fly box. The Elk Hair caddis, the EC caddis, the Iris caddis and the X Caddis any need for something more than you best move or go deep! The X Caddis has all the characteristics of a perfect design. It's fast, durable and most of all realistic. What I admire most in this fly pattern is it works in fast and slow water which tells me the trout approve.

For those anglers that need to feel accomplished and tie a bug that actually looks like something, then here it is and quess what it really works too. The drawback is time. You don't think something this purdy is easy do you! The bonus is the snapshot of you, the monster trout and the Nature Stone hanging off its massive jaw. For those of you that think this fly is too fancy, then go back to your Yuk bug and chuck away!

Epeorus Spinner - Recently within the last 4 to 5 years, the Epeorus mayfly has been the most predominant mayfly on the Madison River in Montana. No one can pinpoint why this occured perhaps it's a reflection of climate change but we fly fishers are experts at adaptation, why else do we carry an arsenal of fly patterns. The spinner fall of the Epeorus occurs during the evening and coincides with the Epeorus emergence. Instead of guessing riseforms it's best to carry both imitations of this major Madison river mayfly.

Have you ever had days on your favorite trout water when everything was right and easy? The fly pattern was perfect and you had one of your best days ever only to go back with the exact same conditions and zip, nada, no good. Same fly, same everything. So often is the case when I use a pattern like the Crystal Serendipity which doesn't quite imitate anything in particular but resembles everything. Often when a killer pattern fails, the trick is to vary it just so slightly and wham your back in action. The Three Dollar Serendipity is such a fly!

This is the improved version of the "must have" mayfly dry fly pattern, the sparkle dun. This version adds even more realism, visibility and floation. It's always best to have different versions of your "go to" fly and this fits the bill. I like the original pattern for spring creeks and stillwater and this version for the large blue ribbon rivers of the west. The extra steps are worth the little effort knowing that you have all the different water conditions covered.

Most experienced anglers carry that oddball or "secret fly" usually falling under the beetle, ant or Royal something category. Here's another one. The thing is, it's most underated. Midges are the primary food source during the winter and shoulder seasons of all clearwater rivers, stream and lakes that trout inhabit. Why do anglers hesitate to carry midge imitations? Because their mind says "I can't see it". The Improved Zelon Midge is meant to be tied and seen by both fish and angler - no strike indicator needed.

This is a mayfly cripple pattern that Rowan calls the DOA Dun. Angler that have the opportunity to fish a lot of different mayfly hatches should carry a few cripple patterns. This pattern is a bit different than most cripples in that it floats much higher making it quite visible in turbid waters and aging eyes. Fly Tyer: Rowan Nyman

The Stimulator is the best all-around attractor fly you can use throughout the season. Have some in a variety of sizes, it'll work as a caddis to giant stoneflies. Fly Tyer: Craig Mathews.

The Beadhead Marabou Leech is a perfect all-around searching pattern. When tied thin, it works well a leech imitation and doubles as a damsel nymph. A great lake fly when using intermediate or sinking lines. Fly Tyer: Craig Mathews.

The CDC PMD Emerger is an excellent pattern to fish during an ultra-selective pale morning dun hatch. Fly Tyer: Craig Mathews.

The Foam Beetle is one of three terrestrial patterns an angler should always have in their fly box during the late summer months. This is an excellent pattern to drop off a hopper or combined with an ant imitation. This foam beetle is a fast and durable pattern. Fly Tyer: Craig Mathews

Craig Mathews showing the variety of fly tying materials for his latest fly patterns.

Zelon Midge is a floating midge imitation you can actually see due to the bi-visible colors of black and white. Fly Tyer: Steve Hoovler

The Turneffe Crab is one of the best crab imitations for bonefish and permit. Easy to tie and easy to cast. Fly Tyer: Craig Mathews

The Tiger Beetle is a great pattern on either slow or fast water. It's bi-visible and works best during the hot summer months when there isn't much of a hatch. Fly Tyer: Rowan Nyman

The TDF Shrimp is a great option if the Bones are refusing your Crazy Charlies. Fly Tyer: Steve Hoovler.

The Sunken Stone is one of the best salmonfly patterns that work better than most. The Salmonfly hatch is all about timing, trout seem to take this pattern even on a full stomach. Fly Tyer: Rowan Nyman

This is the only video that actually is Craig's Sparkle Dun. This pattern is simple and deadly. If you only learn to tie one dry fly, you might want to consider this. The Sparkle Dun imitates the mayfly dun or emerger. Fly Tyer: Craig Mathews