Free Virtual Fly Tying Classes Begin January 3 | Outside

Fly fishing has two arts. One is fishing, the other is tying flies and lures by hand to catch fish.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will be offering a free virtual fly-tying course between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. every Monday and Thursday evening from Jan.3 to 31. These online courses will help newcomers learn how to weave a hook with thread. , hackles, feathers and fur for fly fishing lures that catch fish.

Using a fly rod to cast very small lures is a sport that has been around for a very long time. But fly rods and flies are proving equally effective in modern times for trout, bass, and crappie. A tied fly in winter can be tested on rainbow trout in one of MDC’s urban winter trout lakes.

Students will learn a variety of techniques for the art of fly tying. Participants will need a variety of tools and materials to complete the online course. This includes: Common vise, bobbin thread, 140 (2/0) and 210 denier (6/0) black binding thread, bobbin threader, Dr. Slick Rotary whip finisher or Cabela’s brand ( the kind that spins freely in the handle), hair wrapper, hair stacker, doubling brush, fly tying scissors, tying wax, hackle pliers and bodkin.

Some optional items that would be useful include head cement, multiple spools, other thread colors (red, white, olive, and beige), a wine stopper to display attached flies, a small wooden block with 1/8 1 / 4- Inch holes are drilled in it for tool storage, a cheap magnet to organize hooks, extra scissors, small wire cutters and a small storage box for storage.

The MDC will also send material before class to registered participants. Anyone having difficulty obtaining tools or materials, or who have questions about what to buy, should contact TJ Peacher, MDC Education District Supervisor, at [email protected] .

Students will be encouraged to take note and practice fly tying between classes. The courses are progressive, the sessions will use the techniques learned in the previous courses. The virtual classroom will be open half an hour before each session for anyone needing additional help.