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HomeFly Tying

BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE

FLY-TYING EDUCATION

WITH LEAD DENNIS McCarty.

Details listed below by category.



A Friendly Update for Our Members

 

For many years, the Sespe Fly Fishers have been proud to offer fly-tying classes at no cost. These classes have always been about sharing skills, building community, and helping anglers at every level grow their passion for fly fishing.



As our program has grown, so has the time, preparation, and material cost involved in offering a quality experience for everyone. To keep the classes running smoothly and sustainably, we’re making a few small changes beginning this month. We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support.

 

 




Few Important Notes for All Classes | Please RSVP and arrive on time

Your RSVP helps us prepare the correct number of material kits and ensures no supplies go to waste.

·       Classes begin promptly, so please plan to arrive a few minutes early to get set up

·       Late arrivals may observe but won’t be able to participate in tying for that session, as stopping the class to catch up disrupts instruction and takes away valuable time

We truly appreciate your punctuality—it helps create a relaxed, productive learning environment for everyone.



Sespe Fly Fishers' Commitment to You



Friendly, supportive instruction

·       Well-prepared materials for each class

·       A welcoming environment for beginners and experienced tiers alike

·       A shared goal of learning, improving, and enjoying the art of fly tying together

If you ever have questions, concerns, or need help getting started, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to help.

Thank you for being part of the Sespe Fly Fishers community—we look forward to tying flies with you!


 

Upcoming Events
Fly-Tying Classes, Upcoming . . .

2026 - BEGINNING FLY TYING CLASSES
** 2nd Thursday of each month.


 


TOOLS YOU'LL NEED:


To get the most out of each class, all students will need a fly-tying vise and basic
tying tools.

--- If you already own a vise and tools, you’re ready to go.
--- If not, Eric’s Tackle is offering complete starter kits for your convenience:
--- Large kit: $50 refundable deposit
--- Medium kit: $40 refundable deposit

At the end of the six-month class series, you can return the kit to Eric and receive
your full deposit back. If you find you enjoy tying and want to keep the kit, it’s
yours to take home—no additional payment required.


CLASS MATERIALS


For each class, all fly-tying materials are carefully selected, organized, and pre-
bagged for every participant. This preparation ensures everyone has what they need and can focus on learning and tying.

$30 total for the entire six-month series. This fee allows us to continue providing high-quality materials and well-organized
classes.


Beginner Fly-Tying Class Rules > Beginner Fly-Tying Class Rules 

PLEASE RSVP your attendance to Dennis via email. prof1@verizon.net

FLY-TYING MATERIALS: We supply all the hooks and materials and if you don’t have a vise or tools, we will supply those also. 

LOCATION: Eric's Tackle Shop 
2127 E Thompson Blvd Ventura, CA 93001 

Any questions?  Please email Dennis at: prof1@verizon.net






2026 - Intermediate Tying Classes
** 4th Thursday of the month


INTERMEDIATE FLY TYING 2026

A $5 materials fee per class will be collected from each attendee. This helps cover the cost of hooks and materials used during each session.

Few Important Notes for All Classes


PLEASE RSVP & ARRIVE ON TIME.

* Your RSVP helps us prepare the correct number
of material kits and ensures no supplies go to waste.

* Classes begin promptly, so please plan to
arrive a few minutes early to get set up.

* Late arrivals may observe but won’t be able to
participate in tying for that session,
as stopping the class to catch up disrupts instruction
and takes away valuable time.

* We truly appreciate your punctuality—it helps create a relaxed,
productive learning environment for everyone.


Intermediate Fly-Tying Classes
meet on the 4th Thursday of the month
from 6:00-8:00pm
at Eric's Tackle at:
2127 East Thompson, Ventura, CA


BRING YOUR: VISE, TOOLS

We will try to list the materials in advance.
If you need materials and/or tools, email Dennis.





NYMPHS


Mayflies:

A.P. Nymph
Denny's A.P. Emerger
Gray's Hex Nymph
Gray's Stillborn Hex
Pheasant Tail Nymph
CB Micro Mayfly Nymph 
Hogan's S&M Nymph
Morris Anatomical Green Drake
Barr's PMD Emerger
Brook's Trico Sprout
Floating Nymph, BWO 
Halfback Emerger, PMD
Burk's Hunchback Infrequens (HBI)
Burk's Hexagenia Nymph
Schmidt's Hex Nymph
Milt's Hex Nymph
Sloan's Mighty May, PMD
Poxyback Emerger, PMD
Mercer's Rag Hex Nymph
RS2, Callibaetis
Split Case Mayfly, PMD
Timberline Emerger
Trigger Nymph, PMD
Trina's Bubbleback Emerger, PMD

Caddisflies:
Anderson's Bird of Prey
Hogan's Good 'N Plenty
Morrish's Hot Wire Caddis
Deep Sparkle Pupa
Emergent Sparkle Pupa
Chamois Nymph
Czech Nymph
CDC Bubbleback Caddis Emerger
Caddis Emerger
Fox's Poopah
Peeking Caddis
Bill's Stick Caddis
Pulsating Caddis
Radical Caddis
Scuba Caddis
Tangerine Dream
X-Ray Caddis
Z Wing Caddis
Zug Bug

Stoneflies:
Brook's Golden Stone Nymph
Little Yellow Stone Nymph
Kaufmann Golden Stone Nymph
BH Twenty Incher
Bird's Stonefly Nymph
Black Rubberleg Nymph
Poxyback Golden Stonefly Nymph
Riffle Dragon Stone
Superfloss Rubberlegs Nymph
Niemy's Skwala Stone Nymph

Midges:
Chironomid Bomber 
Disco Midge
Martis Midge 
Medallion Midge 
Optimidge 
Chironomid Suspender
WD 40
Serendipity
San Juan Worm
Thompson's Delectible Chironomid (TDC) 
Miracle Midge 
Spanflex Buzzer
Desert Storm
Zebra Midge

Attractors:
Brassie
Copper John
Prince Nymph
Hart's Dark Lord
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear
Kern Emerger
Bird's Nest
Lightning Bug
Red Fox Squirrel
Denny's Stillwater Nymph

Damselflies and Dragonflies:
Burk's Damsel Nymph 
Barr;s Damsel Nymph
Carey Special
Dancing Damsel
Don's Red Eye Wiggle Butt Damsel
J. Fair's Wiggle Tail
Marabou Damsel Nymph


Crustceans:
Scud
Sparkle Shrimp
Cutter's Floating Snai