Clouser's approach to fly design begins and ends onstream, with a lot of time spent in between at the workbench. Careful observation of the behaviour, habitats, and physical features of the foods fish eat is essential to developing a fly that looks and acts like the real thing. But the pattern must also pass rigorous standards of durability, ease of casting, and most importantly, consistently catching fish before it can be called a winner. Including variations on his famous original Deep Minnow, Clouser presents recipes for seventeen of his most successful patterns for baitfish, subsurface freshwater foods, and surface flies with detailed explanations and superb full-colour photographs to accompany every step. In sections devoted to materials and tying techniques, Clouser offers insight into his methods and provides a solid foundation for designing flies with confidence.

Photographs by: Jay Nichols