Fly Tying Area
2025 Schedule Coming Soon
2025 Schedule Coming Soon
In addition to structured lessons, there will be other fly-tying observations taking place. Feel free to come and go and mingle through the demonstration area to learn about various tying patterns.
The Dive Bomber
Time: 2024 Recap
The Dive Bomber is a fly of my design. Using articulations and a diving lip, It was modeled after the timeless jointed Rapala lures. It can be fished on the surface, as a wakebait, or as a crankbait! This lure will float back to the surface when the retrieve it stopped. Great for any number of bass and predator species.
Presenter: Michael Rios
I am the owner of Panther City Flies, a brand I started in 2022, based out of Fort Worth, Texas. I learned to fish from my dad who competed in bass tournaments frequently, alot of inspiration for my flies come from conventional bass lures. I am a board member of the FFI Fort Worth chapter as Fly Tying Director. When I’m not tying flies or fishing, I am a full-time professional chef.
Double Deceiver
Time: 2024 Recap
Originally created as a big streamer for trout, the Double Deceiver has proven equally effective on bass and stripers in North Texas. Sean will demonstrate the method for creating this fly and show his favorite color variations.
Presenter: Sean Polk
Sean Polk is the local guide for Tailwaters Fly Fishing in Dallas. He has over two decades of experience working in fly shops around the DFW area and began guiding on local waters 6 years ago. He specializes in bass and striper fishing and spends a majority of his time on the local lakes and rivers. Sean has been tying flies for over 25 years and specializes in flies for bass and redfish.
Bass Popper
Time: 2024 Recap
Dani will be providing an overview or 101 on Bass Poppers. She will be using a foam head, flash, legs, marabou, bucktail. The intent of the popper is to make noise and move water to attract bass. It is also effective for sun fish.
Presenter: Dani Rose
Dani started conventional fishing with her grandfather as early as she can remember. A planned business trip to Estes Park several years ago gave her the opportunity to finally try fly fishing. She progressed from a once a year fly fisher to spending approximately 60 days a year on the water. She is passionate about being a learn it all and giving back where she can. Dani is committed to diversity and inclusion, on and off the water.
Lone Star Essentials: Texas Fly Patterns You Should Never Be Without
Time: 2024 Recap
Fly fishing the Texas is a way of life for Chris Johnson. His fly fishing journey began in central Texas and as a result, he has developed a number of patterns that have proven themselves throughout the state. In this fly tying demonstration Chris will tie several of his signature patterns that deserve a permanent spot in every Texas fly angler’s box. These flies consistently get the job done and can produce results even in the toughest of conditions. Chris will teach you how to tie each fly in step-by-step fashion and will answer any questions you have about the tying process. Come and learn how to tie these essential patterns and learn how to fish them in the Lone Star State!
Presenter: Chris Johnson
Chris is the owner and founder of Living Waters Fly Fishing, a fly shop and guide service based out of Round Rock, Texas. He has guided the Texas Hill Country for fifteen years, and has fly fished the heart of the state for over 20 years. Chris has been a licensed guide in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Alaska. Chris is a FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Umpqua Signature Fly Designer, Tenkara USA Guide, and TPWD Angler Educator Area Chief. He is also a pro team member for Whiting Farms, Scott Fly Rods, Dyna-King, and Scientific Anglers. Chris is dedicated to sharing his passion for the sport and investing in the next generation of fly anglers. He often is a featured presenter/fly tier at fly fishing, outdoor, and community events throughout the state.
Chris and his shop have also been featured in several outdoor publications including Trout magazine, Garden and Gun, and Tenkara Magazine. He was also awarded the 2014 Man of the Year from the FFI Texas Council and in the same year, Living Waters was the recipient of the FFI’s prestigious Lee Wulff Award.
In addition to fly fishing, Chris is passionate about film and photography. He co-produced the short film “Unspoken,” in an effort to raise awareness for Rio Grande Cutthroat trout conservation. As a result, Living Waters is working with Trout Unlimited as a Gold Level endorsed TU Business to restore Rio Grande Cutthroat throughout their native range. Chris also serves at the current State Council Chair for Texas Trout Unlimited and is the Conservation Chair for Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited as well.
Chris is happily married to his wife Emily and together they enjoy fly fishing the world and raising their children in the sport.
Redfish Cracklin
Time: 2024 Recap
The Redfish Cracklin has been a staple on Gulf Coast fisheries for many years. Originally designed to target redfish, it will catch just about every inshore saltwater species there is. It was first developed in Houston by Fishing Tackle Unlimited fishing manager Andy Packmore, then taken to the masses by Port O’Connor fishing guide, Capt. Scott Null. It is designed to be easy to cast, land softly amidst spooky fish, and pulsate while pushing water, creating a presence that demands attention. It is a deadly fly that you can tie on with confidence anywhere along the Texas and Louisiana coastline.
Presenter: Lindy Reese
Lindy has been an avid angler since childhood. She grew up fishing for reds with her dad on the Texas coast and for bass with her favorite uncle on East Texas lakes. After graduating from A&M, she spent the better part of a decade out West guiding, where she took up tying flies to pass the cold winters. Since moving to the Metroplex last year, she now finds herself tying to get through the scorching Texas summers and stalking buffalo on the urban flats. The only thing Lindy loves more than catching fish is going to the beautiful places where fish are caught. She loves the two-for-one hobby of fly fishing and tying that together allows her to stay connected to the sport she loves year-round.
Clouser Minnow
Time: 2024 Recap
The Clouser Minnow is an artificial fly commonly categorized as a streamer and is fished under the water surface. It is a popular and widely used pattern for both freshwater and saltwater game fish and is generally listed as one of the top patterns to have in any fly box, especially for bass and saltwater flats fishing.
Presenter: Russell Husted
Russell Husted is the Past President of the Fort Worth Fly Fishers, and is currently serving as the Education Director. He is also the founder of the Texas Council, Past President and has served in many roles since the forming of the council in 2012. Russell has been very involved with TRWD Flyfest in Fort Worth, and has been traveling around the state putting on various presentations about fly fishing. Russell retired in February of 2022 from Whole Foods Market and is now living out a passion of his by entering into the fly fishing guide field. Russell is extremely fun to fish with and with his experience, let him fuel your next adventure!