Fly Tying a Braided Blue Damsel dry fly with Barry Ord Clarke

[@electrontube]

I absolutely love your videos Mr Clarke. I had difficulty tying my shoes when I started, now I'm tying wally wing mayflies thanks to you.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you so much, happy you are enjoying them.

[@hirkojs]

I’ve probably watched this video 6/7 times already. It’s by far my favorite Dragonfly video. Mega Thx Barry for an Outstanding presentation & simplistic instruction for tying an Exceptional fly.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Glad you enjoyed it, let me know how you get on with them.

[@aakesson1]

A really beautiful fly! I'm a teacher and have both tech- and slojd (shop/arts and craft) and one of my pupils wants to tie flies and ofcourse I say Yes! I have no idea how to but there's alot of different ways to learn. Your videos are one resource. Thanks!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Lykke til Jesper!

[@stevemorton9585]

Beautiful Barry! Thanks again for the master class!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Steve.

[@stevepuyear2738]

That looks like a slayer for sure! Very nice pattern.

[@Thefeatherbender]

It is Steve!

[@thigson189]

As a largemouth bass fly fisherman and beginning fly tier in West Central GA, I see these "dragonflies" all the time. I have wanted to learn how to tie this pattern and appreciate you sharing. Thank you, sir.

[@Thefeatherbender]

No problem T, let me know how you get on with it.

[@gregg5303]

Hi Barry, Thanks for sharing your pattern. Have had great luck with it on Georgetown Lake, MT, USA. We catch and release large Kamloops rainbows from a comfortable boat. I have added a small bit of indicator yarn at the final tie-in point for cloudy days. Gregg

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Greg, good advice!

[@phineartz]

Cheers Barry 🍻 This is a dead ringer for the blue damsels on our central Kentucky Smallmouth creeks.Thanks for a good excuse to buy some new materials 😉👍

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks, good luck with it.

[@barbaraemerich1921]

Wow! Just Wow! I love it!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@Thefeatherbender]

You are so welcome Babara!

[@mikef6114]

Beautifully tied Barry. A work of art.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you kindly

[@kevincounihan6197]

Another masterclass Barry. Need to tie some of these for Pitsford Reservoir

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Kevin.

[@heatherlamacraft2440]

Thanks Barry, looking forward to testing it out, great fly!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@RockyPhillips]

Wow thats the best damsel fly pattern I've seen. Very nice. Definitely gotta tie this up

[@Thefeatherbender]

Please do Rocky its a very effective pattern under the right conditions.

[@duderoony]

Nice little damsel pattern there Barry. Thanks for another one dude. Keep keeping safe.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks. And an easy tie Dude, you can do this one...

[@davidwillacy4796]

Nice video and way better than my feeble attempts at an adult damsel. The only criticism is that for the first minute I had a wonderful view of your right hand and not much else!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks David, I can't please all the people all the time.

[@davidwillacy4796]

@@Thefeatherbender I still enjoyed the video though,

[@harryjoesather6539]

very awesome. love this pattern. thanks. see ya joe.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Glad you like it Joe!

[@charlescaprez4322]

Wow. Great job. I will make some tonight. Thanks

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks. Have fun!

[@mikehenle9110]

Great tye!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you Mike.

[@dougbrien9836]

A very clever tie Barry.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Doug.

[@gregwasko5821]

Beautiful Barry....

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kerrypitt9789]

I have seen these tied a number of ways I even stop and tie a couple now and then. Castability has always been in question with foam patters but this one with the braided body looks like I could get a cast. Thanks Barry!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Kerry, well this one is no problem to cast.

[@PaintballShyguy]

There are tons of these in my area. I gotta try this pattern out. Thanks!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Have fun! Please let me know how you get on with it.

[@davidatkins6919]

Damn, that's a great looking blue damsel fly, going to have to tie one for myself, thanks!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks David.

[@Vectorp47]

Wow! Looks amazing!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you.

[@gregnikitin8954]

Beautiful fly. Thanks for sharing this

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks for watching!

[@freddefelice1419]

Excellent Barry thank you sir.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesvatter5729]

Great looking damsel. No more expensive body material purchases after that tip. Barry, That foam is a great idea. My Giraffe station has a steel base. Any hook that slips my grasp bounces and is carpet bound. It's often quite a chore to recover them. Unless I go in there in bare feet! Thanks for sharing.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi James, yes the foam works well, I get it from a craft/hobby shop for next to nothing and it comes in several different colours.

[@andersklasson1226]

Very nice and elegant fly ! Tanks Barry

[@flydryriver4966]

It’s an awesome sight watching a trout feeding on dragonflies and damsels. Nice fly Barry.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks FDR, Yeah and great to fish for them!

[@silvertip8k278]

What a nice way to make that blue tail material...extremely realistic! Orvis made a video a few years back called "damsels in distress " in new zealand... Definetely worth watching

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Silvertip. Yeah the blue and olive damsels are big in NZ, I have a few people who order them from me each year down there.

[@tordjohnsen6941]

Fantastic! i live in mid Norway we have lot of those flying arround in summertime. have to trie to make one :)

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hvor? Jeg bor i Skien!

[@tordjohnsen6941]

@@Thefeatherbender Trøndelag her. Ser de ofte på høylandet ved et vann som heter Øyesvann.

[@stevendavies7035]

very good fly a nice job indeed

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you Kindly Steven.

[@billsutherland7486]

Very nice tie. I’ve been tying flies, jigs, and making lures since I was in the Boy Scouts (54 years ago), and am amazed how much there is to still learn. Keep up the good work. Also, love your book.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks very much Bill, and keep tying, always something new to learn...

[@robertperman8967]

Could you please tell me the name of his book? Thank you.

[@cortoolei-pearson7702]

Absolutely beautiful, not sure I'll ever need to fish it but I will tie some up just for the hell of it ! Thank you Barry. Stay safe.

[@paulsangster9153]

Nice. Looks so realistic. Thanks Bender.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Paul.

[@bobfourn01]

Nice...I made a few this morning...very nice fly. Thank you again!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Bob!

[@TorsSongs]

Nice, I use a similar approach to tying my yellow jackets.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Trebor.

[@robertperman8967]

Very nice ty. Tight lines🦗🐜🪰!!!!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you.

[@anablakp3200]

Your ties are beautiful sir, thank you so much for sharing. Will have to tie some here in eastern Canada.

[@Thefeatherbender]

So nice of you AP.

[@jeffnelson2197]

If you only knew how many times this channel has blessed my soul and given me peace and happiness you’d be astonished.. this pattern, tho not this good a fly, was savage on the John Day river in Oregon. Small mouth bass pounded these flys as they are prolific there! God bless you, sir. I thank you for all the priceless information and the many escapes from Antifa trying to burn my town down here in Oregon, USA. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you Jeff, So pleased to know that you are enjoying them. I enjoy making them but they do take time. I have only fished smallmouth once and I had great fun with small poppers. Stay safe my friend.

[@marksleeper3752]

very nice Barry

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Mark.

[@davejones3923]

Beautiful well done great job 👍👍

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you so much Dave😊

[@AdStarProductions]

Beautiful pattern. Thanks, Barry!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Adstar.

[@cosmiccharlie8606]

Grate looking fly sir thank you for your time

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you Charles!

[@wd4477]

Superb. Thank you Sir.

[@Thefeatherbender]

You are most welcome Wes.

[@dirkreese6230]

Very nice!!!!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Dirk.

[@Podobed]

I'm definitely getting a triangular ruler. I keep a 6" ruler (flat) stuck on with neo magnets but i like this version

[@Thefeatherbender]

Works for me!

[@whty541]

What a beauty

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Sam.

[@S.V.C.B.]

Very nice and neat, Barry! I tried to make it today, mostly with some other materials, since I do not have full variety, and of course it doesn't even pretend to be as beautiful as one of yours. But my daughters liked the idea!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks SB, its good to improvise and use what you have.

[@tinkmarshino]

Such a nice one there Barry.. I am off to the Doc's at 3 p.m. here (in about 3 hours) Hope all works out my friend.. I would love to come to norway when this covid is all over.. take care my brother..

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Tink, hope all is well!

[@SkidinDingo]

I tied a similar pattern, but i used some light super line (6 pound test?) And a #16 hook threaded through the tail as a stinger because i was having trouble with fish just nipping the very tail.

[@colmogaora6055]

Beautiful fly and tying. If I was to tie one of those I might waste the whole summer wandering the country looking for trout feeding on blue damsels just so I could fish my creation... But great to have in the box just in case!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Colm, thank you. Well when summer fishing I always have a couple in my box as I have experienced, more than once, damsel feeders and they can be very selective. But if you have one, you will take fish after fish on it!

[@EddieBourke]

Great fly, was at a lake over the weekend and couldnt figure out what the fish were taking, I had my suspicions and when i looked up a video of trout taking damsels it was very simular to what i was seeing, I have only started tying my own flies and was wondering where can you get the dyed blue hackle and is it a cape hackle or saddle.

[@alainferrari5366]

hello ! thanks it's wonderful !!! can you said me what's brand it is for the bleu braid ? alain

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Alain, the braid is just regular fly line braided backing.

[@starskyarsky8374]

Lovely tying techniques as always , I've always thought of this fly as one for tying and not for fishing. I love fishing a damsel nymph pattern . But I have never really came across a situation when the fish are selectively taking the adult. I must try it the next time I see these buzzing about the reeds. Sadly that won't be this season😔.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Starsky, give it a go it works a treat!

[@rebeccazhong7510]

perfect！ I like this one very much！ however what is the material for the tail？ I am so confused! is it the backing fly fishing line?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Rebecca, its braided fly line backing, it can be found on Amazon for next to nothing. Good luck.

[@maximilianobernabe8930]

Hi! is really good your job.. Who is the diametrer to backing for tail?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you, it's 1-2 mm

[@robertj6477]

Hi what marker brand are you using thanks wounderful work of art

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Robert, they are the Letraset Promarker.

[@robertj6477]

@@Thefeatherbender thank you very much you’re work is art

[@mobiledominator6884]

Hey Barry what was the braided backing called and where did you get it. A link will work too. Thanks!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi the backing is regular braided fly line backing I think about 20lb! www.amazon.com/Line-Backing-DACRON-Test-WHITE/dp/B00QZNBF78

[@simonlakin5067]

Barry, that is a superb pattern. Really loving these different techniques. Do you use a different make of vice for tying and not filming?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Simon, thanks. No same vice although I do use a Regal sometimes for production tying, just quicker for mounting and removing hooks.

[@3000waterman]

Barry. That is so clever. When normal life returns I'd love to see you tye (tie?) that at a London Club meeting. I have huge sheet of closed cell 2mm blue foam that would suit this tie perfectly, and ensure that it will NEVER sink. I'll try to get some to you. Having said that, I've never seen trout take a damsel. Damsel nymphs, yes.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks, well as soon as things start to get back to something like normal, I'll be posting my dates for shows and demos, so stay tuned. Trout take them spectacularly even jumping out of the water and taking them in mid flight!

[@rabbithole_flies]

what gauge backing did you use & what brand foam? thank you! nice job as always!

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Patricia, Thanks, the braided backing is 1mm and I believe I got it on E Bay. The foam is just from a hobby shop.

[@nicolasbore9232]

Hi Barry, nice one, I will give it a try! I am a big fan of Promarkers, I use them a lot in my flies, they work great for coloring UV resin. What is the reference of the blue one you use for the body? Thank you.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Nicolas, thanks. The reference number for the promarker is C847.

[@nicolasbore9232]

Hi Barry, I received your book yesterday, what a great piece of work, very pleasant to read, well documented, full of good tips and beautiful pictures. I think it’s a perfect complement to your channel bravo !

[@knowyourjoe8826]

I have recently gotten interested in fly tying and am currently setting up a fly tying station and getting some equipment together. Really appreciate the view of your workstation with the tips of the foam board, ruler and hook gauge setup. I saw a review on your beginner’s book and am planning on getting that one soon. Are there any other books would you would recommend for someone starting out. I live in Fort Worth, Texas and don’t travel much but I do live live very close to a lake that has a variety of Bass, Blue Gill, and other sunfish. I would like to learn to ty what works best in my area. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Your skills are phenomenal. Thanks for sharing.

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Joe, I would advise you to start with my beginners book and practice and master the basic techniques. Once you have done this move on to my advanced techniques book. With these techniques you will be able to tie just about anything... Good luck and if you run into any problems just send me a message and I will try and help. Good luck!

[@knowyourjoe8826]

@@Thefeatherbender Thanks!

[@khaliskhalis2055]

i just made damselfly with those wings but i cant remember where i get it whats the feather name?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi, the wing feathers are medium dun cock hackles but you can use grey or cream if you like.

[@khaliskhalis2055]

@@Thefeatherbender thank you

[@khaliskhalis2055]

@@Thefeatherbender where can i get it?i just found those in back of my house and never find it again

[@danjohnson6292]

Barry, did you say the braid is the backing you would put on a fly reel before the fly line? Also, your flies are so beautiful I'd never let a fish bite these works of art!

[@Thefeatherbender]

That is correct Dan or the material that you make braided loop fly line connecters from. Thank you.

[@jimr1344]

Berry, I can’t seem to find anything close to 1mm without buying 300 yds or more of 250 pound test and that’s really expensive and excessive. Any chance you can provide a link to what your using?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Jim, Correct, it normally comes in 150 yds spools of braided backing, I'm pretty sure that you can find it on e bay or Amazon.

[@richardtabbert9566]

Could you tell me where you get your braid and the size of it?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Richard, well I would if I could remember! It's a 1mm white braid, that I believe I got from E Bay...

[@chrisnodbot2631]

Barry, great fly! I have a comment and a few questions. First, I’d love to see your technique for the dubbing. It was a little off camera and I’d be very interested in seeing how you did it with that synthetic dubbing. Finally I’m curious what camera you use for your videos and where you place it to record your vise?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Chris, thanks. The dubbing technique is simple, just a dubbing loop loaded sparsely with ice dubbing and then spun, but not over spun so it doesn't get too tight. I use a Canon Eos 1 MkIV and I place the camera over my shoulder.

[@wansak2977]

Very nice fly , I've tied some with foam body's , your ty is alot faster ,alot neater n looks pretty real , thanks again, would also like to have n address for your book , I'd appreciate that , thanx

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thanks Wan, yeah its a quick tie. Where do you live and I'll send you a link for the book. Or you can get it on Amazon.

[@sandrarattray1202]

Lovely tie. That looks like open cell foam, just colored.... is it?

[@Thefeatherbender]

Hi Sandra, thanks. No its a coloured open cell foam bought just like it is.

[@ИгорьПерескоков-р7ч]

Супер работа!

[@francoiscorso83]

magnifique beautiful

[@Thefeatherbender]

Merci Francois.

[@АнатолийЗайцев-я1щ]

Великолепно 👍🤝

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you.

[@ИринаБаранова-п8р]

👍👍🍬

[@Thefeatherbender]

Thank you.

[@sebtiano3414]

dragen fly got 4 wings you put only 2 :)

[@Thefeatherbender]

Luckily, trout can't count!