Compared to catching fish, tying flies is a completely different process. However, just like fishing, it is one of the best ways to cope with every day life issues. We all get stressed and anxious sometimes. We all have obligations and some rules to follow, even when we don’t like it. Unlike the mess that every day life can bring, tying flies is everything but a mess to me. It is a process that happens in an impeccable order, and by all means, it is nothing but a form of meditation.
As simple as it may seem on the outside, what happens on the inside while we are tying flies is quite amazing. Wrap by wrap, step by step, we keep repeating this simple task. Suddenly, it becomes the single occupation for our mind. It becomes a form of meditation. Sometimes it lasts for hours, and sometimes it’s only a couple of flies. But during that time, our mind is empty and all it does is think about another wrap.
It’s all about the hook – if you don’t have the right hook, you won’t tie a good fly. 
Choosing the proper hook is half the job.
Of course, there is always room for improvement. That’s the magic of it. You get better and better with each wrap and each fly you tie. You accept your mistakes and you learn from them, eventually ending with a tied fly that you like. Take a minute and imagine an empty fly box. Now imagine every single row filled with flies. For example, you can imagine 10 orange beaded nymphs in one row, 10 dark red midges in another row, 10 dry sedges in the third row, and so on. Everything has its place. In your fly box and with every fly you tie. You instantly feel better because even thinking about tying flies evokes calmness.
This is a very easy pattern and it is very quick to tie. Some hackle fibers, thread for body, another thick thread for ribbing and some rabbit dubbing. I also tie this one in many different colors and in few sizes. 
You can complicate it all you want or you can go simple – this is a fantastic pattern that will catch anything that swims and feeds on insect larvae. A few wraps of thread, a piece of wool, some dubbing and you’re done. 
The legendary Prince Nymph tied in my own way. For me, tying flies is just like playing music. You hear a piece and you learn how to play it, but you always add some of your own flavor. 
Rainbow beads through macro lens – they look great and fish can’t resist them.
For me, fly tying is equally as important as spending time on the water actually casting to and catching fish. Whether it is tying simple flies, complicated patterns or realistic ones, or taking photographs of flies I just tied, it is my way to make the time slow down. It is my way to achieve sanity and serenity, a getaway from everything bad that may be happening in my life. Seeing all those materials: beads, dubbings in all kinds of colors, so many different hooks and threads…I instantly feel good. So many combinations and options, so many things I can do, the creativity is just endless. The moment I start tying, only one ting becomes important – to tie the fly the best I can and to finish it. After that one, I will tie another one and another one. Magic or meditation, it doesn’t even matter. It works. – Aleksandar Vrtaric
Taken with macro lens, they don’t look so small – these are #18 size hooks dry mayfly patterns. I tie them in many different colors but the recipe is always the same. It is a classic pattern with some polypropylene for better visibilty and floatation. 
Dry flies are often very fragile, and they rarely survive a few attacks. This elk hair pattern is very durable- it floats for ages. 
Fresh off the vise – a couple of dry mayfly patterns ready to trick some trout. 
Some flies are very easy to tie and some take patience and time. These grasshopper patterns work great for trout, chub and largemouth bass. They are literally unsinkable, and tying them is great fun.
“For me, fly tying is equally as important as spending time on the water actually casting to and catching fish.”
Contributed By
Aleksandar Vrtaric
I was born in Koper, Slovenia and I have moved many times since. I am now based in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, and I still make my living by taking photographs and writing articles. Spending time in nature is probably the most important thing in my life. Experiencing solitude and serenity is what makes me complete and fly fishing is just a part of that story. Both as a photographer and a fly angler, I find spending time outdoors the best and the most valuable time I can spend. Being an introvert, it feels completely natural and I just can’t imagine living differently.
