Tying Productive Patterns for Colorado Using CDC

Front Range Anglers Winter Fly Tying Seminars

Join me on December 13th from 10-noon for a presentation and fly tying demonstration at Antonio Rodrigues’ fly shop, Front Range Anglers in Boulder, CO. I’ll be presenting on the use of CDC feathers in tying patterns that have performed well for me on the Colorado waters I fish like the South Platte, Eagle and Arkansas rivers.

The presentation provides an overview of CDC feathers, highlighting their natural buoyancy and lifelike motion which makes them ideal for productive flies. It compares CDC to other materials, then details Colorado's key insect groups and matching CDC fly patterns. The content includes step-by-step tying demos with CDC-specific techniques, and fishing tips emphasizing natural presentation and seasonal adjustments. Practical advice on CDC handling is given, closing with resources and encouragement for experimentation. All this is aimed at helping anglers tie realistic and effective flies for Colorado waters.

SVATU and Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop co-host an annual Fly Tying Expo that features expert tyers from Northern Colorado and throughout the state. This Expo offers the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the tyers where attendees can chat and learn their patterns, tips, and pointers. With more than 30 tyers demonstrating an astounding variety of flies, attending the Expo is a crash course in upping your tying skills.

The Fly Tying Expo is a fundraiser to support the Chapter’s work and outreach. Flies tied at the event are donated by the tyers for bucket draws. The event also features a silent auction including trips and fishing related items. Fundraising proceeds go to:

• Youth programming that introduces kids to fly fishing and healthy watersheds; 

• St. Vrain Creek habitat improvement and restoration; and

• Educating our community on the value of healthy streams and trout habitat.

I’ll be tying at The Fly Fishing Show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 6th, 7th, and 8th. Please come by and say ‘HI!’

I’ll be tying at The Fly Fishing Show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 6th, 7th, and 8th. Please come by and say ‘HI!’

I’ll be tying at The Fly Fishing Show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 6th, 7th, and 8th. Please come by and say ‘HI!’

The West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Clinic is back for 2026 with extended hours (from 9AM to 3PM) and up to 40 of the regions best fly tiers. As per previous years, the event will be held at Jeffco County Fairgrounds. The event takes place in 2026 on March 7th, so mark your calendars to check out one of the largest gatherings of incredibly fly tiers. Proceeds support West Denver TU’s conservation and education activities.

Hope to see you there!

This event supports Education and Conservation efforts of the Rocky Mountain Flycasters chapter of Trout Unlimited. The date is Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, Colorado. Last year’s Expo was a great success, and we hope to make the Expo26 even bigger and better.