Bead Flies

[Tanner]

My wife has really been getting into making glass bead jewelry. When I came home from work yesterday she gave me a book that she had picked up at the bead store. The book is titled "Tying Glass Bead Flies". I was totally amazed at some of the patterns that were in this book. Everything from small dry flies to large saltwater streamers. Many of the insect patterns had the most perfectly segmented bodies I have ever seen on a fly. Also, the author stated that if tied correctly, they are just as durable as flies dressed with traditional materials.
In the next few months I will be tying some and hopefully post some pics if the results are to my liking.

[ 02-04-2003, 04:49 PM: Message edited by: Tanner ]

[True]

There's a bead store out on 157th (?) and Division in Portland. They have just about anything you need. Several sizes and colors. I love using these for my caddis emerger patterns on the Deschutes.

True

[flymadness]

You can also use the beads to tie mayfly patterns. Try tying a pheasant tail with a bead or two for the abdomen. They also can be used to make scud patterns and anything that you can think of. I have been tying with beads for over 10 years and was truly amazed at their versitility when I first started tying. Hopefully everyone else will enjoy using them as much as I have. FM

[garyk]

Hey Tanner,

Good to see you over here on the well-bred side of this board! :wink:

I remember the first time I looked over some hobby store glass beads and thought -- "Man, now here is the perfect egg pattern"

Looking forward to seeing your creations.

[Steelie28]

Glass beads for caddis emergers...mmmmm....trout candy! I have some that I tied up that work well almost everywhere....Dechutes, McKenzie, etc. I also use plastic beads for steelhead when fishing pocket water....a little nail polish and you get the perfect sheen on the bead. Unbelieveable how well it works for big bows in Alaska.

Steelie28