purchasing flies on line

[Papasequoia]

I never said it wasn't possible, just that it was quite impressive! I wish I had something in town here other than dry lakebeds

[castaway]

I would like to put in my .01 on the subject of buying flies online...

I buy my generic patterns online (pt's, hare ears, copper johns, etc..)

When I visit the eastside I think its important to stop in one of the local shops (you take your pic.. but I will be trying Davids shop for sure... as well as matuka Joes shop in mammoth.... probably both)

I like to buy water specific/hatch specific flies from the shop... spend 20-30 bucks everytime... pick up a few thingamajigs...
If going to Hot creek in early spring... Im going to buy the trico's from a local shop.. spend some time talking to someone who loves the sport as much as I do...

So cheap online flies are nice....but lets pay hommage to those who are the risk takers and are truly living the dream by supporting a family doing what they love... I may not be in the position to make a living doing what I love, but those that are lucky enough to do it... I support em.

Also, what ever happend to a little human interaction? are we all so self-absorbed that the sole purpose of flyfishing is to catch fish (or get skunked..in certain volcanic parks to the north) and get cheap flies?

Dont get me wrong... I cant afford to stock my fly box with 3 dollar flies... but I can take the time and a few dollars to visit my local fly shop...before all we have is the 18 year old working at the fly section in the local sport challet.. Who tries to sell you 1x because you wont loose any fish that way

by the way.... I have fished the concrete river about 20-30 times this year.. been skunked all but a few times... no stripers yet this year!!!!! only a few decent largemouth!

Im sure everyone here feels the same way.. so Im kinda preaching to the quire.
off the soap box....

[fflutterffly]

Papa we always have a date on the river. No peeking until we're in the water!!!!

Cast you are so correct. That is why I also purchase flies from the shops as well.

[planettrout]

I have to go with Dean on tying flies and the satisfaction of catching a fish on one's own creation. It seems that I tie many patterns which are just not available in most shops. In my travels, I purchase flies from time to time. Most good shops now have their fly selections available online. If I see something I like ( and a pattern description is not available in a book or online) I buy a few and take at least one apart.

Some of the best I have found Online follow:

http://www.troutflies.com/
Harry Mason's outfit

http://www.blueribbonflies.com/
Craig Matthews Shop...one of a kind patterns and expensive

http://www.philscustomflies.com/
Phil is just a great guy and his patterns are reasonable, an NCFFB member and moderator, handy with a cordless drill.

http://www.slideinn.com/store/index.php
Kelly Galloup's store... THE streamer place...

http://www.blueflycafe.com/category/FishingFlies
Huge selection, real reasonable and the suggestion about a drop of head cement is a good idea.

Shops:

Ken's- Bridgeport- Jim has stuff the others guys down the road just don't order...
The Spot - Duh
Montana Fly Fishing Guides:
http://www.gyflyfishers.com/bozeman-fly-fishing-shop
This place has the best selection of flies that I have EVER seen in one place, anywhere...
Frontier Anglers- Dillon, MT - Tim Tollett's Shop-his creations catch fish:
http://www.frontieranglers.com/estore/category/647

2cents...

PT/TB

[fflutterffly]

I'm not saying 'don't buy flies from a shop' or 'stop tying your own'. This is just one more reference to those who wish to purchase the flies.

[midger]

There's nothing wrong with either method--purchasing or tying your own. I get a lot of pleasure from tying my own, and I have way too many patterns tied which is an inherent danger with fly tyers. I do occasionally buy the odd patterns that I either don't want to tie (like size 20 royal wulffs) or that are very time consuming like Turk's Tarantulas. I tie virtually all my nymphs and streamers.

I like the flies from The Blue Fly Cafe. They are closing their brick/mortar location in Garden City/Boise due to the time it took away from their travel etc. They are keeping the online open though. There were some fantastic bargains on their shop inventory. I walked into the shop earlier this week and they were closing out all their fly bins at .25 a fly. I must admit that I picked up about 9 dozen of those Beeetch patterns I don't enjoy tying.