I am happy to say that I will be offering up some winter tying classes via zoom through the Deerfield Fly Shop. There are two (2) different classes being offered that will run for about 6 hours each. Each of these classes I will be supplying material kits for the flies being tied. Yes, you read that correctly, I will personally mail you a material kit that is organized with each and every material for the flies we will tie in the classes, you will only need to supply thread, your own vise and tools and a good attitude. The classes are as follows:
Strolis Streamer Class
You’ve heard it before: Big flies catch big fish. There’s a lot of truth to this, and what better way to up your big fly game than to learn a handful of streamers from one of the best? Rich Strolis will lead a Zoom class through the Deerfield Fly Shop on Tying Modern Streamers on Saturday, February 26 starting at 9 am. This six-hour class will go through tying a selection of single hook and articulated streamers that will illustrate a variety of techniques and materials that you can then adapt to tie a multitude of other modern streamer patterns.
The class will require an advanced beginner to intermediate level of tying skill, but will provide information and insights valuable to the most experienced of tyers as well. Rich is truly at the top of his profession when it comes to tying and fishing streamers for trout and other species.
Rich will take students step by step through the construction of both his personal proven patterns and other time-tested patterns. Flies tied in the class will include Rich’s Simple Baitfish, the Modern Double Deceiver, Articulated Ice Pick, Hog Snare 2.0, and the Alter Ego.
Students should have their own vise and tools, including a hair stacker, scissors, dubbing whirl, bobbin and whip finish tool in addition to a compliment of threads in a variety of colors (UTC 140 or an equivalent recommended as well as some 100 denier gel spun thread—all thread and tools are available at the Deerfield Fly Shop). All materials will be provided in kits that Rich himself will put together and mail to all participants prior to the class. Bring an open mind and any questions you might have. Rich will go over hook choices, material choices and substitutions and most importantly, how to effectively fish these patterns.
Tuition for the class is $125 and includes the material kits. Advanced registration with payment in full is required by Feb. 16. Contact
Tying Modern Streamers with Rich Strolis
Feb. 26, 9 am
$125 fee
Limited to ten students
Pre-register:
Class 2
Strolis New England Trout Flies
Though perhaps best known for his streamer patterns, Rich Strolis has also developed numerous nymph and dry fly patterns that flat out catch trout. On Saturday, March 5, at 9 am, Rich will share some of these in a Zoom class presented by the Deerfield Fly Shop. In this six-hour class, he will lead you through a selection of time-tested patterns that have proven effective here in New England and beyond. With a few alterations in color and size, these patterns should cover a majority of your insect hatch matching needs in New England throughout the course of the season.
The class will require an advanced beginner to intermediate level of tying skill, but will provide information and insights valuable to the most experienced of tyers as well. Rich will lead the class step by step through some of his best insect patterns as well as some other flies that have proven effective over the years, including: Shucked Up Emerger, R-F Caddis, Dust Bunny Winter Stone, Morgan Midge Variation, Classified Caddis Pupa, DDT Nymph, Quill Bodied Jig, and Shimmer Stone. Other patterns may also be tied if time allows.
Students should have their own vise and tools, including scissors, dubbing whirl, bobbin and whip finish tool in addition to a compliment of threads in a variety of colors (in size 70 and 140 denier or 8/0 and 6/0—all thread and tools are available at the Deerfield Fly Shop). All materials will be provided in kits that Rich himself will put together and mail to all participants prior to the class. Bring an open mind and any questions you might have. Rich will go over hook choices, material choices and substitutions and most importantly, how to effectively fish these patterns.
Tuition for the class is $125 and includes the material kits. Advanced registration with payment in full is required by Feb. 16. Contact
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding These Types Of Classes
1. I have your book and I have watched Videos of you tying many of your flies. I would like to get an idea how the Zoom class will be different from the instructions/experience presented in your book and videos.
-The zoom class will take place exactly how I would teach an in person tying class. I will lead the instruction and the students will follow along and tie the patterns step by step with me. If there are any questions we will take them as we go or at the end of each pattern. We will not move along to the next tying step until I see that everyone is completed with the last tying step. Everyone should try their best to keep their vise in frame while we tie together so I can monitor progress.
2. Will the Zoom call allow you to see the students vises and give instructions on how I/we are tying the streamers and correcting mistakes?
-As long as you position your camera in a way that I can see your vise as we tie along (Highly recommended) then yes that will be the case.
3. Is the class from 9-3?
-Yes. It may go a little longer if all the students are fine with that. Anyone can leave then if they see fit or have another obligation.
4. Are we taking breaks?
-Yes. In between each pattern there will be a short break to gather the materials for the next pattern. Midway we can have lunch or snacks and keep rolling.
5. Will there be enough material and supplies for 1 of each fly or more than 1 of each fly?
-I will be building material kits for each fly as stated in the write up. These kits will have enough material to tie one (1) pattern with some possible leftover afterwards.