Just came across this video while searching for mop fly patterns. I didn’t realize that the mop fly has been around that long. But it’s nice to see how many fly tying channels have them. I’m enjoying your videos thank you!
Tim, I just tied my first mop flies and I gotta say, your video is - by far - the best. I'm excited to try fishing this (too easy?) pattern. In general, your videos are some of the best tying videos out there. I put you and Tim Flagler in the same class of high-quality tying instruction, and here's why ... teaching. The one thing that the two of you do better than anyone else is educate. As an educator myself, I respect the way your videos don't just show what materials to put on the hook, but you answer the questions of where, when, how and - most importantly - WHY. Usually, you go the extra mile to explain the history of the fly and tips for fishing it, which is something I always find missing in everyone else's videos. Please keep up the great work. I'm always looking forward to seeing more.
Thank you for such kind words, Andy; they are greatly appreciated. To be mentioned with Tim Flagler is humbling because he is such an incredible guy! Thank you again, and good luck with this one...it works! Tim
I love these things. I don't care what fly I'm using as long as it catches fish. Use it as the anchor to my euro rig. Very effective, especially the chartreuse color. I've literally tried every method of connecting mop material to hook that you mentioned. Haven't landed on #1 preference yet (they all work). I'm with CVTU and looking forward to you presentation to our chapter next month.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Mop...a fly everyone loves to hate! I look forward to presenting and will be sure that this fly is integrated somehow. ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Watched a video of this being fished and laughed but thought I'd tie a few up. Went to my favorite fishing hole which is a technical tailwater in CO. I typical only have luck here with small nymphs size 22. Threw this on with a second nymph behind it. 5th cast a nice 16" rainbow hammered it. The next 3 I caught all hit this. gotta love that! Tying up a bunch more tonight.
HA HA! I hope my other videos haven't caused that laughing, too! Seriously, I'm glad it's worked for you and hope it continues to do so. Thanks for taking a moment to share the comment, and I hope to hear more for you on some of my others. Thanks again, Tim
Hey Tim! Just left a comment on the Micro Mop vid to say now I know what the second fly was that you sent me is. Thanks dude. I’ll have a go at these now for sure. Thank you for another one dude.
Glad you figured it out, and this one works great...sometimes too good! Here's a quick spot to buy the Mop material: Brighter colors - amzn.to/3akl1NT LOTS of colors - amzn.to/36EHqFD Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Tim, You always do a great job with your videos and writing. You are an asset to the Fly fishing world. Especially, for those that want to learn. The "Mop Fly" catches fish. I have been fishing and tying them for @ 2 years. Please do not tell the shops in Colorado, but glittery/flashy size 28 midges and nymphs created by local tiers are not the only thing that fish eat there. The question that I have is, why do you (and MANY others) act as though this is taboo? Look at the majority of tying materials in shops across the world. Craft fur, Tinsel, Rubber legs, glass or plastic eyes, synthetic yarns, beads of glass, brass, tungsten, foam tubing and sheet goods... I can go on until my fingers hurt from typing. The fact is that these flies catch fish. They are easy/fun to tie. and Yes, They can "Match the Hatch". CRANE FLY! So why the bad vibes about them? For more cost effective material and more diverse colors. Go to Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross... They sell rugs for the same prices as mops or booties. A partridge soft hackle makes a nice add to the fly you tied. Try it. Keep up the great work.
Steven, thanks for the kind words and your secret from the fly shops is safe with me! I appreciate the suggestions for others to purchase the material, plus the partridge addition. Regarding your "taboo" comment, many tyers shy away from patterns like this (such as a hot pink version) because they are truly not imitating a natural insect in the water. The use of synthetic materials is expected in fly tying, though if I had to choose a favorite, I still select natural materials on a regular basis (such as deer hair, natural dubbing, and cdc). My question during the video was meant to further the discussion regarding patterns similar to the Mop Fly, and it definitely has (you should see my email inbox!). This pattern is obviously not one I shy away from, considering I just tied in publicly on TH-cam. Ha ha! Thanks again for the kind words, and I look forward to hearing more from you on some of my other videos. Tim
My wife's favorite setup is this mop fly under an indicator used as a suspension device. She ignores the indicator, instead she sight fishes, watching for the mop color to disappear on the take. I tie traditional wet flies. I do pretty well with a Silver Knicker or a William's Favorite or a snipe and purple....but Gorgeous outfishes me with the mop fly every time. I tie mop flies because I love her and she loves them, but I'm not proud of it...
Ha ha, now that's too funny, Bo!! I would love to learn a little more about those traditional wet flies; is there a resource you would recommend? Thanks for taking a moment to comment and share. Tim
The single best source of information on technique of tying traditional wets is Davy Wotton's DVD set "Wet Fly Tying." If you have a friend who wants to learn every technique to put together any wet fly, that's the DVD set to get. For an experienced tier such as yourself, the recipes of these obscure flies are the key. Get a copy of an old book "A Dictionary of Trout Flies and flies for sea trout and grayling by A. Courtney Williams." It will open a world of flies which were rendered obsolete by fashion, displaced by modern nymph patterns, while retaining their potency for catching fish. Also get a book called "Plu Stiniog: Trout Flies for North Wales by Emrys Evans." Armed with flies from these two books, and very simple wet fly patterns by applying Wotton's techniques as a beginner, I have ditched indicators years ago and catch many and also good sized fish (just never as many or as big as Gorgeous catches!) by fishing wets upstream, across and down. Wotton's "Wet Fly Ways" DVD showed me how, and I LOVE not having to stare at an indicator. I can almost always solve the problem and catch fish, (skunked twice in nine years) and I am only a mediocre fisherman. Pay attention to the light; when it is a rosy colored dawn, pick a wet fly which adumbrates that low light rosy effect, etc. Although there is some aspect of "hatch matching" it is more art than cookbook. I kind of like that. I''ll end this overly long reply with one soft hackle which works great in soft water on an overcast day: hook - barbless competition 16 or 14, thread - any thin red thread I use veevus for its strength/size, body Orvis sparkle hair copper (actually looks like a wine color) or other synthetic with that look, rib wine UTC wire, tag red thread coated with varnish or thin UV resin, sparse thorax of steelhead ice dub UV lavender and hackle of black hen or furnace hen. I call it the copper and wine. If it doesn't catch for you in soft water on an overcast day, I will send you my copy of William's book, and I love that book! Great videos. Keep up the great work. Thank you Tim! Bo
Tim, Your videos are terrific. I saw the PonyFoot123 comment and thought I would remark on the coincidence for me as well. I fired up the desktop this morning to get the list of flies I am instructing for Trout Unlimited today and the Mop is one of four "guide"flies we are tying this morning. Serendipity abounds.
Thanks for the kind words, Tom, and sometimes the right "thing" just happens! I hope the class went well, and you'll have to let me know the other flies you tied there. ;-) Tim
Being new to fly fishing and fly tying, this is an easy fly for Mr to tie. I am definitely adding it to my arsenal. If it catches fish, I am going g to use it. Thanks for the video.
Hi Scott, and it catches fish! I have slightly adjusted my tying procedures since posting this video. Shoot me an email and I will give you an update: tcammisa@gmail.com Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Tim, We've had good luck with the mop fly here in Northwest Arkansas. We tie it in the chartreuse, orange, gray, and black pattern on a jig hook and paint the lead head black, orange, or chartreuse. Your dust slippers sound like the best way to go. The mops at the automotive stores are pretty pricey, but you get a whole truckload of worms from one mop. I haven't tried to use the mop fly yet. I'm having too much luck with an orange tinsel and furnace hackle crackle back #14, but I will give them a try when I'm back on the stream. Thanks.
Excellent comments and it sounds like this fly works all over. Thanks for sharing your suggestions with us, and let me know how the fly works for you. Tim
Thank you for the kind words, and great comment on another source for the material. I look forward to hearing from you on some of my other videos. Thanks again! Tim
Tim, these things are available by the carload at all the automotive shops: Pep Boys, etc, etc. They are car wash mitts. So far I have found six colors. Here in Texas, the Bass and Panfish are all over them. I first saw them used for trout in Broken Bow, OK. They work Peter Rea
Tim, I found some of this stuff on a dollar store duster. I am tying up a few of these now. I tie all kinds of flies with all kinds of materials. I just want to catch fish! :-) Great video! Thanks!
The mop flys one of my favorite for northeast PA iv out fished guys standing beside me using real flys (Adams caddies nymphs) Video helped me tie the mop better
Thanks for taking a moment to comment, and this is a fish-catching pattern. I'm in western PA, thus we can agree that the Mop has conquered Pennsylvania! I appreciate the kind words and hope to see you comment on some of my other videos. Tim
Brian Rader The Pisgah Angler I have been using the mop fly for a year now, and have found it to be an incredible fly for stock trout. I have tied it in blue, green , and yellow. The yellow has been the color that works for me, and like you i add dubbing. I like using a black ice dubbing. This year so far I have caught several rainbows 18" and one 20" beast! One nice brown that was around 17". I like to use a 9' 5wt rod, and high stick through fast water runs. Trout almost always hit the fly at the end of the swing. I found my mop material at Walmart, & Family dollar stores. They can be found in the automotive section of these stores. They are hand mittens for washing your car. I plan on trying the mop fly on Wild trout in the spring. I have heard they will hit them, but not like the stock trout. The mop fly is very popular here in North Carolina. I enjoyed your video!
Thanks for the comments, Brian, and it seems like we've had similar experiences. The Mop has worked very well for me with stocked trout, though it hasn't been one I've fished with great confidence over wild trout. Like you, I have gotten more subtle colors and plan on spending more time fishing it this spring. Thanks again for kind words and taking a moment to comment. Tim
As others have commented, I too have just tied up a few mop flys before seeing this video. Turns out I tied it exactly like Tim did. You can buy this material in the cleaning isle at most big box stores, but also look in the automotive detail section. One thing to note is that they seem to come in different lengths. I have 4 colors and they range from 3/4" - 1 1/4". I'll be ordering some more from Tim's link, those looked plenty long. The 3/4" one I have is almost too short after you peel back the material to the core.
Tim, these are sold in the UK as car wash mitts - I've got a few from the pound shops here. Not really being a trout guy I fish these for perch. I love traditional patterns also, but I'm not a purist...I'll fish anything that the fish want to bite! Regards from the NW UK.
Thanks for the kind words, David, and I have used them for perch, too! It sounds like we have similar styles, thus if you ever make it over from the UK, let me know. Tim
Tim, Great video as always. I would have to say that the "secret" has been out for a little while. The mop fly has been the best selling fly in my store since I started it back in August. I tie my version slightly different, but basically the same concept with the dubbing. I have several different colors to offer as you noted that there are many colors out there. I have found mop material all over. Walmart, Tj Max, Dollar General, auto parts stores and my local fly shop just to name a few. It certainly is a fly that has found a place in my box.
Thanks for the comments, Justin, and I appreciate the information from your store. I'd love to hear more about it, and some of the other popular patterns. Thanks again, and I hope your Christmas season is going well. Tim
You're welcome, Deb, and kind of you to say so! I actually am tying this pattern a tad different now...and will probably revise my current method sometime, too! That's the beauty of fly tying and learning...there is always another level to each! Hope you're well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I have tied some red and lighter olive mop flies, haven't had much success yet with them. The only time I've tried them the water was super low and super clear. Fish were really stacked up and a little skiddish. I several lookers and followers on them, just no bites.
Interesting, Charlie! I would recommend that you continue to try them out in other situations, and perhaps some additional colors. Let me know if you have success on them in the future, and good luck! Tim
I bought a nifty green dust mop at Dollar Tree. Yes, it cost a dollar. I'll cut chunks off for friends since there is far more material than I could possibly use. Hmm, maybe I'll tie up some for whitefish in the icy waters of a nearby river.
Awesome, and congrats! We used them this weekend and did really well on some freshly stocked rainbows. I appreciate you taking a moment to comment, and hope to hear more from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Hi Tim ..great video as always! I did tie one of these from Tightline videos last year and tried it with great success! They like the mop even here in Canada!! LOL! Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words, Sean, and be sure to let me know how they work! If you get any good pics, don't hesitate to email them to me. Thanks again! Tim
I love this fly I have used it for a couple years! I was turned on to it by a competition fisher and I said he was crazy at first, but it works! I use it a lot with my fly fishing club students!
Going to Southern Michigan this weekend, (Labor Day), doing some in-land lake fishing. Any advice? I'm going to tie some first time mops with chartreuse. Might try tying some peacock as well as other eye-catching colors.
I apologize for the late reply, Kip, though I would always recommend calling fly shops in the area you are traveling to. I only fish the Michigan waterway occasionally, thus defer to those fishing there all season. I hope the trip went well! Tim
Interesting fly design. This pattern could be worth an experiment. Also, I have been using Hanák hooks for many years now. I find them to be a strong and reliable brand. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Thanks for the comments, Anthony, and let me know if you play around with it at all. Regarding the Hanak hooks, I can't say enough great things about them! Thanks again for taking a moment to comment. Tim
These things are fish magnets! I fish them with success in streams and still water. It's a blast watching them disappear as soon as they break through the film!🎣
I know exactly what you mean, Corey, and thanks for taking a moment to comment. I hope to hear from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Thanks for the comments, Bill, and they work (especially tan!). Chuck Furimsky? If that's who you are asking about, he still runs the International Fly Tying Symposium. International Angler is a fly shop in the Pittsburgh area, and I am unsure if a "Chuck" works there. Thanks again, and I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Here in Scandinavia the mops can be found in Aldi, Bauhous and Biltema. (used for cars and floors ) etc : Biltema : www.biltema.dk/da/Bilpleje/Vask-og-Rengoring/Vaskeskind-og-mikrofiber/
Thanks for the kind words, Darien, and a bread fly is not something I've tied before. I would probably spin deer hair to tie it, or some soft material that can create bulk, like sponge. What species are you after with it? Thanks again for taking a moment to comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
It was for bluegill as I find a decent bluegill good fun on the fly and I normally burley them up with little bits of bread. I have attempted to make my own with foam but it doesn’t quite look right and they don’t float for long and sink to quickly. Cheers
I see a lot of hits for this video, I actually tied some up a couple of weeks ago with a tungsten head, Antron Medium olive dubbing body, with Peacock herl head thorax, on a #16 size hook, along with some other versions. Tried them in CT on a Saturday for a couple of hours with no prevail. Seemed as though my spots were fished recently as I noticed worm containers, coffee cups, and some garbage that I hauled out on my way. Fished on Sunday in NY and did quite well, caught a couple, lost a few, and some short hits. Been fishing mainly midges with no prevail. Nice to catch some fish, but wouldn't be proud to display as the go to fly. Enjoying your videos, and as a beginner fly tier has been extremely helpful. Any videos in the future regarding materials and the differences. Z-lon, Antron, UV dubbing, Possum, Squirrel, EP fibers, etc. I know an entire book can be written on this topic, but I'm sure a short video would be helpful for us beginners. Looking forward to future videos.
Thanks, Frank, and this fly is one that definitely has worked for me, though depends on the situation. There are some interesting color variations, which all depend on the mop color. Don't be afraid to keep fishing the fly, as it does work...trust me! Regarding your ideas, I will definitely look into them and see what I can do. You're assuming I know the differences! ;-) Thanks again for the kind words, and I look forward to hearing more from you on some of my other videos. BTW, what color midges are you fishing? Don't forget to fish olive ones. ;-) Tim
Tim Cammisa Lemon lime, cut to half size for the #16. attended Tim Flagler's seminar on Friday at the Somerset show and going to tie some of his Navy Divers fly which just happened to be released on you tube. Gonna give that and your Sluiceway Special a try. Maybe this weekend since I missed last weekend with the show. Although I usually wait for a 2 or 3 day warming trend. Yourself, Tim, and Oliver Edwards are my go to channels. I'm sure you know enough to give a great presentation on the differences between materials. I will tie flies float them in a tub of water to see how they look, but I have no rhyme or reason in doing so! All part of the game I suppose.
Thanks for the reply, Frank, and Tim Flagler is excellent! You'll have to let me know how the patterns work as you fish them. Good luck, and thanks again. Tim
Thanks for the question, Zachary, and I haven't used a barbed hook for years. Is there a reason you prefer barbed over barbless? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
That depends on many factors and where you live. I have fished in during every season and had a lot of success in the spring and fall. I hope that helps, and appreciate the question. I hope to hear more from you on my other videos. TC
Thanks for posting this pattern. It's one of the most productive I've found for the lakes here in NW Montana. But I've got a couple questions. I noticed that if I tied it like you showed, the "mop" would float all over the place and I wondered if I missed some hook-sets because the fish struck the mop but didn't get part of the hook. So I've been tying them so that the tag end of my tying thread is long long enough to wrap forward (without compressing the mop)after I tie in at the head, essentially ribbing the mop onto the hook shank. This has cured that floating away problem. So- do you think it's necessary to do that? Also, I get what I think are short-strikes a lot. I get a nibble, but not a strike. Is that from having a mop too long for the hook? Or maybe the fish are too small to bite the whole thing. Here's thanks in advance, and thanks for all the help your videos have given me!
You're welcome, Doug, and thanks for the kind words. In regards to "floating away," I know exactly what you mean. I've started playing around with a Mini Mop, with a shorter length. That may help to solve some of the issue you're having, but it's tough to determine them from here. Knowing it's a lake, then there's a likelihood that the fish are striking the "tail", hence causing them to be missed. The ribbing can definitely help, though my larger Mop flies continued to be tied like in the video. I haven't had many problems with them, though I tend to fish them in moving water or stripping slowly in stillwater. I hope that helps, and you better invite me to that lake in Montana sometime! ;-) Tim
It's never a wrong time to fish it, but try out some different colors and go from there. The spring seems best, and high water is an instance when some of the fluorescent colors work really well. Thanks for the comment, and let me know how it works out for you. Tim
Hi Tim, and no one is forcing you to try one! That's the beauty of fly fishing and fly tying, we are each on our own path. If you decide to try the Mop, let me know your thoughts. Thanks! Tim
I know, right!! Ha ha! It's all good, and this is all about having fun. Thanks for taking a moment to comment, and I hope to hear from you on some of my other videos (maybe dry flies!). Ha ha. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Hi Randy, and that's a great suggestion. I'm currently filming videos for 2021 and will see if that can make it into the rotation. Thanks for the suggestion and I hope to hear from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
You can dead drift, twitch, or fish similar to streamer (depending on the water you are fishing). If you need more information, please let me know via email (tcammisa@gmail.com). Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Tim
Jace fish it under a popper pattern. You've heard of Hopper-Dropper this is Popper-Mopper and it "cleans" up with bass and panfish. Not sorry for the bad pun.
Thanks for the comment, Jacques, and the bead in the video was silver. Being that it is faceted, it may appear different shades because of the light. For my Mop flies, I use a variety of bead colors...though I'm unsure if that makes a difference! :-) Thanks for checking, and I look forward to more comments from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
So the secret is now out, Patrick? Ha ha...it's tough to keep flies like this one a secret for too long. Let me know your next secret fly when you find it. ;-) Tim
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Just came across this video while searching for mop fly patterns. I didn’t realize that the mop fly has been around that long. But it’s nice to see how many fly tying channels have them. I’m enjoying your videos thank you!
Tim, I just tied my first mop flies and I gotta say, your video is - by far - the best. I'm excited to try fishing this (too easy?) pattern. In general, your videos are some of the best tying videos out there. I put you and Tim Flagler in the same class of high-quality tying instruction, and here's why ... teaching. The one thing that the two of you do better than anyone else is educate. As an educator myself, I respect the way your videos don't just show what materials to put on the hook, but you answer the questions of where, when, how and - most importantly - WHY. Usually, you go the extra mile to explain the history of the fly and tips for fishing it, which is something I always find missing in everyone else's videos. Please keep up the great work. I'm always looking forward to seeing more.
Thank you for such kind words, Andy; they are greatly appreciated. To be mentioned with Tim Flagler is humbling because he is such an incredible guy! Thank you again, and good luck with this one...it works! Tim
I caught my first trout using this fly. Was so excited that I released the fish before taking a picture.
That's awesome; congrats! What color were you using? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Good, don't even take them out of the water. It shows you are a pro!
I love these things. I don't care what fly I'm using as long as it catches fish. Use it as the anchor to my euro rig. Very effective, especially the chartreuse color. I've literally tried every method of connecting mop material to hook that you mentioned. Haven't landed on #1 preference yet (they all work). I'm with CVTU and looking forward to you presentation to our chapter next month.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Mop...a fly everyone loves to hate! I look forward to presenting and will be sure that this fly is integrated somehow. ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Watched a video of this being fished and laughed but thought I'd tie a few up. Went to my favorite fishing hole which is a technical tailwater in CO. I typical only have luck here with small nymphs size 22. Threw this on with a second nymph behind it. 5th cast a nice 16" rainbow hammered it. The next 3 I caught all hit this. gotta love that! Tying up a bunch more tonight.
HA HA! I hope my other videos haven't caused that laughing, too! Seriously, I'm glad it's worked for you and hope it continues to do so. Thanks for taking a moment to share the comment, and I hope to hear more for you on some of my others. Thanks again, Tim
Like the Green Weenie, I have never tied a mop fly, I can't explain why there is a dozen in my winter fly box!
HA HA, George! ;-)
Hey Tim! Just left a comment on the Micro Mop vid to say now I know what the second fly was that you sent me is. Thanks dude. I’ll have a go at these now for sure. Thank you for another one dude.
Glad you figured it out, and this one works great...sometimes too good! Here's a quick spot to buy the Mop material: Brighter colors - amzn.to/3akl1NT LOTS of colors - amzn.to/36EHqFD Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Can't wait to "clean up" with this fly this summer! Thanks Tim!!!
Dear Tim, can't wait to tie up some MOP flies and get out on the water and fish with them. Sincerely PERK
Tim,
You always do a great job with your videos and writing. You are an asset to the Fly fishing world. Especially, for those that want to learn.
The "Mop Fly" catches fish. I have been fishing and tying them for @ 2 years. Please do not tell the shops in Colorado, but glittery/flashy size 28 midges and nymphs created by local tiers are not the only thing that fish eat there.
The question that I have is, why do you (and MANY others) act as though this is taboo? Look at the majority of tying materials in shops across the world. Craft fur, Tinsel, Rubber legs, glass or plastic eyes, synthetic yarns, beads of glass, brass, tungsten, foam tubing and sheet goods... I can go on until my fingers hurt from typing.
The fact is that these flies catch fish. They are easy/fun to tie. and Yes, They can "Match the Hatch". CRANE FLY! So why the bad vibes about them?
For more cost effective material and more diverse colors. Go to Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross... They sell rugs for the same prices as mops or booties.
A partridge soft hackle makes a nice add to the fly you tied. Try it.
Keep up the great work.
Steven, thanks for the kind words and your secret from the fly shops is safe with me! I appreciate the suggestions for others to purchase the material, plus the partridge addition. Regarding your "taboo" comment, many tyers shy away from patterns like this (such as a hot pink version) because they are truly not imitating a natural insect in the water. The use of synthetic materials is expected in fly tying, though if I had to choose a favorite, I still select natural materials on a regular basis (such as deer hair, natural dubbing, and cdc). My question during the video was meant to further the discussion regarding patterns similar to the Mop Fly, and it definitely has (you should see my email inbox!). This pattern is obviously not one I shy away from, considering I just tied in publicly on TH-cam. Ha ha! Thanks again for the kind words, and I look forward to hearing more from you on some of my other videos. Tim
Thanks, Tim.
What a coincidence I LITERALLY just now finished tying my first mop flies! I hear good things about them and plan to try them out soon.
Let me know how they work for you! Tim
My wife's favorite setup is this mop fly under an indicator used as a suspension device. She ignores the indicator, instead she sight fishes, watching for the mop color to disappear on the take. I tie traditional wet flies. I do pretty well with a Silver Knicker or a William's Favorite or a snipe and purple....but Gorgeous outfishes me with the mop fly every time. I tie mop flies because I love her and she loves them, but I'm not proud of it...
Ha ha, now that's too funny, Bo!! I would love to learn a little more about those traditional wet flies; is there a resource you would recommend? Thanks for taking a moment to comment and share. Tim
The single best source of information on technique of tying traditional wets is Davy Wotton's DVD set "Wet Fly Tying." If you have a friend who wants to learn every technique to put together any wet fly, that's the DVD set to get. For an experienced tier such as yourself, the recipes of these obscure flies are the key. Get a copy of an old book "A Dictionary of Trout Flies and flies for sea trout and grayling by A. Courtney Williams." It will open a world of flies which were rendered obsolete by fashion, displaced by modern nymph patterns, while retaining their potency for catching fish. Also get a book called "Plu Stiniog: Trout Flies for North Wales by Emrys Evans." Armed with flies from these two books, and very simple wet fly patterns by applying Wotton's techniques as a beginner, I have ditched indicators years ago and catch many and also good sized fish (just never as many or as big as Gorgeous catches!) by fishing wets upstream, across and down. Wotton's "Wet Fly Ways" DVD showed me how, and I LOVE not having to stare at an indicator. I can almost always solve the problem and catch fish, (skunked twice in nine years) and I am only a mediocre fisherman. Pay attention to the light; when it is a rosy colored dawn, pick a wet fly which adumbrates that low light rosy effect, etc. Although there is some aspect of "hatch matching" it is more art than cookbook. I kind of like that. I''ll end this overly long reply with one soft hackle which works great in soft water on an overcast day: hook - barbless competition 16 or 14, thread - any thin red thread I use veevus for its strength/size, body Orvis sparkle hair copper (actually looks like a wine color) or other synthetic with that look, rib wine UTC wire, tag red thread coated with varnish or thin UV resin, sparse thorax of steelhead ice dub UV lavender and hackle of black hen or furnace hen. I call it the copper and wine. If it doesn't catch for you in soft water on an overcast day, I will send you my copy of William's book, and I love that book! Great videos. Keep up the great work. Thank you Tim! Bo
Tim,
Your videos are terrific. I saw the PonyFoot123 comment and thought I would remark on the coincidence for me as well. I fired up the desktop this morning to get the list of flies I am instructing for Trout Unlimited today and the Mop is one of four "guide"flies we are tying this morning. Serendipity abounds.
Thanks for the kind words, Tom, and sometimes the right "thing" just happens! I hope the class went well, and you'll have to let me know the other flies you tied there. ;-) Tim
Being new to fly fishing and fly tying, this is an easy fly for Mr to tie. I am definitely adding it to my arsenal. If it catches fish, I am going g to use it. Thanks for the video.
Hi Scott, and it catches fish! I have slightly adjusted my tying procedures since posting this video. Shoot me an email and I will give you an update: tcammisa@gmail.com Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Tim, We've had good luck with the mop fly here in Northwest Arkansas. We tie it in the chartreuse, orange, gray, and black pattern on a jig hook and paint the lead head black, orange, or chartreuse. Your dust slippers sound like the best way to go. The mops at the automotive stores are pretty pricey, but you get a whole truckload of worms from one mop. I haven't tried to use the mop fly yet. I'm having too much luck with an orange tinsel and furnace hackle crackle back #14, but I will give them a try when I'm back on the stream. Thanks.
Excellent comments and it sounds like this fly works all over. Thanks for sharing your suggestions with us, and let me know how the fly works for you. Tim
Dollar General is a great source for various color and sizes for the mops. Thanks for your videos, they're greatly appreciated.
Thank you for the kind words, and great comment on another source for the material. I look forward to hearing from you on some of my other videos. Thanks again! Tim
Our DG seems to just have the orange in the automotive and blue in the cleaning area.
Tim, these things are available by the carload at all the automotive shops: Pep Boys, etc, etc. They are car wash mitts. So far I have found six colors. Here in Texas, the Bass and Panfish are all over them. I first saw them used for trout in Broken Bow, OK. They work
Peter Rea
Thanks, Peter; I see them everywhere I go now! Plus...they work! ;-) Tim
Hey Tim, we’ve been using the mop fly in Florida for Mayan Cichlids and Oscars since 2009. 100 fish days are an absolute in the Everglades.🙂
Now that sounds fun! I'd love to see some pictures and learn more, if you have any information: tcammisa@gmail.com Thanks! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Tim, I found some of this stuff on a dollar store duster. I am tying up a few of these now. I tie all kinds of flies with all kinds of materials. I just want to catch fish! :-) Great video! Thanks!
Glad you found them at that price, Nicole! Be sure to let me know how they work for you. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
The mop flys one of my favorite for northeast PA iv out fished guys standing beside me using real flys (Adams caddies nymphs) Video helped me tie the mop better
Thanks for taking a moment to comment, and this is a fish-catching pattern. I'm in western PA, thus we can agree that the Mop has conquered Pennsylvania! I appreciate the kind words and hope to see you comment on some of my other videos. Tim
Brian Rader The Pisgah Angler
I have been using the mop fly for a year now, and have found it to be an incredible fly for stock trout. I have tied it in blue, green , and yellow. The yellow has been the color that works for me, and like you i add dubbing. I like using a black ice dubbing. This year so far I have caught several rainbows 18" and one 20" beast! One nice brown that was around 17". I like to use a 9' 5wt rod, and high stick through fast water runs. Trout almost always hit the fly at the end of the swing. I found my mop material at Walmart, & Family dollar stores. They can be found in the automotive section of these stores. They are hand mittens for washing your car. I plan on trying the mop fly on Wild trout in the spring. I have heard they will hit them, but not like the stock trout. The mop fly is very popular here in North Carolina. I enjoyed your video!
Thanks for the comments, Brian, and it seems like we've had similar experiences. The Mop has worked very well for me with stocked trout, though it hasn't been one I've fished with great confidence over wild trout. Like you, I have gotten more subtle colors and plan on spending more time fishing it this spring. Thanks again for kind words and taking a moment to comment. Tim
As others have commented, I too have just tied up a few mop flys before seeing this video. Turns out I tied it exactly like Tim did. You can buy this material in the cleaning isle at most big box stores, but also look in the automotive detail section. One thing to note is that they seem to come in different lengths. I have 4 colors and they range from 3/4" - 1 1/4". I'll be ordering some more from Tim's link, those looked plenty long. The 3/4" one I have is almost too short after you peel back the material to the core.
Great minds think alike, Brendon! ;-) Tim
one variation I made that looks nice is making a dubbing loop with the webbing from a chartreuse shlappen feather. definitely has tons of movement
Great suggestion, and I love an excuse to use schlappen. ;-) Tim
I also tie this on a 1/16 jighead for fishing bluegill and crappie! (ultralight spinning 4 lb test)
Great comment, Gary; thanks for the suggestion. I have done well with it for perch, too. ;-) Tim
Tim, these are sold in the UK as car wash mitts - I've got a few from the pound shops here. Not really being a trout guy I fish these for perch. I love traditional patterns also, but I'm not a purist...I'll fish anything that the fish want to bite! Regards from the NW UK.
Thanks for the kind words, David, and I have used them for perch, too! It sounds like we have similar styles, thus if you ever make it over from the UK, let me know. Tim
I love these flies. I got my first carp on one. Fly tyers Brotherhood
Awesome...and congrats! Tim
Tim,
Great video as always. I would have to say that the "secret" has been out for a little while. The mop fly has been the best selling fly in my store since I started it back in August. I tie my version slightly different, but basically the same concept with the dubbing. I have several different colors to offer as you noted that there are many colors out there. I have found mop material all over. Walmart, Tj Max, Dollar General, auto parts stores and my local fly shop just to name a few. It certainly is a fly that has found a place in my box.
Thanks for the comments, Justin, and I appreciate the information from your store. I'd love to hear more about it, and some of the other popular patterns. Thanks again, and I hope your Christmas season is going well. Tim
Neat fly! Hope to see u at International Angler this weekend.
Thanks for the comment, and be sure to say hi if you're there. Tim
Thanks Tim. Great video.
You're welcome, Deb, and kind of you to say so! I actually am tying this pattern a tad different now...and will probably revise my current method sometime, too! That's the beauty of fly tying and learning...there is always another level to each! Hope you're well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Great tie Tim
Thanks for the kind words, Jonathan, and can you go wrong with a Mop?!?! ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I have tied some red and lighter olive mop flies, haven't had much success yet with them. The only time I've tried them the water was super low and super clear. Fish were really stacked up and a little skiddish. I several lookers and followers on them, just no bites.
Interesting, Charlie! I would recommend that you continue to try them out in other situations, and perhaps some additional colors. Let me know if you have success on them in the future, and good luck! Tim
I bought a nifty green dust mop at Dollar Tree. Yes, it cost a dollar. I'll cut chunks off for friends since there is far more material than I could possibly use. Hmm, maybe I'll tie up some for whitefish in the icy waters of a nearby river.
Very cool, Emil, and let me know how you do with them on whitefish. Tim
Landed 22 inch rainbow two days ago w the mop fly. This thing works
Awesome, and congrats! We used them this weekend and did really well on some freshly stocked rainbows. I appreciate you taking a moment to comment, and hope to hear more from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Hi Tim ..great video as always! I did tie one of these from Tightline videos last year and tried it with great success! They like the mop even here in Canada!! LOL! Cheers!
Great to know that the Mop is loved everywhere! Ha ha... Tim
I can't wait to tie one up, and try it.
Thanks for the comment, Raymond, and let me know how they work for you. Tim
This is a very easy pattern to teach Scouts for the Fly Fishing Merit Badge.
Great video! Can't wait to tie and fish this fly!
Ernie
Thanks, Ernie, and let me know how you do with it. Tim
Nice I use the same thing I love for steelhead
Awesome Gustavo, and I KNOW the steelhead enjoy a Mop fly every now and then! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Going to be tying some up this weekend. Great video Tim!
Thanks for the kind words, Sean, and be sure to let me know how they work! If you get any good pics, don't hesitate to email them to me. Thanks again! Tim
it has lasted 6 years at least... 2022 and this was 2nd fly being taught in our fly tying class... green weenie was first!
Isn't this practically a Green Weenie?!? ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I will ty some and see if the chub in my region likes it!
Be sure to let me know how they work! TC
Looks like something I would like to try.
Definitely, Gene, and let me know how it works when you try it out. Thanks for the comment! Tim
I've never tied a mop fly but I found mop material at the dollar store, sold as a "Microfiber Washmitt" for cars.
Be careful...they're addicting! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I love this fly I have used it for a couple years! I was turned on to it by a competition fisher and I said he was crazy at first, but it works! I use it a lot with my fly fishing club students!
Great comment, Stuart, and thanks for sharing your experience. Tim
Does the mop fly work in salt water for bone fish?
I have yet to try, Andy, but maybe someone else will comment. Thanks for the question, and I hope to hear from you in some of my other videos. TC
They work great for bass
Yes they do, and for perch, too! ;-) Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Tim
Going to Southern Michigan this weekend, (Labor Day), doing some in-land lake fishing. Any advice? I'm going to tie some first time mops with chartreuse. Might try tying some peacock as well as other eye-catching colors.
I apologize for the late reply, Kip, though I would always recommend calling fly shops in the area you are traveling to. I only fish the Michigan waterway occasionally, thus defer to those fishing there all season. I hope the trip went well! Tim
Just a FYI... I saw mop slippers on Ebay for $1.00 to 3.00 and free shipping. Lots of colors.
Awesome, Stephen...great to know! Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I use car wash mitts bought at my local dollar store in several colours
Great suggestion, Elliot...thanks! Tim
It works and go to your dollarama and get just micro fibre mop material it is awesome
Thanks for the suggestion for others! I hope to hear from you on some of my other videos. TC
looks realy wormy when you handle it if i run into it i sure will buy it thanks tim another great turturial cant help laugh a little needed that
Ha ha, glad you enjoyed, Robert, and I hope all is going well for you! You've been posting some beautiful pictures on Facebook of the outdoors. Tim
Yes got a once in a life time Bird landing on the rod pic lol thanks
Waiting for summer
Interesting fly design. This pattern could be worth an
experiment. Also, I have been using Hanák hooks for many years now. I find them to be a strong and reliable
brand. I cannot recommend them highly
enough.
Thanks for the comments, Anthony, and let me know if you play around with it at all. Regarding the Hanak hooks, I can't say enough great things about them! Thanks again for taking a moment to comment. Tim
These things are fish magnets! I fish them with success in streams and still water. It's a blast watching them disappear as soon as they break through the film!🎣
I know exactly what you mean, Corey, and thanks for taking a moment to comment. I hope to hear from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I 've been tying them for 2 years for friends . The tan works well as a pellet fly in stocked water . Is Chuck still at international anglers ?
Thanks for the comments, Bill, and they work (especially tan!). Chuck Furimsky? If that's who you are asking about, he still runs the International Fly Tying Symposium. International Angler is a fly shop in the Pittsburgh area, and I am unsure if a "Chuck" works there. Thanks again, and I hope all is well. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Here in Scandinavia the mops can be found in Aldi, Bauhous and Biltema. (used for cars and floors )
etc : Biltema : www.biltema.dk/da/Bilpleje/Vask-og-Rengoring/Vaskeskind-og-mikrofiber/
Awesome, and very cool you're commenting from Scandinavia! Thanks for the link. TC
Great video.. where can a person find
white mop material..
Thanks, Chris, and I've purchased some on Ebay last year. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Amazon or eBay. For wider color choices in exact shades look up bathroom rugs. You will have a lifetime supply of bodies from one small rug.
Hey Tim, I know it isn’t what people normally use but could you maybe do a bread fly weather it floats or not do not bother me. BTW love the videos
Thanks for the kind words, Darien, and a bread fly is not something I've tied before. I would probably spin deer hair to tie it, or some soft material that can create bulk, like sponge. What species are you after with it? Thanks again for taking a moment to comment. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
It was for bluegill as I find a decent bluegill good fun on the fly and I normally burley them up with little bits of bread. I have attempted to make my own with foam but it doesn’t quite look right and they don’t float for long and sink to quickly. Cheers
I see a lot of hits for this video, I actually tied some up a couple of weeks ago with a tungsten head, Antron Medium olive dubbing body, with Peacock herl head thorax, on a #16 size hook, along with some other versions.
Tried them in CT on a Saturday for a couple of hours with no prevail. Seemed as though my spots were fished recently as I noticed worm containers, coffee cups, and some garbage that I hauled out on my way.
Fished on Sunday in NY and did quite well, caught a couple, lost a few, and some short hits.
Been fishing mainly midges with no prevail.
Nice to catch some fish, but wouldn't be proud to display as the go to fly.
Enjoying your videos, and as a beginner fly tier has been extremely helpful.
Any videos in the future regarding materials and the differences.
Z-lon, Antron, UV dubbing, Possum, Squirrel, EP fibers, etc.
I know an entire book can be written on this topic, but I'm sure a short video would be helpful for us beginners.
Looking forward to future videos.
Thanks, Frank, and this fly is one that definitely has worked for me, though depends on the situation. There are some interesting color variations, which all depend on the mop color. Don't be afraid to keep fishing the fly, as it does work...trust me! Regarding your ideas, I will definitely look into them and see what I can do. You're assuming I know the differences! ;-) Thanks again for the kind words, and I look forward to hearing more from you on some of my other videos. BTW, what color midges are you fishing? Don't forget to fish olive ones. ;-) Tim
Tim Cammisa Lemon lime, cut to half size for the #16. attended Tim Flagler's seminar on Friday at the Somerset show and going to tie some of his Navy Divers fly which just happened to be released on you tube. Gonna give that and your Sluiceway Special a try. Maybe this weekend since I missed last weekend with the show. Although I usually wait for a 2 or 3 day warming trend. Yourself, Tim, and Oliver Edwards are my go to channels. I'm sure you know enough to give a great presentation on the differences between materials. I will tie flies float them in a tub of water to see how they look, but I have no rhyme or reason in doing so! All part of the game I suppose.
Thanks for the reply, Frank, and Tim Flagler is excellent! You'll have to let me know how the patterns work as you fish them. Good luck, and thanks again. Tim
I'm looking to tie with a barbed hook. What brand and model would everyone recommend?
Thanks for the question, Zachary, and I haven't used a barbed hook for years. Is there a reason you prefer barbed over barbless? Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Whats the best season to fish this fly
That depends on many factors and where you live. I have fished in during every season and had a lot of success in the spring and fall. I hope that helps, and appreciate the question. I hope to hear more from you on my other videos. TC
Thanks for posting this pattern. It's one of the most productive I've found for the lakes here in NW Montana. But I've got a couple questions. I noticed that if I tied it like you showed, the "mop" would float all over the place and I wondered if I missed some hook-sets because the fish struck the mop but didn't get part of the hook. So I've been tying them so that the tag end of my tying thread is long long enough to wrap forward (without compressing the mop)after I tie in at the head, essentially ribbing the mop onto the hook shank. This has cured that floating away problem. So- do you think it's necessary to do that? Also, I get what I think are short-strikes a lot. I get a nibble, but not a strike. Is that from having a mop too long for the hook? Or maybe the fish are too small to bite the whole thing. Here's thanks in advance, and thanks for all the help your videos have given me!
You're welcome, Doug, and thanks for the kind words. In regards to "floating away," I know exactly what you mean. I've started playing around with a Mini Mop, with a shorter length. That may help to solve some of the issue you're having, but it's tough to determine them from here. Knowing it's a lake, then there's a likelihood that the fish are striking the "tail", hence causing them to be missed. The ribbing can definitely help, though my larger Mop flies continued to be tied like in the video. I haven't had many problems with them, though I tend to fish them in moving water or stripping slowly in stillwater. I hope that helps, and you better invite me to that lake in Montana sometime! ;-) Tim
Thanks, and anytime!
Hello Tim, what time of the year would be the best to fish the mop fly
im definitely going to try this
Dave Hall all year man!
thanks
It's never a wrong time to fish it, but try out some different colors and go from there. The spring seems best, and high water is an instance when some of the fluorescent colors work really well. Thanks for the comment, and let me know how it works out for you. Tim
Agreed!
I guess I'll try one but it still looks like a powerbait turd do they represent any 🐛 at all
Hi Tim, and no one is forcing you to try one! That's the beauty of fly fishing and fly tying, we are each on our own path. If you decide to try the Mop, let me know your thoughts. Thanks! Tim
Mop Flies and Squirminators....What have we become! LOL
I know, right!! Ha ha! It's all good, and this is all about having fun. Thanks for taking a moment to comment, and I hope to hear from you on some of my other videos (maybe dry flies!). Ha ha. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
Can you please film your mop fly in water so we can see the action?
Hi Randy, and that's a great suggestion. I'm currently filming videos for 2021 and will see if that can make it into the rotation. Thanks for the suggestion and I hope to hear from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
you mention central Pa. do you fish that area.
I fish the Central PA area frequently, Jordan; lots of great places! Tim
how do you fish it? Dead drift or swing?
There's no wrong way, but I prefer more of a dead drift. TC
Thanks for the reply. Still loving the transformer I belive it's going to be my dream vise.
You're welcome, Chris...and the Transformer is so nice!
how to fish with tis pattern??
You can dead drift, twitch, or fish similar to streamer (depending on the water you are fishing). If you need more information, please let me know via email (tcammisa@gmail.com). Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Tim
What's fish does it work on
Jace, there are too many to list! Which one were you considering using it for? TC
I was wondering about bass
It is definitely not my "go-to" all of the time, but I have used it wit moderate success for bass (especially mops in darker colors).
Jace fish it under a popper pattern. You've heard of Hopper-Dropper this is Popper-Mopper and it "cleans" up with bass and panfish. Not sorry for the bad pun.
HAHAHAHA!
microfiber chenille is the material. Amazon has entire bath mats of the stuff for $5 a piece in bunches of colors.
Thanks for the comment, Coleman...
Use can also use a car wash mit
Thanks for sharing, and I'm sure many will be looking for those! Tim
I think the bead might be black instead of silver..
Thanks for the comment, Jacques, and the bead in the video was silver. Being that it is faceted, it may appear different shades because of the light. For my Mop flies, I use a variety of bead colors...though I'm unsure if that makes a difference! :-) Thanks for checking, and I look forward to more comments from you on some of my other videos. Tim www.troutandfeather.com
@@TimCammisa Hi Tim. Thank your for your reply.
I have tied this for 2 yrs now and it is a fish killer
So the secret is now out, Patrick? Ha ha...it's tough to keep flies like this one a secret for too long. Let me know your next secret fly when you find it. ;-) Tim
Dollar store.
Worth every penny, all 100 of them! ;-) Tim www.troutandfeather.com
I've yet to give one a shot.Imagine that Smallmouth would go crazy for one.
No thanks!
Ha ha! I was expecting a few more comments like this, but you appear to be in the minority. ;-) Tim