Fellow tiers often kid me about being able to tie a fly the same way more than once. When I find a fly that the fish and I both like, I try to find ways of making even better. Over the years I have learned the characteristics of the various fly tying materials and use this knowledge when making changes to the fly.  

After 65 years of tying, I still get excited when I design a fly that the fish approve of to the point of out-fishing similar patterns. Sometimes it is the little things that make a difference. Maybe because it is different than what the fish are normally seeing.  In either case, creating or modifying fly patterns that the fish approve of is fun and rewarding.  The following patterns are some that the fish have given their approval to.