Learn how to tie the Afterglow Spider with Steve Cullen

Some of the best fly patterns in the world are also the simplest. Easy to tie, quick to reproduce, and incredibly effective, these flies prove that complexity isn’t always necessary. Don’t let their simplicity fool you; there’s a reason these patterns are relied upon across the UK and beyond.

One standout example is the Afterglow Spider, a pattern tied by Steve Cullen.

The name comes from the fluorescent floss used in its construction. After exposure to sunlight or even a quick charge from a UV torch, the fly comes alive with a vivid glow. As Steve explains, this makes it especially effective when fishing silhouettes, particularly in coloured water or at depth where visibility is reduced.

It’s well worth having a few of these in your box for days when the water carries a bit more colour than you’d like. Before fishing, give the fly a brief blast of UV light to really bring out that bright, attention-grabbing profile.