Learn how to tie the Utility Dry Fly with Steve Cullen

At the very start of trout season, there’s arguably no better time to fish dry flies. Even so, many anglers instinctively reach for Olive patterns  and today, Steve is sharing one of those dependable flies that simply seems to get the job done.

At first glance, this pattern bears more than a passing resemblance to the Retirer, the fly made famous by David Parker and one that Steve greatly admires. Steve’s take, however, has its own subtle twist. By incorporating a tuft of orange yarn, he creates what he calls a “sighter”  a small burst of colour that makes it much easier to track the fly as it drifts on the surface.

It’s an impressively buggy-looking pattern and one that is well worth adding to your fly box. So sit down at the vice, tie a few up, and head to your local water to give them a try. With the season only just beginning, there’s no better time to fish it.