Brad Berlin

Brad Berlin has been tying flies and fly fishing the streams of northeast and central Pennsylvania for over 30 years. He guides on area streams and the Susquehanna River. Brad teaches classes in fly tying and casting and currently serves as president of the Columbia County Chapter of Trout Unlimited. He enjoys fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario with Troy Creasy in autumn.

Articles written by Brad Berlin

the black stone fly nymph

A Beginner’s Guide to The Black Stone Nymph

Fly Tying Materials for Black Stone Nymphs Creating a Black Stonefly Nymph requires specific materials to imitate the look and movement of this aquatic insect. Here’s a complete list of materials, with English instructions to guide you in tying your own: Hook: Use a size 16 to 8 Mustad 3906, B, wet nymph, or sproat […]

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a close up of an estaz egg sack fly

How to Tie the Estaz Egg Sack Fly Pattern

Anglers in search of a surefire way to entice fish during spawning seasons need look no further than the Estaz Egg Sack Fly. This vibrant and fluffy pattern has become a staple in the tackle bag of those who pursue steelhead, brown trout, salmon, and other species, particularly in the chilly waters of New York […]

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The Parachute Adams Fly Pattern

Tying Flies: Parachute Adams Fly Pattern Tying flies can be a rewarding and creative aspect of fly fishing, allowing anglers to craft custom patterns that mimic the insects fish naturally feed on. One classic and highly effective dry fly pattern is the Parachute Adams. This versatile fly is known for its ability to imitate various […]

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the copper john fly

Tying a Copper John Fly: a Quick and Easy Guide

The Copper John Fly: A Classic Nymph for All Seasons The Copper John is one of the most iconic nymph patterns in the fly-fishing world. Known for its durability, versatility, and effectiveness, this fly is a go-to choice for many anglers targeting a variety of species, particularly trout. Whether you’re fishing freestone rivers or spring […]

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A close up of a newly made, white and red fly fishing popper

Tying and Fishing Popper Flies

Materials You’ll Need to Tie Popper Flies for Bass Creating your own popper flies for bass fishing is a highly rewarding experience, and with the right materials, you can craft effective, custom lures that will attract the attention of aggressive bass. Here’s a comprehensive list of materials you’ll need to get started: Hook Mustad 33903 […]

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close up of montana nymph fly patterns

Montana Nymph Fly Patterns Make Easy Fishing

The Montana Nymph Fly is a classic and reliable pattern that should be in every angler’s fly box. Known for its simplicity and effectiveness, it imitates a variety of aquatic insects, making it an ideal choice for catching trout in a range of water conditions. Whether you’re new to nymph fishing or a seasoned angler […]

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Hare's Ear fly on the vise.

Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Fly Instructions and Materials

The Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear is one of the most effective and widely used nymph patterns in fly fishing. It’s simple to tie, easy to customize, and proven to catch fish in a wide range of conditions. This fly imitates many types of aquatic insects, making it useful throughout the year in both rivers and […]

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close up of a Rabbit Strip Fly on the vise.

Rabbit Strip Fly Tying Instructions

In the world of fly fishing, few patterns can rival the versatility and effectiveness of the rabbit strip fly. For anglers looking to master this dynamic pattern, rabbit strip fly tying instructions are essential to creating a fly that mimics various prey, such as baitfish and leeches, making it a must-have in every fly box. Also […]

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the pink lady fly on the vice.

Pink Lady Fly Pattern Tying Instructions, Colors & Materials

  The Pink Lady fly is a versatile and effective pattern that can be adapted to catch a wide variety of fish species. Known for its vibrant colors and simple construction, this fly is especially favored by anglers targeting salmon, steelhead, trout, and even smallmouth bass. The beauty of the Pink Lady fly lies not […]

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A little chum bug fly fishing lure, freshly tied and ready for action.

How to Tie- Little Chum Bug

Fly Tying Guide for the Little Chum Bug If you’re looking to create an effective fly for targeting salmon or steelhead, the Little Chum Bug Fly is a must-have in your tackle bag. This pattern is simple yet incredibly effective, and can be customized based on water conditions and fish behavior. Here’s a detailed breakdown […]

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Whistler Image

How To Tie And Fish A Whistler Fly

The Whistler fly, originally designed by Dan Blanton, is a versatile streamer pattern used for both freshwater and saltwater gamefish. Known for its flash, vibration, and movement in the water, it’s especially effective for aggressive species like northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. This article covers how to tie the fly, when to […]

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Dr. Nina Schoch has been a leading conservationist in the Adirondacks since the 1990s and created the Adirondack Loon Program in 2001. Her work involves research, organizing volunteer efforts, and publicity to create public awareness...

Joe Hackett is a licensed guide and owner/operator of Tahawus Ltd, a year-round Adirondack guide service. He regularly writes columns in several Adirondack newspapers and freelances for many outdoor publications.

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Sue Kiesel is a professional photographer who loves all seasons and all aspects of the Adirondacks. She has won numerous awards for her photos and has had them in many exhibits and publications. She has...