The Flies of Monte Smith

When I first met Oregon fly fisherman and tyer Monte Smith through our Contributing Fly Tyer program he had only been tying Steelhead flies for several years and full-dressed Atlantics for only a couple years and so naturally, I was taken aback by his extraordinary talent. That was only a few years ago. He still continues to amaze me today with the beautifully tied examples he submits of flies that would be challenging for tyers with many more years of experience. Salmonfly.Net and its readers are very fortunate that he is willing to show us his creations on this site. Read a little about him before taking a look at his flies.

I was born (1964) and raised in Western Oregon, blessed to be amid some of the finest fishing waters in the country. Introduced to fly fishing on the Deschutes River by my grandfather at the age of twelve, I have maintained a keen interest in the sport through the years.

About a dozen years ago, I got serious about tying flies. Those close to me might say I've gone nuts! I progressed from the simple trout flies I needed for my fishing to more and more intricate patterns. Then came the steelhead flies. I worked on Speys and Dees and discovered at this point that my tying could be a little "artsy" as well as practical. I soon developed an interest in classic featherwing streamers. As my appreciation for this art form progressed, I found myself drawn to the classic full-dressed salmon fly. I always viewed these flies as works of art and something that I could never do. Wouldn't be practical, right?

The history, intricacy, and sheer beauty of these flies captivated me. I jumped in and found that by applying many of the same techniques I had honed over the years, I could indeed dress an Atlantic. Though I love dressing the classics, I continue to enjoy tying on many different levels. I love to explore new materials and techniques and welcome the opportunity to learn from and share with other tyers. It's a never-ending journey that I am enjoying every step of the way.

I continue to make my home in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with my wife and two young children. In my spare time, I can usually be found at my tying desk or casting a fly on my local waters. I am honored to be a part of this website and have my flies among so many outstanding patterns. So many flies, so little time?

I hope in some small way I can share the passion of tying and fishing that has been inspired within me.

Thanks,
Monte Smith

Newly Submitted Flies - January 2012

	Benham (Light)	Brown Sugar	The Butcher	Green Queen
	Copper Lake	Copper McFinn	Spring Breeze	Cree and Minnick #2
	Lemon and Grey	Pitcroy Fancy	Orange Goshawk	The Poynder

Formerly Submitted Flies

Scottish Doubles

Streamers

Steelhead Flies, Speys and Dees

Deschutes River Dee Series, Designed by Andrew Marshall