Last Updated on February 02, 2022

Best Fly Tying Kit Reviews and Buying Guide

Hottest Picks

Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit

WETFLY Deluxe Fly Tying Kit

Muskoka Lifestyle Products Store Fly Tying Material Feather and Dubbing Starter Kit

How We Found the Best Fly Tying Kits

Experts Interviewed

Fly Tying Kits Tested

HOW WE DECIDED

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Models Considered

Hours Researched

Experts Interviewed

164

Consumers Consulted

BEST OF THE BEST

WETFLY Deluxe Fly Tying Kit

BEST FOR THE PRICE

Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit

Muskoka Lifestyle Products Store Fly Tying Material Feather and Dubbing Starter Kit

Orvis Fly-tying Kit

Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit for Tying Flies

BOTTOM LINE

The standard tool kit from Colorado Anglers is a great choice for anglers of all skills and expertise. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, this wooden fly tying standard tool kit has everything one may need. All these tools come in a compact and portable wooden case for easy carrying around.

While the first review was for tools, this kit is more about the materials needed to make flies. Technically being an 18 piece kit, each of those 18 pieces is a bag or pack or lots of material.

One of the most inclusive fly tying kits you can find, this set allows you to make up to 160 flies without needing any other supplies. Including a DVD from one of the best fly tying videographers, Tim Flagler, you’ll learn how to tie flies correctly and easily.

PROS

Includes almost everything you need

Economical price for all the pieces

Instructional book and DVD help beginners get started

Carrying case keeps everything safe and organized

Includes almost everything you need

Economical price for all the pieces

Instructional book and DVD help beginners get started

Carrying case keeps everything safe and organized

18 packs or bags of different materials

Great for tying wet or dry flies

Material for streamers and nymphs

Rare materials to fill your stock with

Includes enough material for 160 flies

16 different patterns included

All tools necessary are included

Excellent instructional video

Large full kit

IThree sizes of hooks included

Book and DVD instructions for beginners

Includes good quality materials

CONS

No whip finisher

Flying materials not included

Some common desirable materials not included

Tools less durable than expected

Low quality tools

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One of the most fun ways to enjoy the outdoors is with fly fishing. If you have never discovered fly fishing, it’s using floating lures that resemble flies on the water to catch fish. Fly lures are generally made by the fisherman them self. Tying flies may seem difficult at first, but there are some great kits to help make it easy and enjoyable for almost anyone. If you want a fun new adventure, here are some of the best fly tying kits available.

WETFLY Deluxe Fly Tying Kit

Best of the best

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

When you want to be able to dive right in and start tying flies without any other steps, this is the kit for you. It includes some crafting materials, the tools, a great guide book and a how to DVD to get you started. For beginners, or those that are relearning the process, this kit is a perfect place to start.

Having a vise, scissors, hack pliers and other necessary tools together in a kit with high quality dubbing, feathers, chenille and other materials saves time and money. Purchasing each of the items individually would really raise the price and it can be difficult to find all of them together while out at the local sporting goods store.

All of the pieces come together in a solid carrying case, which makes it easy to keep everything organized. Considering the size and type of materials, it’s easy to lose them if they aren’t well secured, so having the case prevents loss or damage.

The one drawback we discovered was that while the kit includes most everything to get started, it was lacking one necessary tool. The kit does not have a whip finisher, which makes it tough to complete some flies.

Colorado Anglers Z797 Wooden Fly Tying Standard Tool Kit

Best for the Price

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

This kit comes with more than eight essential tools that include a vise, pliers, scissors, bobbin, threader, among many others. Using all of these tools together will make your fly tying easy.

With that said though, it must be stated that this kit does not come with an instruction manual. While the kit has all the tools needed that can be used by beginners and experts, it may be used better in the hands of those who know how.

The wooden case it comes in is a definite plus though. The obvious benefit is the portability that it provides. All the tools fit snugly in the wooden case and can be brought around with ease.

For anglers who want to show off their tools, it can be easily done with the wooden case. At the same time, if you need a level surface for working on fly tying, the wooden case works well for it too.

Muskoka Lifestyle Products Store Fly Tying Material Feather and Dubbing Starter Kit

Bottom Line

While the first review was for tools, this kit is more about the materials needed to make flies. Technically being an 18 piece kit, each of those 18 pieces is a bag or pack or lots of material. Purchasing this allows you to stock up on all of the feathers and dubbings in many styles and colors.

PROS

CONS

Summary

Making what feels like an unlimited supply of streamers and nymphs is a breeze with this kit. Both wet or dry style of flies can be created from the included contents as well. It helps that many of the included products are difficult to find elsewhere. Adding the benefit of receiving some truly rare materials.

The only drawbacks are that there are so many different types of materials available that even this kit doesn’t have everything a person would want. While there may be some items you’d like to add as well, that doesn’t mean the amount of material you get from here is anything to laugh at. Plus the quantity is a great saving compared to higher prices for buying each material individually.

Orvis Fly-tying Kit

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

The tools in this kit are some of the highest quality that we looked at. Included in this set are a bodkin, half-hitch tool, hackle pliers, hair stacker and whip finish tool. The most complete kit we’ve reviewed so far, with this purchase you’re ready to go as soon as you open the case.

With 16 patterns, and enough materials to make 10 flies per pattern, this will help you create flies for any location. The tools are made to be durable, but they aren’t the highest quality, so they may be lacking for professional purposes. This kit is best for the beginner or hobbyist that wants to learn to make lots of styles of flies without needing to make other purchases.

Ultimately, one of the best all around kits for someone that either is just beginning or wants the most economical deal. This kit supplies enough to keep anyone busy for days, and be sure to get the fish on.

Creative Angler Deluxe Fly Tying Kit for Tying Flies

Bottom Line

PROS

CONS

Summary

The 23 pieces included in this full kit are designed for the beginner to get started tying flies right away. Although the kit is lacking a whip finisher from the tools, it has everything else essential to start making fly lures. The kit has a guide book and DVD to help teach you the right way to start your flies, and how to finish the patterns correctly.

A hard sided case holds all of the tools and materials, making it easy to transport to the field or store at home. The case protects the contents from damage so that you know the materials will be there when you need them.

The tools are lower quality than some of the tools available, but the materials included make up for that. Having good quality saddle hackle, marabou, chenille and dubbing makes sure you’ll have quality flies when you finish. With three sizes of hooks included as well it means you can target large or small fish while you’re outdoors.

Scientific Anglers Deluxe Fly Tying Kit with Vise

Bottom Line

Our next product in the list is Scientific Anglers’ Deluxe Fly Tying Kit. This fly tying kit is one of the most affordable in the list. It contains all the tools that one may need for fly tying. These include scissors, a holder for the bobbin, a bobbin threader, and even a vise among many others.

PROS

CONS

Summary

Other items included in this kit include hooks, thread, wire, and many other tools for fly tying. The fact that so many tools come at such an affordable price point makes this fly tying kit quite a steal.

With that said though – like in many cases – price is indicative of something. In the case of this product, the quality of some of the materials is questionable. However, for anglers who are on a budget, this is an ideal product to start with.

SF Fly Fishing Tying Tools

Bottom Line

One of the biggest names in fly tying products is SF. They provide some of the best tools for fly tying, and it is no different with this product. The product comes with seven great useful tools that include a bullet bobbin, a bodkin, hackle pliers, and great quality scissors among many others.

PROS

CONS

Summary

The tools included in this kit are either made of brass or stainless steel. This greatly lends to the durability and longevity of the tools. All of them come in a soft case which has enough room to contain all the tools, but is not big enough to be a hindrance. The case acts as both protection and an easy way to bring them around.

While the tools are complete and provide excellent value, it must be stated that the kit lacks any fly tying materials. These need to be bought separately. However, having these tools in any angler’s arsenal is a definite benefit moving forward.

What to Look For When Buying a Fly Tying Kit

There are all sorts of different fly tying kits available, from those that include everything, to those that are just tools or materials. Knowing what you will want, or need, is important to deciding what you’ll want to purchase.

Where Will You Be Fishing

The first question that needs to be answered, is where you will be fishing. If you are headed to fresh water lakes, ponds or other still waters, then you’ll want to have flies that can be visible from long distances. Having the right rod, line and leaders make a big difference too. For more information on preparing for still water fishing, check out this information from Orvis.

For other regions, or types of water, then other equipment and flies will be necessary. It’s important to check out the local environment. Ask about fly hatches so that you know what kind of insects the fishing are eating, and be prepared to make alterations or tie flies on the go.

What Tools Are Most Critical

While there are many different tools out there, and each kit comes with different selections of tools, there are a few that you definitely should have. Whether you plan on getting them in a kit, or purchase them individually, here’s what should be in your fly tool box:

Vise: A quality vise is necessary to hold the hook steady while you tie around the hook. If the vise isn’t sturdy enough, or doesn’t hold the hook well, then you’ll always struggle to get the fly completed.

Bobbin Holder: Bobbins are the little spools that thread and wire are wrapped around. While tying flies can be done without something to hold the bobbin, it is extremely difficult, and likely impossible for a beginner. Bobbin holders fix that problem and make it so you can get the job done without struggling.

Scissors: While just about any scissors will make due, there are fly tying scissors made specifically for this hobby. They are designed with the needs of tying onto a small target with thread and wire in mind, making it easier to get the job done. While some may be overly specialized for a beginner’s needs, having a pair of fly tying scissors will make the task more manageable.

Hackle Pliers: Hackle pliers are tools that help hold threads, feathers, and other materials to wrap around posts, shanks or bodies for the flies. Hanging onto materials as they are wrapped or while they are tied is easier with hackle pliers performing the job of what a third hand could do.

Whip Finish Tool: A whip finish is a type of not, used to complete the fly. Whip finish tools appear like oddly bent wires, that assist in rotating the thread around the hook to tie it off.

Bodkin: A bodkin is a tool that helps apply cement or glue to a finished fly. They make it easy to precise with the location and amount of cement used.

Dubbing Twister: Dubbing is one of the materials used in making flies. Generally it comes from animal fur, and helps with the appearance and flotation of the fly. A dubbing twister does what the name implies, it helps twist the dubbing around the hook so that it maintains a natural appearance as you tie the fly.

After ensuring you have the tools you need, and knowing where you’re going to be using the flies, then you’re ready to start making them for yourself or for your friends.

Final Verdict

After reviewing some of the top fly tying kits we found on the market, we decided on one that was better than the rest for what we wanted. We took into account the tools, the materials, the ease of learning and the storage of the kit. For the beginner fly tier, it makes sense to have all the tools you’d want plus material in one quick place. For that reason, we chose the WETFLY Deluxe Fly Kit as our choice.

I love to write for readers with a genuine interest in enjoying the fishing. Hence, I started this blog to provide you guides so that you can have a better and more pleasant fishing experience.

James Williams

Staff | FishingLab

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