It is time for the annual Holdover Tournament hosted by the New Braunfels Fly Fishers November 8th at Rio Guadalupe. The tournament results are provided to TPWD to assess the condition of the fishery. There will be great prizes for all participants including two ½ day float trips, a wading trip, rods, reels, packs, fly line and many other accessories to choose from. All participants receive a prize. Prizes will be awarded based on a point system that considers number and species of fish. There is also a prize for the largest trout.
Registration prior to the tournament is required so don’t hesitate, register early for a seat on a raft or wade fishing. Details are included in the tournament flyer.
Dear Fishing Friends,We are excited to announce Oktoberfisch 2025, hosted by the Texas Hill Country Fly Fishers. This year, we’re bringing the event back to its roots—more river, more fellowship, and a laid-back weekend of fly fishing in the Hill Country.Event Details:
When: October 10–12, 2025 (Main Event: Saturday, October 11)
Where: Morgan Shady Resort, Junction, TX
What to Expect:
Saturday will serve as the main event, but plan to come for the full weekend
Laid-back riverside camping and casting opportunities
Local guides and seasoned anglers sharing tips and stories
Plenty of room to explore, fish, and relax along the Llano River
A special mini-event: Panfish Bingo — grab a bingo card, fish your way through the squares, and earn bragging rights (plus a few prizes)
Lodging:
RV and tent camping are available at Morgan Shady Resort
Local hotels are also available, $5 day pass for Morgan Shady if staying off-site
Please note: you will need to make your own lodging reservations
We look forward to seeing you this fall for another memorable Oktoberfisch weekend.Tight lines,Forrest West, Vice-President Texas Hill Country Fly Fishers Forrestwest@thcff.org 830-997-8040
In any type of fishing, the connection between you and the fish is only as strong as the knots you tie. This is magnified multiple times in fly fishing because by nature we fish with the thinnest of tippets.
Now, building a reliable leader to protect that tippet and turn over your fly requires the right knots—ones that balance strength, flexibility, and stealth. Here are five essential knots every fly angler should know when constructing a leader:
WHICH KNOT WHEN
1. Perfection Loop
Purpose: Creates a strong, reliable loop at the end of the leader for easy loop-to-loop connections with the fly line.
Why It’s Essential: The Perfection Loop lies straight and maintains nearly 100% of the line’s strength, ensuring a seamless transfer of energy during casting.
How to Tie It: Form a loop, wrap the tag end around the standing line to create a second loop, then pass the tag end between the two loops and pull tight.
Pro Tip: Ensure it is seated well, especially when using heavy monofilament.
2. Nail Knot
Purpose: Attaches the leader to the fly line securely without creating a bulky connection.
Why It’s Essential: The Nail Knot offers a smooth, streamlined connection that won’t disturb the surface film too much on a drift or retrieve.
How to Tie It: Lay a nail or similar object alongside the fly line and leader, wrap the leader around both the nail and fly line for about six turns, then thread the tag end back through the coils and tighten.
Pro Tip: Using a Nail Knot tool can simplify the process and ensure consistency.
Mono vs. Fluorocarbon: What’s Between You and the Fish
Decoding Your Fly Line Box
3. Blood Knot
Purpose: This much-loved (and trusted) old classic is great for joining two sections of monofilament or fluorocarbon line of slightly varying diameter to create a tapered leader.
Why It’s Essential: The Blood Knot maintains a high portion of the line’s inherent strength and provides a smooth, slim profile.
How to Tie It: Overlap the ends of two lines, wrap one tag end around the other line for 4-6 turns, do the same with the other tag end, then pass both tag ends through the center loop formed between the wraps and tighten.
Pro Tip: Moisten the knot before tightening to ensure it seats properly and to prevent friction damage.
4. Surgeon’s Knot
Purpose: Connects two lines of differing diameters or materials, such as adding a steel shock tippet to a leader for predatory fish.
Why It’s Essential: The Surgeon’s Knot is quick to tie and retains a high percentage of line strength, making it ideal for on-the-water adjustments.
How to Tie It: Overlap the two lines, form a loop, pass both the tag and standing ends through the loop twice (for a double surgeon’s knot) or three times (for a triple surgeon’s knot), and pull all four ends to tighten.
Pro Tip: This knot is especially useful when time is of the essence, such as during a hatch when quick rigging is crucial.
Fluoroflex Strong Tippet
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Sonar Leader
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Hard Mono Saltwater Tippet
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5. Albright Knot
Purpose: Connects lines of different diameter and material. At a push, can also make for an on-the-water connection between fly line and leader if you have a welded loop failure. (More on making your own loops in an upcoming feature).
Why It’s Essential: The Albright Knot is versatile and effective for joining lines of different materials or diameters, providing a strong and smooth connection.
How to Tie It: Form a loop in the heavier line (fly line), insert the tag end of the lighter line (leader) through the loop, wrap it around itself and the loop 10-12 times, then pass the tag end back through the loop and tighten.
Pro Tip: Go slow on the tightening process. Ensure the wraps are neat and tight to prevent the knot from slipping.
Mastering these knots will not only enhance the strength and reliability of your leader but also improve your overall fly fishing experience. Remember, the best knot is the one tied correctly, so practice these until they become second nature.
Our longtime NBFF member and friend Ron Skarbowski passed away last Tuesday per the following post from Jimbo Roberts on the Lease Members Forum:
“This is the tough part about living a long life…. Ron Skarbowski passed away Tuesday and I just heard from his wife Donna. Ron wanted his ashes scattered at the 4th Crossing on the Guadalupe. I don’t know when this will happen yet, but if you would like to join us to send him off, you are welcome to join us. I will post more information here as details become available. I will miss his old-timer’s wit and cheerful banter while flyfishing together…. Jimbo Roberts GRTU V.P. of Fisheries Topic Link: https://members.grtu.org/forums/topic/ron-skarbowski.”
Pat was unable to send a group email from Big Sky, Montana while on vacation. Big Sky was one of Ron’s favorite places to fish. We will keep you all informed on when Ron’s ashes may be scattered.
Guest Blogger: J. Stockard Pro Jeff Rowley. Follow Jeff on Instagram.
The original Chernobyl Ant was developed in the early 1990s by Utah fly tyer Allen Woolley. It quickly gained fame for its buoyancy and effectiveness during terrestrial seasons.
This variant draws on modern materials and tying tips from Tim Flagler, offering a clean, high-floating profile with vibrant contrast and movement. It’s an excellent choice when big bugs—hoppers, beetles, ants—are crashing onto the surface.
Secure the hook in your vise. Start your thread approximately 1mm behind the hook eye and lay a smooth thread base down the shank to just above the barb.
Tie in four strands of SemperFlash by folding them around the thread and securing them at the rear of the hook with firm wraps.
Step 2: Attach the Foam
Return your thread to the starting point. Cut a thin (1mm) strip of black/orange foam and tie it in at the front.
Spiral-wrap the foam back toward the tail using a touch of glue (Zap-a-Gap) on the shank for extra hold. Secure the foam with several tight wraps at the back of the hook, then trim off the excess.
Step 3: Add Dubbing & Body
Dub a small amount (~3mm) of black Kapok onto the thread.
Position the pre-cut foam body on top, pinch it into place, and secure it with progressively tighter wraps—firm enough to hold but not so tight that it cuts the foam.
Step 4: Add Legs & Wing Post
Loop in grizzly flutter legs on both sides. Tie in a small bundle of white PolyYarn at the mid-point of the body to act as a wing post for visibility.
Add more black Kapok dubbing behind the post. Pull the PolyYarn back and continue dubbing in front of it, making sure the legs remain properly positioned.
Advance dubbing along the shank—still in black—up to the ¾ point. Switch to rust Kapok dubbing and cover the remainder of the shank, stopping about 1mm behind the eye.
Step 5: Finish the Head Segment
Pull the foam forward and tie it down at the front, leaving the 1mm gap behind the eye.
Repeat the process: add another set of legs, another small PolyYarn post, and dub the front section with rust Kapok.
Whip finish neatly under the foam, securing everything in the space behind the eye.
