As the founder of Tightline Productions, Tim Flagler has spent the past two decades producing some of the most informative and accessible tying content available online. His YouTube videos—shot from the tyer’s perspective, illuminated with crisp visuals and that iconic honeyed voice—have helped thousands of anglers refine their craft at the vise.
Based in New Jersey, Tim is a year-round guide, writer, and videographer. He’s been a featured presenter at major fly-fishing shows across the country, and he contributes regularly to Fly Tyer Magazine (where he was named Fly Tyer of the Year in Winter 2022). His instructional style blends technical clarity with a deep understanding of both traditional and evolving tying methods.
For this September, we’re proud to feature Tim’s Isonychia Soft Hackle as our Fly of the Month. What makes this pattern so interesting isn’t just its effectiveness; it’s how it reflects the full spectrum of Tim’s approach to tying: a deep respect for tradition, thoughtful material selection, and a commitment to functionality and innovation on the water.
“It’s a fly that represents all the things we talk about (below)," Tim says, explaining how it is a blend of old-school technique, modern tweaks, seasonal adaptability, and functionality. The pattern is inspired by an older style tied by Preston Jennings, a renowned Catskills tyer, but Tim has added modern touches: a sleeker barbless black-nickel hook, durable UV2 dubbing, and subtle changes to enhance swim action. Read on for more:
A Conversation with Tim Flagler
You mentioned that people tie flies for different reasons—some for show, some for therapy, others to fish. Where do you fall on that spectrum?
I’m kind of all over the place. I tie to relax, to experiment with new techniques, for instructional videos, and definitely to fish. I tie a lot for function: flies that I guide with, that I need to work, but I also love the process itself. Tying is inherently creative, and trying something new—like tweaking a parachute hackle technique—is what keeps me engaged.
Your videos are widely loved for their clarity. What’s your philosophy when it comes to instruction?
Everything is shot from the tyer’s perspective. That’s deliberate. I want viewers to see exactly what I see. I also try to include as many techniques as possible in a single pattern. The Isonychia Soft Hackle is a great example, it’s a fly that covers a lot of ground. Students can take away multiple techniques from just one fly.
Let’s talk more about the Isonychia Soft Hackle. Why this pattern, and why now?
It touches on all the aspects we discussed. It’s rooted in history, based on Preston Jennings’ work, but I’ve updated it for modern use. The Iso is a long-lasting hatch—from June to November—and the nymphs swim very actively. This fly lets you fish it how you want: swinging, drifting, or stripping. I use it often with trout Spey techniques.
When you're choosing what to film or tie next, what guides your decision?
It’s a mix. Seasonality plays a big role—what’s hatching now or coming up soon. I also have a list of requests from viewers and readers. Sometimes I stumble on a new technique or material I like, and I want to get it on camera right away. And occasionally I’ll tie something to go along with an article I’m writing for Fly Tyer Magazine.
How important is in-person instruction in today’s digital world?
It’s still incredibly valuable. Video has amazing reach—people can learn from anywhere—but nothing beats sitting down with a group at a big table after dinner, tying flies and swapping stories. I do a lot of that during guided trips. We tie in the evenings, and everyone brings their own kits. It’s educational, but also communal. And yes, the flies tend to go downhill after the second bourbon. [laughs]
Do you ever fish with other people’s flies?
Rarely. I appreciate it when people give me flies—I actually have a cabinet full of them, with notes about where they came from. There are some amazing patterns in there from many of the iconic, big name tyers. They’re like little treasures. But if I want to fish one, I’ll usually tie a copy myself. That way I can keep the original.
Final thoughts on the Isonychia Soft Hackle—what makes it special to you?
It's a fishy fly. But beyond that, it’s a teaching tool. It’s got a great story behind it, it’s adaptable, and it forces you to pay attention to proportion and movement. It swings beautifully, catches fish, and helps people learn. That’s about all I can ask for in a pattern.
3 comments
Jim N
I have learned so much from Tim’s tying videos and lectures at the fly tying shows. But my all time favorite video, done in traditional fly tying style, is How to Hard Boil Eggs.
Phil Gay
Tim you gotta love the “iconic honeyed voice”.
I know from personal observations that you are a great tyer. I use ISO MAN as well call it all throughout the year. It was a staple at Spruce Creek but it performs well here on the Gunpowder as well. I will definitely play with your soft hackle version.
Bruce Salzburg
I saw Tim at the Denver fly fishing Show last year, and asked him to teach me something. He showed me his technique for furling the post on parachute flies. I came back a while later and asked him to teach me something else. He showed me how to variegate colors by spinning them in a dubbing loop.
I very much appreciate excellent tyers’ willingness to share some technique, as well as tyers who are efficient in their tying. Tim does both.