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Phillippa Hake’s Top 5

Fly tying material and flies she’s never without!

Plus - There’s still time to save 15% off!

One thing I’m asked the most when on the river or at a fly tying event is what are my most favourite and used products & flies?

With so many to choose from I’ve selected some of my favourite tying products at the moment and flies I’m never without!

Shop our January sale here & save 15% off everything with code jan2026sale at checkout!

Top 5 Flies

(Trout & Grayling)

In no particular order, starting off at No.1 is the High Rider Sedge, or any caddis dry for that matter.

Fished on it’s own on a tapered leader or as the indicator fly whilst using the “dry & dropper method” Caddis are a fly that are most replenished in my fly box!

Shop All Caddis Dry Flies Here

As a meal that is available 365, it would be foolish not to carry some form of Gammarus with us in our boxes when out river fishing!

For me, the Gaga Gammarus, albeit slightly more expensive, they are incredibly well tied and bomb proof! What’s more? The trout & grayling go bonkers for them!

Buy Gammarus Here

If you follow me, you’ll know i’m a sucker for jig nymphs! I just love to tie and fish with them! Any kind of Pheasant Tail Nymph Jig is always in my box, Added points if it has a hot spot!

Buy Gammarus Here

The “Grunter” or any sort of upwing with a soft hackle is a must for me, especially in a hatch of olives!

I have had countless successful days when fishing with these types of flies!

The Blue Winged Olive or “BWO” is probably a close 2nd to my most favourite. It fishes well all over the UK & Europe and I’ve always got room for it in my river box!

Buy Here

Fly Tying Top 5

Most of, if not all my flies are tied with the Semperfli 12/0 Classic Waxed Thread. It does what it says on the tin. It’s not only reliable, its super strong, i can even spin deer hair with it!

Added to that, you can untwist it, split it and the colour range is huge! Hands down, my favourite!

Shop Classic Waxed Thread Here

Perdigon Body is what I love using not only as a body for perdigons, but it makes for fantastic ribs, and butts on both dry flies and nymphs! Another versatile product from Semperfli!

I am not sure I could do without Pheasant tail. Used for tails, bodies, wing cases and even legs! There are so many ways of applying it to our flies!

Buy Here

Probably, in fact, it is… my most favourite fly tying product and every fly tyer should have it!

Semperfli’s Dirty Bug Yarn is used on so many of my flies, both dry flies & nymphs! And there are so many uses for this fantastic product!

To start, I love twisting this with the Semperfli Straggle Legs, it gives river bugs such a buggy and enticing look! You can split it to make it thinner where you don’t want bulk. the more you twist it the stronger it gets and when brushed it makes it even more buggy!

Spooled Dubbing Here

I’m a massive lover of the recently released Semperfli Glo-Bright Floss.

With many uses such as ribs and tags i was mega impressed when i got it in my hands for the first time.

There is consistency in the colour which are matched to the originals and they are even available in a collection box!

Buy The Semperfli Glo-Bright Collection Box Now!

*Polite notice - Please be aware that discounts cannot be added retrospectively to orders placed outside of the sale period. Subject to availability. E&OE. Thank you.

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Phillippa Hake’s Top 5

Fly tying material and flies she’s never without!

Plus - There’s still time to save 15% off!

Top 5 Flies

(Trout & Grayling)

Fly Tying Top 5

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