Tenkara Flies

Tenkara flies are made in various patterns which are customary in different regions of Japan. The dry flies and nymphs often have a traditional reverse hackle. This is a design in which the hackle reaches out over the hook eye instead of the hackle applied to sweep back over the body of the fly. Traditionally Tenkara flies have been tyed on blind eye hooks.

Since the emphasis of Tenkara fishing is on presentation, patterns are impressionistic, with accurate imitations of insects being unnecessary. Size, shape, color and presentation are the four cornerstones of fly construction and design. The Tenkara angler carries a selection of flies. Color is a very important and changing factor because the appearance of the fly in or on the water can vary due to differences in water color and clarity, lighting and general weather conditions.

It seems like there is growing interest in Tenkara here in the United States.