Fly fishing is the art of catching fish using a fly pattern that imitates whatever insect fish are feeding on in that moment. After taking an entomology class at Dette Flies, I learned much about mayfly, caddis fly, and stonefly life cycles and how they relate to fly selection.
During a particularly brutal winter when I couldn’t hit the waters, I decided to revisit my bug education and create quick-reference flash cards to help me memorize Latin names and seasonal timing of the major Catskill hatches that happen throughout the fishing season. While developing these, I realized these could be a helpful tool for other anglers who wanted a deeper connection to the ecology behind the sport. I also decided to make it feel like a well-crafted print object that could proudly be displayed on a coffee table or fly tying bench.
I illustrated 20 major hatches as well as their corresponding fly patterns with digital watercolor brushes. The typography was inspired by early to mid 20th century field guides, maps, and postcards. When it came time to produce these, I wanted to choose materials that felt appropriate: a slightly textured matte box with debossed foil, spot UV, and a magnetic close hinge lid holds 22 substantially thick 500gsm cards: 20 hatches, an intro, and a season-long hatch calendar/glossary.
This was my first foray into designing a product from concept to physical reality and it was a fun ride. Many thanks go to Dette Flies for their class, as well as Paul Weamer, Al Caucci, and the late Bob Nastasi for providing the data I used for these flash cards.
You can pick up a set at Dette in Livingston Manor, Old Souls in Livingston Manor & Cold Spring NY, or right here in my shop.
Available in the shop
