The Signature Tyer Behind the Fly: Matt Winkler
You might know the patterns, let's meet the tyer.
Meet Matt Winkler, Umpqua Signature Tyer, Umpqua's in-house Resident Fly Expert, and Assistant Product Developer. Matt has been a Signature Tyer for ten years, and while we're sure you've fished some of his patterns, they're absolutely killer, maybe you don't know much about the man behind the ideas. Matt is well known for having a full tank of knowledge when it comes to fly fishing in stillwaters. His catalog of flies with us are designed to be incredibly effective in these bodies of water and we are thrilled to have him here in Colorado with Umpqua. In his own words Matt ties because-
"The fly is the physical connection between the angler and the fish. It’s the ability to create that connection that initially drew me into the sport of fly fishing. It’s that same connection that continues my drive to be innovative and creative behind the vice.
Most everything else in the sport is bought; rods, reels, waders, packs, etc, but the fly; it can be made. You can take a pile of fur, feathers and flash and turn it into a tangible item that can be used to fool a fish; that process is absolutely thrilling and very special to me.
Being a perfectionist, every fly is a tiny moment in time where I can strive for perfection, but at the same time I know that fly will inevitably be destroyed, thus giving me the opportunity to create it again, but better.
Tying and fishing are so interwoven that I don’t think I’d do one without the other."
We recently sat down with Matt at Umpqua HQ and tied his new Balanced $ Minnow. Watch Matt go through the pattern as he talks shop on why he made the pattern and how he approaches fishing it.
Matt Winkler's Patterns
If you haven't fished Matt's patterns, here are a few to get you started down the rabbit hole of his top-notch designs. Check out your local shop and get these flies tied on, they'll help get you one of your best days on the water.
