I been doing this thing for about 20yrs of and on and I think I'm still a novice. As for tying flies. I tried to but they look awful. Too shaky. So my best bet is to buy them. Zen, your flies don't cost too much. I went to Montana one year it was in June I think. Was in Missoula, went to Grizzly Hackle.Paid $2.80 for one fly that they said was out at the time. Boy what a sucker. 6 flies for 25.00 bucks. Does your camper have a shower? Jim S. P.S. Still didn't catch anything. I think that I'm the worlds worst fly fisher man.