I learned about Don Bastian by researching some information on classic wet flies. I had also noticed him on a classic fly tying forum at www.classicflytying.com. It didn’t take long to figure out that he was a skilled fly tyer. Here is a quick summary of Don’s experience.
Don has been tying flies since 1964. He is a speaker, lecturer, author, fly tying instructor, guide, and a tactical fly fishing specialist and operator of Bastian’s Angling Specialties.
Many of Don’s classic wet flies, streamers, and traditional drys are featured in many well known publications:
- Art of Angling Journal, published by Complete Sportsman.
- Forgotten Flies – approximately 765 flies published.
- Rare and Unusual Fly Tying Materials – Volume II – Fifteen classic wet fly patterns from Trout by Ray Bergman, are included in the book.
- Hatches Magazine Online – The Ray Bergman Collection features 483 classic wet fly patterns tied and photographed by Don.
Mr. Bastian has agreed to do something for FrankenFly in the future, but right now he is battling some health issues. Because of this he has announced he will not be able to make it to the International Fly Tying Symposium this weekend.
While preparing to write this warm-up post about Don I read through his posts on his blog. I knew he was good, but I was even more impressed as I read through and studied his flies. His specialty is classic wet flies, but I was impressed by his trout flies as well. He is a phenomenal fly tyer. Below, I will place some links under photos pointing to his posts that will explain each in detail. There is a ton of information on his blog, so I encourage you to read more than just these. If you are interested in buying flies tied by Don Bastian you can go to his section on MyFlies.com and see what’s available. All photos are owned by Don Bastian. Streamers365 photo owned by Darren Mac Eachern.
Colonel Bates
General MacArthur
Delaware Adams Wulff
Selecting Streamer Hackle
Sulphur Para-emerger
Cress Bug
Silver Doctor
I have been getting back into fly tying after 40 years away from it, and Don has been a major influence and instructor for me. I have followed him across the Northeast from one show or class to another. Although he specializes in Rangeley streamers (especially those of Carrie Stevens) and traditional wet flies, he’s a master tier of all traditional types of flies. He is also a fountain of knowledge on the history of flies and tying techniques, and willingly shares his knowledge in print and word. His classes are great because he has the patience of a saint, and a very relaxed and easy going manner. Considering his many talents in fly tying and fly fishing (he guided for many years), Don is perhaps relatively unknown and under appreciated because he is a humble guy who lets his work speak for him. If anyone has the chance to watch or hear him, or take a class with him, don’t miss it.
Thank you for the comment Jim!
Great comment too!