In theory, fly-fishing is a simple sport: Pick a body of water, choose a fly-fishing rod, select your “fly” (or bait), tie a secure knot, cast your line and, hopefully, land a fish on the other end.

As winter creeps in it often means a drop in opportunity for fly fishermen. That depends on where you live, of course, but for many of us, river time becomes vise time. If you’re new to fly tying, ...