About
My name is Michael Day, and I’m an avid fly tyer and fly fisherman. Located in Connecticut's Farmington Valley. I'm minutes from the famed Farmington River, a blue ribbon tailwater, and many of its tributaries. My introduction to fly tying started soon after I commenced fly fishing. With no fly tying experience, I simply observed aquatic insects and lashed materials on hooks. I began adjusting my patterns based on my observations and level of fishing success. Thereafter, I began studying, researching and tying flies for cold, warm and saltwater fly fishing.
I’ve since had the opportunity to teach fly tying, to present my flies at events, and to tie for a recent Stackpole publication. I previously guided fly anglers in Connecticut, and I've lectured to fishing organizations on fly tying, fly fishing, and bamboo rod making.
I fly fish all year long on cold moving water and develop fly patterns to suit my fly fishing.
I fly fish year round in While Connecticut is the fourth smallest state by geographical area, it has an abundant amount of water. In total, it has nearly 8,000 miles of streams and rivers, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. With no closed season for trout fishing, and four distinct seasons, one can fish year round in diverse conditions. I previously built bamboo fly rods, but have ceased doing so as of February 2025.
I fly fish all year long on cold moving water and develop fly patterns to suit my fly fishing. I previously guided fly anglers, taught fly tying and presented my flies at shows. I had the opportunity to tie a fly for a Stackpole Books publication. As time permits, I lecture to organizations on bamboo rod building, fly fishing tactics, and fly tying. I've developed a number of talks in these areas that can be fine-tuned to suit the needs and interests of particular organizations. Interested organizations are welcome to contact me.
I’ve since had the opportunity to teach fly tying, to present my flies at events, and to tie for a recent Stackpole publication. I previously guided fly anglers in Connecticut, and I've lectured to fishing organizations on fly tying, fly fishing, and bamboo rod making.
I fly fish all year long on cold moving water and develop fly patterns to suit my fly fishing.
I fly fish year round in While Connecticut is the fourth smallest state by geographical area, it has an abundant amount of water. In total, it has nearly 8,000 miles of streams and rivers, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. With no closed season for trout fishing, and four distinct seasons, one can fish year round in diverse conditions. I previously built bamboo fly rods, but have ceased doing so as of February 2025.
I fly fish all year long on cold moving water and develop fly patterns to suit my fly fishing. I previously guided fly anglers, taught fly tying and presented my flies at shows. I had the opportunity to tie a fly for a Stackpole Books publication. As time permits, I lecture to organizations on bamboo rod building, fly fishing tactics, and fly tying. I've developed a number of talks in these areas that can be fine-tuned to suit the needs and interests of particular organizations. Interested organizations are welcome to contact me.
In addition to Connecticut's rich bamboo rod making history, it is a wonderful place for the fly angler. While Connecticut is the fourth smallest state by geographical area, it has an abundant amount of water. In total, it has nearly 8,000 miles of streams and rivers, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. With no closed season for trout fishing, and four distinct seasons, one can fish year round in diverse conditions.
With a knowledge work background – practicing law in state and federal trial and appellate courts; studying contemporary analytic metaphysics in a philosophy Ph.D. program; and engaging in paper asset investing, I set out to use my hands in a creative and artistic manner.
Undoubtedly, I’ve found bamboo fly rod building and design to be the perfect combination of blending both knowledge and handwork to arrive at a functional piece of art. One must develop an understanding of the complexities of tapers. The maker will benefit from studying historic tapers, innovation and, ultimately, how to modify and create new tapers. The maker is then challenged with the task of bringing a design into existence with one’s hands.
Undoubtedly, I’ve found bamboo fly rod building and design to be the perfect combination of blending both knowledge and handwork to arrive at a functional piece of art. One must develop an understanding of the complexities of tapers. The maker will benefit from studying historic tapers, innovation and, ultimately, how to modify and create new tapers. The maker is then challenged with the task of bringing a design into existence with one’s hands.
Aside from bamboo rod building, I fly fish all year long on cold moving water and develop fly patterns to suit my fly fishing. I previously guided fly anglers, taught fly tying and presented my flies at shows. I had the opportunity to tie a fly for a Stackpole Books publication. As time permits, I lecture to organizations on bamboo rod building, fly fishing tactics, and fly tying. I've developed a number of talks in these areas that can be fine-tuned to suit the needs and interests of particular organizations. Interested organizations are welcome to contact me.