Beads are one of the most important components in modern fly tying, allowing tiers to control depth, movement, and visibility with incredible precision. Whether you’re tying Euro nymphs, bead-head patterns, emergers, or micro-streamers, the right bead helps your fly sink correctly, ride in the proper orientation, and trigger strikes through flash and profile.
Our selection includes tungsten beads, slotted beads, and a range of matte, metallic, and painted finishes—making it easy to match bead style to fly function. Each bead is precision-machined for smoothness, balance, and consistent weight, ensuring reliable performance at the vise and on the water.
Choosing the Right Bead
Tungsten Beads
Tungsten is nearly twice as dense as brass, making it the top choice when you want your flies to get deep fast. Ideal for:
- Euro nymphing patterns
- Heavy pocket-water nymphs
- Jig hooks (with slotted beads)
- Deep-water presentations
Choose tungsten when depth and fast sink rates matter.
Slotted Beads
Designed specifically for jig hooks, slotted beads help the fly ride point-up, reducing snags and improving hook-up efficiency. They are ideal for:
- Euro nymphs
- Perdigons
- Modern jig-style attractors
- They also shift the center of gravity forward, enhancing the fly’s “jigging” motion.
Choosing a Finish
Metallic (Gold, Silver, Copper)
Adds classic shine and flash—excellent for attractor patterns and stained water.
Matte / Painted Colors
Reduces flash for spooky fish or clear-water conditions, while adding lifelike hotspot triggers.
Fluorescent / UV Colors
Boost visibility and trigger responses in:
- Deep water
- Low-light conditions
- Fast currents
UV beads are especially effective for modern Euro nymph patterns.
Buying Tips
- Use tungsten for fast sinks, Euro nymphing, and jig flies.
- Choose brass for mid-weight nymphs and shallow-water flies.
- For jig hooks, always pick slotted beads.
- Match bead size to hook size for proper proportions.
- Use color strategically—natural for realism, bright for triggers.
- Keep multiple weights on hand to adjust sink rate to water conditions.
A properly selected bead ensures your fly reaches the feeding zone quickly, rides correctly, and stands out just enough to draw a strike.
