Olsen’s Blowtorch—Is it LIT or is it FIRE? That was the question I needed answered. So naturally, I turned to the most trusted source on such topics, my teenage daughter. When she couldn’t decide, I had to do my own research. I needed a reliable and unbiased source. So, of course, I turned to Urban Dictionary. My study revealed something that’s lit is “cool, exciting, or just generally something you’d want to experience.” Fire describes “something that’s really good, amazing, or even crazy—in the best possible way.” After careful consideration, I’ve come to the only logical conclusion: Olsen’s Blowtorch is both LIT and FIRE.
The Blowtorch is a Euro-nymphing classic, designed by Devin Olsen, an angler who really is FIRE. It’s got just the right mix of flash and function, making it a staple in almost every angler’s fly box. While I haven’t had that LIT day on the water to call it one of my “flies with a story” (more on that later), it’s still a rock-solid pattern I tie on with confidence. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to tie it, share some background on the fly, and give you tips for fishing tag nymphs effectively.
Something in the Orange
The Blowtorch As a Confidence Fly
If you’ve read my article, Why My Confidence Flies are Better Than Yours, you’ll know that I categorize flies based on their personal significance and performance. The Blowtorch fits firmly into my “Wanna Be Confidence Patterns.”
What does that mean? It’s a fly I know is effective, one that many anglers swear by, and a pattern I trust to produce fish. However, it hasn’t yet become one of my “flies with a story—” those patterns tied to a remarkable day or moment on the water. For me, the Blowtorch is on the verge of greatness, and I know that with time and experience, it will earn its story.
Why Tag Nymphs are Effective
Tag nymphs like the Blowtorch are characterized by their bright, eye-catching tags made from materials such as Glo-Brite or fluorescent threads. These tags serve multiple purposes: they act as a strike trigger for fish by adding a visual hotspot that stands out against the natural environment, mimic natural elements like egg sacs or even the vibrant coloration of small aquatic insects, and enhance the fly’s visibility in challenging conditions, such as low light or deep water. Research in aquatic biology supports the idea that fish are naturally drawn to bright or contrasting colors, particularly in environments where prey may otherwise blend into the substrate. The Blowtorch’s fluorescent orange tag exemplifies this principle, providing a simple but powerful attractor that can provoke strikes from even wary fish.
In addition to their visual appeal, tag nymphs excel in both clear water and conditions where fish are feeding selectively on small prey. The bright tag adds a visual contrast that can draw attention even when fish are hesitant to chase larger, more aggressive patterns. Their streamlined design, often paired with a tungsten bead, allows them to sink quickly and reach the strike zone faster—a critical feature in fast-flowing or deep runs. Studies on trout feeding behavior show that effective presentation in the strike zone often outweighs the size or exact imitation of the fly, making the tag nymph’s design particularly advantageous. Anglers frequently use tag nymphs like the Blowtorch in two-fly rigs, where their eye-catching design can complement a more naturalistic or subtle pattern, increasing the likelihood of enticing a strike.
Why the Blowtorch Deserves a Spot in Your Box
Even though the Blowtorch hasn’t yet earned its “story” for me, it’s a fly I trust. Its proven track record among anglers and thoughtful design make it a reliable choice in a variety of conditions. Whether you’re fishing clear, shallow runs or probing deeper pockets, the Blowtorch is versatile enough to handle the job.
One of the best parts of fly fishing is discovering those moments where a fly transforms from a “Wanna Be Confidence Pattern” into a “fly with a story to tell”. I’m confident the Blowtorch will have its day for me—and for you as well.
Materials Needed to Tie the Blowtorch
Hook: Hanak H400 BL jig hook (or similar)
Bead: 3.2mm silver slotted tungsten bead
Thread: UTC 70 in fluorescent orange
Tag: Glo-Brite #5
Ribbing: Pearl Crystal Flash
Body: Peacock dubbing
Collar: SLF Spikey Squirrel dubbing & CDC Feather
Finish: UV resin
Tying the Blowtorch
If you’re ready to tie the Blowtorch, you have two great options to guide you. You can watch my YouTube tutorial, where I walk you through every step of the process with detailed explanations and tips for getting the pattern just right.
Prefer written instructions? Follow the step-by-step directions below, and be sure to check out the photo gallery, which provides clear visuals of each tying step to help you along the way. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tier, these resources will make tying the Blowtorch both straightforward and enjoyable.
Step By Step Instructions
- Secure the Hanak H400 BL jig hook in your vise with the 3.2mm slotted tungsten bead.
- Lay a smooth thread base using UTC 70 in fluorescent orange, wrapping back to the bend of the hook.
- Tie in three strands of Glo-Brite #5 for the tag, keeping your thread flat. Wrap back to the bead and trim the excess. Snip the fibers at the bend to create the tag.
- Tie in a strand of pearl Crystal Flash at the bead slot and wrap the thread back to the tag base.
- Create a thin dubbing noodle using Wapsi Peacock dubbing and wrap it forward to form the body.
- Counter-wrap the pearl Crystal Flash to create segmentation and secure it behind the bead.
- Form a dubbing loop and add a small amount of SLF Spikey Squirrel dubbing on one side. Insert a CDC feather (natural gray), trim it from the stem, and spin the loop to create a buggy, textured blend.
- Wrap the dubbing loop forward, pulling the CDC fibers back with each turn to form the collar. Tie off and trim any excess.
- Coat the thread with UV resin and finish with a 4- or 5-turn whip finish. Cure the resin to create a durable, vibrant hot spot.
Final Thoughts
Tying the Blowtorch is not just about replicating a proven pattern; it’s about connecting with a fly that’s earned its place in the world of Euro-nymphing. Whether it becomes your “fly with a story” or stays a trusted standby, the Blowtorch is always LIT and always FIRE!
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Have a great day!
Jeff Smecker
