How to Tie the Blowtorch: Devin Olsen’s Go-To Tag Fly

Tying the Blowtorch

Watch the video for a step-by-step guide to tying Devin Olsen‘s Blowtorch.

The Blowtorch is a Euro-nymphing classic designed by Devin Olsen. It’s got just the right mix of flash and function, making it a staple in almost every angler’s fly box. 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

If you are an experienced tier, you may just need the shortened version to learn to tie the blowtorch.

Materials Needed to Tie the Blowtorch

Hook: Firehole 516

Bead: Firehole Slotted Tungsten

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

Why Tag Nymphs Are Effective

Tag nymphs like the Blowtorch feature 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. Studies on trout feeding behavior show that effective presentation in the strike zone often outweighs size or exact imitation, 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 and increase the likelihood of enticing a strike.