Fly Tying Flash – Angel Hair, Krystal Flash and Flashabou

Where can fly tying flash be used?

Fly tying flash includes reflective fibres used in wings, tails, ribbing and other parts of a fly. It adds flash to nymphs, dry flies, wet flies, streamers, salmon flies and many other patterns.

The category includes fine flash for subtle accents, flash blends and longer fibres for larger streamers. Pearl, holographic, metallic, fluorescent and UV effects make it possible to match the type and intensity of flash to the pattern.

Angel Hair for salmon flies and subtle flash accents

Angel Hair is made from very fine, lightweight fibres that can be mixed with natural hair, Craft Fur and synthetic hair. It adds subtle flash without noticeably increasing the volume of the wing or tail.

Angel Hair is a popular flash material for salmon fly wings. Its fine fibres provide delicate flash while allowing the wing materials to move freely in the water.

Fine Mirage Blend Hair and similar flash blends combine several colours or reflective effects in one material. Pearl, metallic, holographic and UV fibres create a more complex flash effect without the need to mix several separate materials.

This group also includes products such as 3D Tinsel Hair, where the varied fibre surface reflects light from different angles.

How do Krystal Flash and Flashabou differ?

Krystal Flash has fine twisted or crimped fibres that reflect light from different angles. It is strong and durable, making it well suited for use as ribbing on nymphs, dry flies and wet flies. A single strand creates a distinct reflective rib and emphasises body segmentation.

Krystal Flash can also be used in tails and wings or added as individual flash strands to other fly patterns.

Flashabou is a flat flash material used mainly in streamers. Its smooth strips are added to wings and tails, where they create a broader, more pronounced flash.

Flashabou also works well along the sides of baitfish patterns and in larger pike and saltwater streamers.

Lateral Scale and long flash fibres

Lateral Scale is used to add reflection along the sides of baitfish patterns. Its reflective strips create a stronger scale effect and a distinct flash as the fly moves through the water.

Ripple Ice Fiber, Magnum Sparkle, Magnum Supreme and other long flash fibres are suitable for larger streamers, pike flies, huchen streamers and saltwater flies. They are often combined with Craft Fur, longer natural hair or synthetic hair.

Long flash fibres are also useful for forming and finishing the heads of large flies, where they add reflection without requiring heavy layers of material.

For other materials used in larger patterns, see our range of flash materials and synthetic hair for fly tying.

Which flash should you choose?

• Angel Hair is suitable for salmon fly wings and subtle flash accents.
• Krystal Flash works well for ribbing, tails, wings and individual flash strands.
• Flashabou is a good choice for streamer wings, tails and broader flash accents.
• Lateral Scale creates a strong scale effect along the sides of baitfish patterns.
• Long flash fibres are suitable for large pike flies, huchen streamers and saltwater flies.

Frequently asked questions

Can Krystal Flash be used for ribbing?

Yes. A single strand of Krystal Flash can be wrapped around the body of a nymph, dry fly or wet fly. The durable material creates reflective ribbing and emphasises body segmentation.

Is Angel Hair suitable for salmon flies?

Yes. Angel Hair is often added to salmon fly wings. Its fine fibres provide subtle flash while allowing the other wing materials to move freely in the water.

Can flash be mixed with Craft Fur and synthetic hair?

Yes. Fine flash fibres can be mixed directly with the main material or placed between layers of the wing. This adds flash without restricting the movement of the other fibres.

How much flash should be used in a fly?

One or a few strands are often enough in nymphs, wet flies and natural streamers. More flash can be used in attractor patterns, pike flies and saltwater flies where it is intended to be one of the main features of the pattern.