Now I have been back in the game for around three years. I am pretty much self taught tier - the only instruction I have gotten is from one of the famous Finnish tiers, Pasi Kettunen, from who I was lucky enough to get a lesson when I was twelve years old. He also showed me the dressing of a classic salmon fly, Green highlander, and gave me some materials to start with. I am ever thankful to him.

In tying classic salmon flies, my philosophy is to make each fly an individual. I carefully study the materials I use, and hope to find the character of the fly, before its dressed. When ever I have an opportunity to use authentic materials, I try to use them as full as possible, to show the whole beauty of them. I don’t care too much about strict “classic” proportions, because I don’t believe such exist.

I admire the patterns of such tiers as Blacker and Traherne, who really brought the beauty of the natural materials to shine. I also admire the old Finnish patterns for Harling flies in their simple beauty. I recently completed my first collection of Traherne flies, from which the flies shown here are taken.

I can be reached by email at jussi@ottiperhot.com if you have any questions or just want to chat salmon flies. Or you can visit my web site at www.ottiperhot.com. The English version of the site is currently under construction.

Thanks,