Since at least 200 AD humans have been engaged in fly tying and fly fishing, making the practice almost 2000 years old, though it may look incredibly different now.
For many fly fishers, fly tying is an art form that only the masters can truly perfect and takes years to learn through trial and error. Just like any artist, however, the fly tying master needs a place to work on their craft: a fly tying bench.
Every fly tying bench is different, just like every lure is different, both are based off of the fly fisher that made them.
Some people opt to buy an antique desk or work bench and add their own touches as needed, others buy one commercially already made.
Still others, though, choose to build their own from scratch to perfectly customize their workspace to their needs.
A hand built fly tying bench is also a great thing to pass down to future generations and something people can share with their children or grandchildren.
However, with so many different plans and designs on the market, it can be hard to decide where to start. Below are some strong examples of quality fly tying bench plans to get started with.
- Pete’s Option
Here is an example of a fly tying station that can be set on top of an existing desk or table, saving money and wood.
This option also allows for some portability in case of vacations, moving, or extended fishing trips or even if the fly fisher just wants to work out front on the porch that day.
This also works for those who do not have a lot of space for their craft and may need that space for other things when the station is not in use, as this station can be tucked away when needed.
However, despite how compact it is, this station also has plenty of room for storing things like scissors, thread, and other supplies. To build this station, click here.
- For Beginners
For those just getting into fly fishing or fly tying and still wanting a dedicated workspace that they crafted themselves, this may be the perfect option.
Small and portable, this one is great for those just starting out and only need spots for a few simple tools.
This small fly tying bench can be set on almost any surface, inside or outside, depending on the mood.
This also works for more experienced fly tying if they are going on vacation or are traveling, but want to bring along their favorite supplies to work with.
With just enough space for 12 spools and the essential supplies, it also works for those trying to teach a new generation of fly fishers fly tying and want them to have their own dedicated fly tying bench to start with. To build this one, click here for more information.
- The Hobby Bench Option
While not specifically for fly tying, “hobby bench” plans offer a good look at what someone may one to add or leave off of their own bench.
These benches typically come with a lot more than needed for fly tying, but these extras can make the craftman’s life a lot easier.
The extra storage drawers and shelving on the sides, for example, leave extra room for supplies and reference materials for creative slumps.
This option is also a full desk, making more room for fly tying with all the extra counter space.
A desk like this is perfect for people serious about fly tying who spend a great deal of time working on their lures and want a dedicated space, but might be a bit bulky for beginners or those looking to travel with their materials.
For more information on building this hobby bench, click here.
- Classy and Customized
This fly tying bench is a good example of the options fly fishers have when customizing their work stations and adding their own personal touches.
This fly fishing bench was made for a man’s friend, so the carpenter did a wood burning on a fish and his friend’s initials, just to add that special personal touch.
The contrasts of the wood and finishing also make this station an attractive work place, making it all the more easy to get work done.
This fly tying bench is also small enough and portable so it can be set anywhere or tucked away when it is not needed.
This portability also opens more options for travel, allowing the fly fisher to take their fly tying fishing with them or simply sit on the porch while they work and enjoy the weather.
To build this fly tying bench, click here for more information.
- Kreg Hobby Bench
This is another hobby bench option for a fly tying bench, this one offers storage down below and on the tabletop itself.
Fly tying requires a lot of space to store the odds and ends involved in creating the lures and this one has it, but because this is being cusom built, there is always room to add whatever the fly fisher needs.
The benefits of having a stand alone desk mean, of course, more room, but having a dedicated space to work can also help get things done and help keep from losing odds and ends that might get spread out.
Full fly tying benches are best for fly fishers serious about fly tying and are dedicated to it, having an entire bench might be a bit bulky for beginners still experimenting and not fully committed.
To build this particular fly tying bench, click here.
- Tiny Edition
For those with even less space available, whether they are traveling often or live in the tiny homes becoming increasingly popular, this option is perfect.
The top works as the workspace while just underneath is some storage that is enough to hold the basics.
This is an especially great option for those living in apartments or condos that enjoy fly fishing and fly tying, but do not have the room for an entire fly tying bench.
Since the builder is creating their own fly tying bench, they can add whatever else they think they might need to make this one work for them despite its size.
This option is perfect for beginners, younger fly fishers, or those who just do not have the space available. To build this fly tying bench, click here for the plans.
- Lots and Lots of Storage
For fly fishers with a lot of supplies on their hands and not enough space, this may be the perfect option.
Not only is there a drawer just below and storage on top of the bench, but there are shelves on the sides for storing bulkier supplies such as reference materials.
Fly tying involves a lot of small pieces, which the drawers on the top are perfect for storing in, and there is plenty of space to get to work at.
The space on the top of the storage on the desk allows room for a lamp that can be pointed directly down over where the workspace is, so no room is lost on a lamp and plenty of light is still shining down on the workspace.
This is another desk great for fly fishers dedicated to fly tying their own lures and have a lot of supplies, something this large may not be the best for beginners or young fly fishers.
To build this one, click here.
- Portable Fly Tying Bench
This is another portable option for fly tying on the go, whether for by the shore or in a condo, this one is sure to fit where its needed.
Small ones like this can, of course, be tucked away when not needed and be brought back out and set on the kitchen table.
It still has all the storage needed for the essential tools and supplies, while remaining compact enough to sit on a regular desk.
Having something small like this can be a game changer for those who live in small apartments or condos and thought they did not have enough room for fly tying.
This small workspace is perfect for beginners and young fly fishers, but also great for experienced fly tying on the go.
To build this particular bench, click here.
- For the Kitchen Table
This particular fly tying bench was made for a man who was tired of taking up the entire kitchen table for days on end while fly tying.
With this fly tying bench, all of the supplies needed are contained and where they should be, so there is no scrambling trying to find them.
This one also remained portable so, if needed, it can be taken off the kitchen table when it is time for dinner and brought back out after dessert.
It can also be taken on vacation, to the front porch, or out to the shore for better inspiration.
A portable, small fly tying bench like this is perfect for people on the go, younger fly fishers, and experienced fly fishers who just do not have the room in their homes for a full desk.
To build this fly tying bench, click here.
