Hi,

In classes here in NZ we usually start with a Wooly Bugger. The second week we'll do a Fuzzy Wuzzy type (i.e. Red Setter). The third week we do a matuku-style pattern (Parson's Glory). The forth week we'll do a Pukeku type (Craig's Nighttime). These are all tied on larger hooks (size 6 or 4) and are all good still water lure patterns. The larger sized patterns are often easier for complete novices to work with. We stress thread control and neat wraps; tension; and proportions. After that, we go to nymphs (size 10s), and start with a Hare and Copper (lead wraps, a few guard hairs for a tail, dubbed hare's fur body - small at tail thick at the head, and a copper wire rib - this is a deadly pattern here, especially with a bead head, and is a simplified gold ribbed hare's ear nymph), then work on half backs (same lesson), and move on to dries (usually something big and bushy, like a royal wulf). Again, stress porpotions the whole way though.

You could easily throw in a soft hackle (during the nymphs), and some easy winged pattersn (i.e. mallard & claret). Quill slip wings can be tried if they are doing fairly well with thread and material control. It's a lot of fun to see someone progress.

- Jeff