Celebrate Women's History Month with Megan Boyd Flies - A Legacy of Artistry

If you're a fan of fly fishing, chances are you've heard of Megan Boyd. Boyd is one of the most famous British fly tiers; her flies have become legendary, catching the eye of not just anglers, but also artists, collectors, and even royalty.

Here at Belted Cow, we're inspired by Boyd's work and have created a line of products based off of her beautiful fly designs. But who was Megan Boyd, and what made her flies so special?

Megan Boyd was a remarkable woman known for her exquisite fly tying skills. Boyd spent most of her life creating stunning fishing flies that were prized by anglers around the world. Her mastery of the art earned her numerous accolades and awards, and her flies continue to be sought after by collectors and fishing enthusiasts to this day.

Early Life & Career

Megan Boyd was born in 1915 and grew up in the Scottish Highlands, where she developed a love for nature and the outdoors. When she was 12 years old, her father encouraged her to apprentice under fellow gamekeeper Robert Trussler, where she first learned the art of fly tying. Trussler taught her the craft by having her disassemble a completed fly and then rebuild it. Boyd was intrigued by the beauty and complexity of the feathers and began experimenting with different materials to create her own flies. Her dedication to her craft was unparalleled, and she would spend hours on each fly, ensuring that every detail was just right.

Boyd's reputation as a fly tyer grew throughout the years, and she eventually caught the attention of some high-profile clients. In the 1960s, she began tying flies for Prince Charles, who was an avid fly fisherman. Boyd would receive letters from the prince, detailing the types of flies he needed for his upcoming fishing trips. She would then tie the flies and send them to him in the mail. Boyd's flies also caught the attention of artists and collectors, and she even had a fly named after her – the Megan Boyd. Megan's flies became so popular that she eventually gave up her job as a typist to focus on tying flies full time

Boyd's Flies

Boyd's flies were renowned for their beauty and craftsmanship. She used a variety of materials, including feathers, furs, and silks to create intricate patterns that mimicked the natural prey of fish. Her flies were not only stunning but also effective, with many anglers reporting great success using them in their fishing expeditions.

One of Boyd's most famous flies was the "Kate McLaren", which she created in the 1950s. The fly was named after a local angler and was known for its distinctive black and red coloration. The Kate McLaren quickly became one of the most popular fishing flies in Scotland and is still used today by anglers around the world.

Legacy

Megan Boyd continued to tie flies well into her 80s, and her work earned her numerous awards and honors. Although she was a master of the craft of creating flies, she never fished herself. “Now to disappoint all my customers, I do not fish, have no interest in fishing, and cannot even tie a fly to a cast,” she once said. She was the first woman to receive the prestigious British Empire Medal for services to angling, and she was also inducted into the Scottish Traditional Skills Hall of Fame.

Boyd passed away in 2001, but her legacy lives on through her flies and the many anglers who continue to use and appreciate them. Her work has been celebrated in numerous books, documentaries, and exhibitions, and her contribution to the world of fly tying is widely recognized.

Megan Boyd & Belted Cow

Megan Boyd was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy in the world of fly tying. Her exquisite creations were both dazzling and technically excellent, and her skill and talent earned her a place among the most revered fly tiers in history. Her work continues to inspire and influence anglers around the world, and her name will always be associated with the art and craft of fly tying.

We're honored to pay tribute to Megan Boyd through our line of belts, collars, leads, and accessories. Each design is based off of one of Boyd's famous flies, and we've worked hard to capture the beauty and detail of her work. Whether you're a fly fishing enthusiast or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, we hope you'll love our Megan Boyd-inspired products. To shop all fly fishing related products, check out our Fly Fishing Collection here.