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Doug Christian was named Southern Council Fly Tyer of the Year at the Southern Council Conclave in early October. Doug has not only been a skilled fly tyer but a resource for all the members of the Ozark Fly Fishers. It's not only his innovative patterns but also his pattern of behavior that is so commendable and deserves recognition. He's not only a skilled fly tyer but also a person who enjoys passing on this knowledge to others. If Ozark members are called on to make a fly tying demonstration or instruct others in a class, Doug is the first person to volunteer. That's been the case for years now and it has been the same story this year.

Doug is a previous award winner with the Southern Council. He continues to tie flies at the Southern Council Conclave, other conclaves throughout the country and at the national Conclave. He's not only innovative in solving tying problems but his solutions are simple, direct and effective. He's also takes pain to acknowledge and credit other ideas and tyers for ideas he has used.

One of the best things one can say about a fly tyer is that his flies catch fish. And lots of them -- of all shape, size and variety. His recent crawfish pattern design using furry foam is deadly for smallmouth and trout and it's simple to tie. It was published in a recent edition of the FFF's Fly Fisher magazine. A gray nymph pattern he that he researched from another publication helped fishermen catch finicky trout during a winter catch release season in Missouri. He encouraged other anglers to obtain the same book and learn more about the author's patterns, taking no credit himself. His poppers, cut from foam from beach sneakers or layered together with modeling glue, are deadly for bass and bluegill. Simple observation allowed Doug come up with a streamer pattern effective for lady fish, sea trout and other saltwater species on the Gulf Coast.

Doug uses basic and easily obtainable materials. He grasps that the effectiveness of a fly doesn't depend on how complicated it is. His modesty and his willingness to share his knowledge, as well as his acknowledgement and enjoyment of other tyers sets him apart.