In this fly tying tutorial, we'll walk you through how to tie the Party Favor — a flashy shad pattern built with UV materials, hot colors, and a unique wing case technique using party balloons.

Inspired by a technique from Hogan Brown, this fly was designed with American shad in mind, but can also find its way into trout and steelhead boxes.

If you’ve never chased American shad before, they’re one of the most fun freshwater species to swing flies for and a great fishery for beginners, kids, or anyone learning how to fish a two-handed rod.