Efficiency and speed of tying
Fly tying efficiency is important to those that fish frequently because we simply do not have time to spend hours and hours tying only a handful of flies, half of which will likely end up snagged on logs and rocks within a couple hours of fishing. In the estimation of the best fly tyers, great fly patterns need to be efficient to tie, while still remaining attractive and fishable. Certain patterns are more inclined to efficiency, while others simply aren’t. Those that aren’t can often be improved by a handful of tricks, tips, and tying methods, but will usually still be outdone by simpler patterns, at least in terms of efficiency. A good example of what many consider to be a very efficient fly is the Sexy Walt's Worm pattern. It involves a thread base, a hares ear dubbing body, and some mylar ribbing. That’s it. It is incredibly effective to fish, incredibly effective to tie, imitates a wide range of insects, functions as it should, and is attractive and visually appealing as a bonus. In my estimation, it is one of very few flies that I consider “essentially perfect”. The Sexy Walt’s Worm qualifies as an efficient fly because it is easy and fast to tie, without compromising the previously discussed list of metrics for a good nymph pattern. This is basically the way to evaluate the tying efficiency of any pattern. The accomplished tyer should ask themselves, “Am I sacrificing any of the essential metrics of nymph design in order to tie this pattern quickly and consistently?” If you have to sacrifice your fly design to be efficient, then you’re missing the mark. If you can fulfill all your metrics while creating a fly that can be tied very efficiently, then you are right on the money with your design and execution.