Pete Rosenau’s Big News: Spawn Fly Fish’s Own Joins Fulling Mill as a Signature Fly Tier

March 5, 2025

The fly-fishing world is buzzing with big news from Spawn Fly Fish’s owning partner, Pete Rosenau, who just signed on as a Signature Fly Tier with Fulling Mill. This milestone is not just a personal achievement for Pete, but a huge win for the Spawn Fly Fish community. With this partnership, Pete’s unique and highly effective patterns, including the Rocktober Caddis, Peach Bum, and Wiggle Leech, will soon be accessible to anglers across the globe. Each of these patterns has earned a solid reputation, not only for their ability to hook fish but for their innovative design, rooted in Pete's decades of fly-tying experience.

From Hobbyist to Professional: Pete’s Journey

Fly tying has been a part of Pete’s life for over two decades, evolving from a hobby into a passion and finally into a professional pursuit. Reflecting on what signing with Fulling Mill means to him, Pete describes it as the ultimate validation of years of hard work and commitment to his craft. But like any significant journey, this transition came with its own set of challenges. For Pete, moving from hobbyist to professional required not only skill but also the ability to be creative on demand—a major shift that has honed his craft and allowed him to push the boundaries of fly design.

Crafting Flies with a Purpose

Pete’s approach to creating a new fly pattern is rooted in purpose. He begins by identifying a specific need, whether it’s designing a fly for a certain species or simply enhancing success rates with an already popular fish. From there, it’s all about experimentation: trial and error until he strikes the perfect balance. His Rocktober Caddis, Peach Bum, and Wiggle Leech are prime examples of this process, each created with unique features to target fish effectively.

In terms of favorite materials, Pete is loyal, frequently using Spawn Fly Fish products for their quality and reliability. Another go-to material is CDC (cul de canard), renowned for its ability to attract fish, especially in caddis patterns. Caddis patterns hold a special place in Pete's heart, as they speak to his respect for trout and their willingness to take on this widespread bug. Each material and pattern choice reflects Pete’s deep understanding of fish behavior and the environments in which they thrive.

Looking to the Future: Inspiring Others

Pete’s goals as a Signature Fly Tier aren’t just about catalog pages or product placement. He envisions a future where his success is reflected in the work of others, where anglers worldwide draw inspiration from his patterns and, in turn, innovate and make them their own. For Pete, it’s about igniting that spark in other anglers and inviting them to experience the art of fly tying.

His inspiration comes from countless sources. Conversations with friends and fellow business partner, Josh Phillips, often spark new ideas, and nature itself is a constant muse. Staying current with industry trends is crucial, and Pete finds that social media, alongside his hands-on experience in the industry, keeps him connected to the latest innovations and conversations within the fly-tying community.

Practical Insights and Lessons Learned

For Pete, a functional and organized workspace is essential. Proper storage and accessibility of materials are key; being able to quickly reach for any material or tool helps bring those spontaneous ideas to life. Over the years, he has also come to realize that the most valuable lesson in fly tying is to do what makes you happy. Enthusiasm is contagious, and for Pete, maintaining that joy on the vise is just as important as the technical skill involved.

Celebrating a Global Impact

With Fulling Mill and Spawn Fly Fish’s reach, Pete’s flies will now be a part of fishing adventures worldwide, a testament to the skill and dedication he brings to each pattern he creates. The Rocktober Caddis, Peach Bum, and Wiggle Leech will now find their place in fly boxes across continents, introducing countless anglers to the quality and creativity he stands for.

This partnership with Fulling Mill signifies not only the global recognition of Pete’s talent but also the bright future of Spawn Fly Fish and the passionate community it serves. The joy, innovation, and dedication Pete brings to his work will undoubtedly inspire fly tiers everywhere to push boundaries and keep their passion alive. Congratulations to Pete on this well-deserved achievement, and here’s to the many anglers around the world who will now get to experience his remarkable creations firsthand!