The Royal Wulff, an attractor hairwing dry fly created by Lee Wulff. I'm not sure if the pattern was originally created for Atlantic salmon or trout. I've not used it for salmon but I have for trout, and it works. Lee tied them by hand without the aid of a vise, and they say he tied one in size 32. The one in the photo is one I tied, it's a size 12.
Well Sunday I teamed up with Kirk, "Trout Quest Redux" for a few hours of angling on a small stream. Check out Kirk's report on the day at his blog.
I was using the Wullf and was going to see the attractor do its thing.
I came upon this likely looking trout hideout and went out work. Several drifts after I detected a rise. I continued my quest to get a fish on the Wulff. A few more drifts and a stream busting rise and take. He was on briefly, but soon got free. I continued to work the little run, putting on a Bomber, which also brought fish to the surface. I tied on a Klinkhammer type emerger and off it went. That did the trick.
A wild brook trout on the dry.
We continued to fish. Kirk had taken several nice browns while all I managed was rises to the Wulff with no hookups.
Cased caddis. The pool above was covered with these guys. This place is going to boil when they start hatching.
They say trout love these so much that they eat them sticks and all. Peanuts in the shell.
I went back to that stream yesterday. Armed with the Royal Wulff, and determined to make it work. I sent the fly floating along the bank towards the tree. The fish struck, and the 2wt did its job. I had the true pleasure of holding a wild brown. I took a quick photo and off he went.
A "Royal" reward.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Undoubtedly one of the coolest and best producing flies ever. In my opinion you can't go wrong on most days when using any fly with the "Royal Coachman color scheme".
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
DeleteThanks.
They are sharp looking flies. And they will bring them to the surface.
It's great to see that run give up a beautiful fish. It was just a matter of time. Nice job. I will have to try a Royal Wulff next time.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
DeleteThanks.
It has to hold fish, and sooner or later they will eat.
Nice looking brown and brookie, can't wait for the caddis hatch as well. Looks like a size 14 or 16 pupa? -Long
ReplyDeleteLQN,
DeleteThanks.
When those erratic bugs start hatching the trout loose all caution. It was probably a 14.
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ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThat's OK
hey! you took off word ver!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
I thought you might approve.
Like the red centre on the royal wolf and the red spots on the brownie too!
ReplyDeletebrian,
DeleteThanks.
I think that's what make it "Royal"
Hi Alan!
ReplyDeleteNice to hear that the trout are taking dry flies now. I'm more of a dry fly guy. Like to see the trout take the fly and then fire away when hooked. Just seeing trout take insects at the surface make my heart beat faster. Then it's just to offer them something you think they'll like and hope. Lovely pictures! Thanks for sharing!
The Jassid Man,
DeleteThanks.
It's one of the best natural "highs" life can offer to see a trout take the dry.
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ReplyDeleteRich60375,
DeleteThanks.
It's OK
Nice job! The Royal Wulff is my all time favorite dry for Adirondack brook trout, sunk or floating high and dry
ReplyDeleteMark,
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The Royals, Wulffs, Coachman, and Trudes, have a way with brookies.
Nicely done Alan...beautiful stretch of weather to be out and about!
ReplyDeleteSteve,
DeleteThanks.
It sure is. When are you hitting the Farmy?
:) I had enough of your great posts and hit the river myself on Wednesday...landed a beautiful brookie...some pics on Flyaddict. Sure was nice to get out!
DeleteI love all the variations. Alan will you adopt me and take me fishing?
ReplyDeleteHoward,
DeleteThanks.
Why not. Then I'll have a son that I can visit in Colorado.
Well done Al!!! You have had sme very gorgeous weather this week. Enjoy as I knwo you are. I will be joining you soon!!
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
DeleteThanks.
Been very fortunate Pete. I hope so.
Yes. Speaking of "in a nutshell" that's it. Beautiful photo of the fly--not so easy to do. And great to see it finally in the jaw of that brookie. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJim Yaussy Albright,
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Most times they come out blurry. It's a good place to see a fly.
An excellent fly. I have a handful in my dry fly box and use them often.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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They really do work well. I don't know why I don't use them more.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI told Mark the other day that the Parachute Adams was one of my favorite dries, and yes the Wulff would have to be a close second. Tying this fly in size 32 without a vise is astounding!! Impressed with the markings on the wild brown--red dots--thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
I do prefer the parachute Adams to the traditional winged one, it's a great fly. The Wulff series is also right up there.
The Royal Wulff for me is in the micro box line up. A size 18 can be a code breaker during midge and Baetis hatches. Your conditions are a solid month ahead of ours right now!
ReplyDeleteTodd,
DeleteThanks.
Things have started to change here, hope they stay.
Whats Rangeley look like.
Snow in the forecast tomorrow. Cold temps will prolong the season if this weather keeps up.
DeleteTodd,
DeleteMy my.
Woof..woof..or rather Wulff..Wulff..the "Royal" reward is fine looking brookie, Brk Trt!
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
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I can see your an early riser Mike.
How's the weather "down east"?
Up to 6" of snow heading our way this afternoon and into tomorrow..guess I'll have to wait until Sunday to dig my boat out of the garage. She's piled full of stuff..Ice is just out and the best surface trolling for landlock's is NOW! I've got some nice new tandem streamers that are ready to go overboard!
DeleteThanks Mike.
DeleteSpring ice out landlocks on streamers. Your a fortunate man.