Monday, May 5, 2014

A Classic

Rough fast flowing boulder full streams. These are typical of many trout streams here in New England. These streams are home to both wild brook and brown trout. Living here these fish need be fast and strong to live their daily lives. Food when made available must be taken quickly. These are the waters of choice for me. And the type of fly I choose to fish is a dry fly. Fast runs and deep short soft pools are not the best place to float a dry fly. One needs a fly that will pop up and down and still remain visible. One that will remain floating as the current pulls and pushes at it and gives the look of an insect in deep trouble and very vulnerable.

This is such a fly...the Ausable Wulff. a classic.


A damp rainy September afternoon in 1964 on the banks of New York's west branch of the Ausable river the Ausable Wulff was first tied by Fran Betters. The first Wulffs were tied on big hooks, size 10. This was because the Ausable river is big, fast and and deep and such a fly was needed.

I'd like to tell you that the first trout taken on this fly was a monster, but that was not the case. About a half dozen 14 inch were first taken. And then a 21 inch brown trout struck the fly, in some rough stained water. It was that fish and thousands of trout later that keeps this Fran Betters pattern in my box. Some flies I tie I tinker with, adding something different, or perhaps removing a material. But the Ausable Wulff I tie true to pattern, just as Fran did. You can't alter perfection. There was something to the coloration Fran said to the materials when wet that worked.


Now I'll have some breakfast. This is also a classic.



24 comments:

  1. Nice post. Good to learn where from these 'exotic' fly names come from. Tis on my to do list to learn to fly fish afore the year is out, and perhaps try to tie a few flies over winter for next year...I just think it would give an lovely warmth catching one of those jewels you show so well on something made by your own hands.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Wooldridge,
      Thanks.
      I to enjoy the histories of these flies.
      Fly fishing would be good, and fly tying is so relaxing.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Apache Trout,
      Thanks.
      Quite a few classic's came from that shop in Wilmington.

      Delete
  3. Alan - yes it is a classic for sure! Together with the Ausable Bomber and the Usual went wouldn't need to carry a whole lot else!















    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark,
      Thanks.
      You have that right. That trio covers a lot of water.

      Delete
  4. Now that I'm back on the creeks, I don't think there is anything as exciting than watching a floating dry being sucked off the surface even if it is by a dinky little 9 inch Rainbow or Brookie or Brown in your case.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz,
      Thanks.
      Mark that's something I never tire off.

      Delete
  5. Alan
    That pattern is also excellent on our tailrace here, especially in the fast current section of the tailrace. I am so impressed with the Ausable. I know that takes patience and skill to fish a fast running stream such as the one in your image. One has to keep a constant eye on the fly and at the same time know when to set the hook; otherwise it results in a loss. I feel you and Mark have mastered that skill. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      Bill there are times when a brookie will come back for the fly multiple times. It's such an inviting meal.

      Delete
  6. that top shot would make an excellent picture puzzle! gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TexWisGirl,
      Thanks.
      It's a special spot. Many PB&J sandwiches were enjoyed there.

      Delete
  7. A great looking fly, fit for the purpose.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. brian,
      Thanks.
      Designed for the rough stuff.

      Delete
  8. I like the look of these ausable patterns , the calf tail wing just looks so right!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Col,
      Thanks.
      The calftail gives the fly good visibility .

      Delete
  9. Nice Alan - truly a classic and so well suited for fast water.

    ReplyDelete
  10. looks like a very buggy fly! Nice breakfast too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Savage,
      Thanks.
      The fly is a fish taker. And who doesn't like homefries and eggs.

      Delete
  11. The Ausuable Wulff, the Royal Wulff, and other Wulff patterns have been classics for years. I missed my breakfast today! Yummy......................................

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mel(Pond Stalker)
      Thanks.
      Must be a reason. Have it for lunch buddy.

      Delete
  12. If it ain't broke..don't fix it..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. penbayman,
      Thanks.
      Simply said....say's it all.

      Delete