Here is a field report on the "Crowningshield" dry fly. I tested it on several streams and it worked very well. I had guessed it would work effectively as a dry fly but it also worked as a wet fly and that is a plus on small streams as the angler can carry a few less patterns (that simplicity thing again). The brook trout really slammed the fly, but they weren't the only trout to like the fly. In one pool I had a good sized brown whack it, that's another story for another day.
Well I'll let the photos tell the rest, with a little info here and there.
The first brook trout ever taken on the "Crowningshield"
I plucked 3 brook trout from here.
If you click to enlarge this photo you will see the most beautiful green color on this brook trouts head.
You can see the nice profile the fly gives when wet. The dubbing seems to trap some water and it reflects back. If you look closely you can see the purple underbody. Little things that can bring a fish to take the fly. The flies durability was awesome. This is the only fly that was used. It must have taken 20 plus toothy brookies.
This was the last trout I took. It was taken from the pool in the above photo yesterday.
always enjoy your photos of the streams, greenery, mosses, and of course, the pretty trout. :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
I'm happy to bring them to you.
I knew the moment I saw the fly it would be a winner.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
DeleteThanks.
It has that look, as well as the Fran Betters influence.
Looking at that fly when it's wet looks deadly. As usual you have scored Alan.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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Howard it really impressed me. I like the versatility of a multi-use fly.
Kudos to you, Alan, both at the tying vise and the stream for a job well done. Oh, guess I had better thank the beautiful Brookies too!
ReplyDeleteMel Moore,
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Mel there were lots of pieces to this puzzle and they all seem to fit.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThose awesome looking streams keep producing outstanding brook trout. The winter weather there had no effect on these trout. What size Crownshield are you using? I am really impressed with this dry. Did you land any trout using it as a wet? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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Bill so far I have not seen any bad effects from last winter. The fish are in great shape and feisty.
The Crowningshield is a size 14. The fly took trout both wet and dry.
BT,
ReplyDeleteI wish you would post some how to videos like on your various presentations ( on the stream)?? That does look like a effective pattern
Thanks
Cliff
cphaneuf,
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Cliff I will just as soon as I learn how to upload them. The pattern is awesome, used it today and it managed to fool a few.
I've found that many dries can be used wet as well on small streams which is cool because you don't have to worry about them sinking. In fact, my largest brookie I ever caught came on a parachute adams that sunk toward the end of its drift. Congrats on tying another winner!
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout,
DeleteThanks.
That's correct. It seems that small stream wild trout don't mind improper presentation.
I'm going to keep fishing it and give it a good work out.