Monday, May 9, 2016

The "Jassid" a Famous Fly

The "Jassid". Here is a pattern created by the famous angler and author Vincent Marinaro. The fly which hit the waters back in the 1950's was designed to replicate the leaf hoppers that frequent streams in the late summer and early fall. The Jassid was first tested on the fabled waters of the Letort Spring Run in Pennsylvania where over the years it has fooled some of the most selective wild browns. This fly most likely will not be found in fly shop bins for reasons of cost, one of the materials used is pretty pricey. I tied up a few in size 18, but they are tied to as small as 28. It's nice to fish an historic fly at times.



The "Jassid" is a simple fly and requires few materials. Hook, Body material which is gray mole fur, Hackle, grizzley..and the Wing which is a jungle cock nail.



17 comments:

  1. I've never seen that one. I might have to tie a few up and give them a try.

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    1. Bill,
      Thanks
      Bill please do. I used one yesterday and fooled a few.

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  2. Alan
    Unusual pattern; the wing is the killer, great job at the vice. Thanks for sharing

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
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      Bill I think they would work well on the Sipsey.

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  3. Very nicely tied Alan! I've not invested in a jungle cock cape yet but flies with it certainly do have a classic look to them!

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    1. Mark Wittman
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      Mark the JC is the only drawback. You might be able to find one on e-bay with splits for a cheap price.
      Alternative..starling.

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  4. Alan, I live 1 mile from the letort, and have fished those storied waters where that fly was created. Mr marinaro would be smiling seeing those ties,very nice. The fly represents a little terrestrial that appears in the summer. When they are around the trout seem to target them. I do agree they are not a very practical fly do to the cost of jungle cock, but they sure are beautiful when done correctly. Yours are beautifully done. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Brad Basehore
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      Brad I've driven by the Letort several times...one time I'll stop. Vince Marinaro is an icon in the highest. I'd love to take one of those wary wild browns on one of his flies.

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  5. Great pattern, thanks for sharing. I also tie the "Poor mans" version....using Starling feather in place of the JC.

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    1. Ralph Long
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      Ralph the starling is a great alternative, and I don't think trout can tell.

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  6. Replies
    1. The Jassid Man
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      I figured you would.
      I still have that micro-mini fly you sent me.

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  7. In my opinion the letort is some of the most technical water I have ever fished,the Browns are very beautiful and you are right when you say wary. When I am feeling a little cocky with my fishing I go their thinking I have figured it out, only to have the stream humble me one more time. A two or three fish day is a really good day on the letort. If you ever get a chance though it's well worth the experience and the challenge. I feel very lucky to be born and raised and to learn from all the fabled fly fisherman that have graced that stream including Vince. Vince's fly rods and equipment is on display at the pa. Fly fishing museum at the allenberry inn which is on the yellow breeches fly fishin area. If you get a chance it's worth the visit. A lot of history in that building.

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    1. Brad, the PA Fly Fishing Museum is on my list. I have a passion for fly fishing history and PA has much to contribute.

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  8. Alan, you've really hit on a fly that I really think would work out here. I really love the way it looks and I can imagine that with some changes in colors that it would also sub for a caddis.

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    1. Howard Levett
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      Howard it would make a great caddis imitation.

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  9. I really appreciate your history lessons in fly fishing/fly tying, Alan. That looks to be a very great pattern, and definitely a pricey one, because, of that jungle cock feather. I could not imagine tying or fishing something smaller than a size 22. Thank you, for the knowledge!

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