Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The "Yellowhammer"

"Yellowhammer"...What! Several years ago a fellow mentioned a fly that was popular in the south on those wonderful mountain brook trout streams. So I went online and found some information on the fly, that information led to more searching and even more information. I wrote personally to a few southern fly tyers and received what I would guess to be as accurate of info as I was going to get. It seems that the Cherokee Indians were the first to fish this fly, I'm sure it did not look like those of today but it did contain the main ingredient, which is the feathers of a "Yellowhammer" woodpecker. The Yellowhammer is native to the area and that's probably why the fly worked so well. These days the Yellowhammer is protected so the feathers can't be obtained. Various substitutes can be used including grouse, woodcock, and hen. Below are a few of the variations of the Yellowhammer and where they came from.



Roger Lowe's book lists two variations. The top one a Yellow Hammer Nymph. The bottom one is a wet fly tied with different hackle. The bottom one is the first of this fly I fished locally. It was purchased from a Appalachian fly tyer.


This is the Yellowhammer purchased from the Appalachian tyer. I fished this fly many years ago and had a spectacular Autumn day.


Further digging got myself in touch with an outdoor sporting heritage group who were so nice as to send me this poster of the Southern Appalachia's Fly contributions. As you can see it contains another variation of the Yellowhammer.



These are a few variations of the Yellowhammer that I've tied. These flies have been tested, and have taken brook trout, smallmouth bass and bluegills. This one performed the best. Maybe it's because of the peacock head.


This one which I though would do well has done just the opposite.


This variation has done very well also. The yellow hackle I colored myself myself using a permanent marker.


This is where I first fished the Yellowhammer. I'm guessing it was the fall of '09. At the tail out near the base of the tree there was a large colored leaf jam. The fly was cast and as it drifted to the start of that leaf jam I saw what was a wake of a swimming brook trout. That fish slammed that fly and gave me a memory that is as fresh today as it was that day.



14 comments:

  1. Alan, I think it's always interesting what flys are created in different regions of the country the tellico nymph , always reminds me of the south, the ausable bomber, to the north, the elk hair caddis and muddled minnow to the west, yet I've caught trout on all those flys in south central pa. The yellow hammer is a new fly to me . Thankyou for the info,I'm always learning from you , Alan thankyou for the post.

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    Replies
    1. Brad Basehore
      Thanks
      Brad the flies you mentioned which were born in those areas have gained widespread use throughout the world.
      The tellico is probably the best known southern fly. You should tie up a few yellowhammers and give them a try.

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  2. Replies
    1. Mark Kautz-Shoreman
      Thanks
      Mark thank you, I appreciate that.

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  3. Rather interesting looking fly there Brk Trt!!! I am sure that based on your field testing it has proved itself in local streams.

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    Replies
    1. TROUTI
      Thanks
      Pete it works. This morning on smallies and yellow perch.

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  4. I have that same poster. It's hanging up in my room.

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    Replies
    1. Kevin Franks
      Thanks
      Keven it's well done. The flies are cool. I have fished several of them with success here. Smokey Mountain Fork Tail, Thunderhead, and the Yellow Palmer.

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  5. Please do not kill this beautiful bird just for fun, a shame to have to do, right? ...

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    Replies
    1. Armando Milosevic
      Thanks
      Armando the bird is protected so it can't be killed or harmed in any way, it's against the law. I use substitute feathers dyed yellow.

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  6. I can't believe the information you are able to dig up and then use when it comes to fly tying. Kudos to you Alan.

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    Replies
    1. Howard Levett
      Thanks
      Howard I love the history that so much of fly tying and fishing have. It's almost as rewarding as catching a brook trout.

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  7. Alan, you might get me to try tying this winter after all. Between you and Ralph, I'm just about hooked.

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    Replies
    1. Fading Angler
      Thanks
      Chris fly tying is so relaxing, wonderful to spend a few hours creating flies that you'll fish with and catch a few also. It's a good feeling.

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