The Grouse and Flash, a soft-hackle that can save the day. This fly is one to pull out when there are caddis about and when things are just slow it will bring a strike or two. It's simple to tie and can be used on various warm water species.
Materials, Body, Medium Holographic Tinsel, I use silver, green, and pink. A bit of hares mask for a thorax. The hackle is Grouse 2-3 turns.
This olive spider has been working well for me. Again the simplicity is the key to its success. Body, olive thread, thorax, sparse olive dubbing, hackle, 2 turns of hen.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteGorgeous....both the flies and the video! The patterns are exceptional esp. #1, grouse and flash! Once again, you have inspired me to tie on!! Your tying skills are tops in any ones book! D.
Dougsden
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Doug the G&F is featured in Ames book Hatch Guide For New England Streams. I have used many times, even in VA.
Hi Alan, Interesting combo of old tech and new tech. I'm pretty much old school but I do add a strand or two of flash to my leech patterns. Some mat'ls are just fish magnets. Peacock herl and pheasant tail fibers are two of the best.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John peacock and pheasant tail are on top of the list as trout catchers. Most flies are fine as tied but that little bit of flash can bring a big slash.
Now all I have to do is remember to fish downstream with the flies.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark it works.
As you so often do, beating the drum for the Soft Hackle world, just directs me too my bench. Yes, Bluegills and other Panfish love Soft Hackles!
ReplyDeleteThe Bluegill Bug
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Mel there is something about that subtle movement of those soft hackles that drive a fish bonkers.
I had to tie up some of the 1st pattern listed, looks like a sure bet. Can wait to get on the water with these. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMaineFly207 Chris
Anonymous
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Chris, I'd love to fish that fly on the Kennebago right now.
ALAN
ReplyDeleteOnce again great post and those soft hackles are most effective. In addition to my fave the PT, I use the partridge and peacock herl quite often.
TROUT1
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Pete I'll have to try that partridge and peacock.
I have fished a peacock and starling, with mixed results.
I enjoyed the video, Alan. It is always a thrill when the line suddenly goes tight with a fish on the business end. That stream is beautiful and clear. Running quite well for July with more rain coming today.
ReplyDeleteRegards, Sam
Parachute Adams
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Sam we never loose that awesome feeling of that tug, and that's a good thing.
We just got hammered with a downpour.
very nice Alan, We get reels of Gutermann sulky tinsel over here in most craft shops in all colours they are exceptional for adding a bit of flash onto your flies. I will get a picture over to you to show you the range if you drop me an email, via the flee & float .
ReplyDeletewell done mate very nice.
George
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George I have several spools of sulky threads. I like using them for ribs on some of my flies. It is also used as a collar under a sparse dubbed thorax.
Soft hackle flies or North Country Spiders,or whatever you want to call them are so effective. Did a trout slash at the fly at around 34 seconds? Lovely looking brook trout.
ReplyDeleteWhen our Victorian trout season reopens in September, I should try to fish just spiders for the season--I keep saying I will!
I usually fish soft hackles upstream but fishing them downstream certainly works for you. Must try it.
Thanks for taking us along with you.
Kindest Regards,
Steve.
Steve Hynes
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Steve I'm not certain if there is a way of of determining just what is the difference. I do know that no matter what I call them they do work.
Your spider only season would be quite a challenge. I'm going to give a serious thought.
I have come to the conclusion there is no wrong way to fish these bugs.
Alan
ReplyDeleteNice run you were fishing there, and a beautiful brook taken. I hope to get to use some of your soft hackles on the Caney soon. We have had tremendous floods here for the past couple of weeks. thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill that run had all that is needed to give up a fish or two, and it did.
Flooding is not a god thing, it does so much damage in so many ways. I hope it will turn out OK and you'll be on the water soon.