Thursday, July 6, 2017

A Couple Of Good Soft-Hackles And A Video

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.








20 comments:

  1. Alan,
    Gorgeous....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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dougsden
      Thanks
      Doug the G&F is featured in Ames book Hatch Guide For New England Streams. I have used many times, even in VA.

      Delete
  2. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Dornik
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  3. Now all I have to do is remember to fish downstream with the flies.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Bluegill Bug
      Thanks
      Mel there is something about that subtle movement of those soft hackles that drive a fish bonkers.

      Delete
  5. 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.

    MaineFly207 Chris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous
      Thanks
      Chris, I'd love to fish that fly on the Kennebago right now.

      Delete
  6. ALAN
    Once 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TROUT1
      Thanks
      Pete I'll have to try that partridge and peacock.
      I have fished a peacock and starling, with mixed results.

      Delete
  7. 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.

    Regards, Sam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Parachute Adams
      Thanks
      Sam we never loose that awesome feeling of that tug, and that's a good thing.
      We just got hammered with a downpour.

      Delete
  8. 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 .
    well done mate very nice.

    ReplyDelete
  9. George
    Thanks
    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.

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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.
    When 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve Hynes
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete
  11. Alan
    Nice 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell
      Thanks
      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.

      Delete