Sunday, March 29, 2020

It's just a book. No it's so much more.

It has been almost five years now that I've had this book in my possession. "The North Country Fly" by Robert L. Smith. This book has opened a whole new world of fly tying, fishing and history for me. Not since I read Graydon Hilyard's book on Carrie Stevens has a book been such a big part of my fly tying and fishing life. The history of these simple little flies is just incredible. Robert Smith has brought the North Country Fly through his words and pictures fore front in this anglers life.

The "spiders" can be somewhat difficult to tie in the sense that some of the materials can be almost impossible to find, and if you are lucky to locate them the cost will kind of set you back. Being resourceful you can find alternatives that will accomplish the job and produce a fine representation.


I love tying these "spiders", small bits of angling history. Most times when presented to the local trout population they are gobbled up quickly. They are delicate and sort of frail looking but believe me they can get it done.


A lovely piece of "Spider" art by Hans Skovlin....


A workhorse of the last couple of weeks. "Partridge and Orange" with peacock thorax.


A soft-hackle dry fly...a "jingler" in disguise?


"Trout Lillies" I saw these yesterday while fishing a stream. The flowers should bloom soon.








14 comments:

  1. Alan,
    Tying up some spiders is definitely on my list. What hook sizes to you recommend?
    JJ

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    Replies
    1. Beaverdam
      Thanks
      Joe I tie them in size 12 and 14. The two flies pictured are on 12 hooks. The first one is a Partridge spider hook and they are a small 12 where as the other is tied on a Firestick 609 and they tend to be a bit larger as well as heavier. Both are great hooks for these types of flies.

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  2. Alan! Nice to see the trout lilies coming up. When I start seeing them I know spring is near! Stay healthy!

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    1. Mark W
      Thanks
      Mark I thought they were early this year until I realized it's almost April.

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  3. Took a look out on the web for Trout Lillies. Never heard of them. Very nice flower. Quiet out here. Only 2 cases of Covid-19 in Amador County. One person doing OK, the other left the county. We continue to be under "house arrest".

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    1. Mark Kautz
      Thanks
      Mark I think they are native to the east. Good sign of spring. Those stats are a good sign. Listen to what they tell you and hopefully we can beat it.

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  4. That book is a wonderful resource. I love wading through the history of our sport. Temps up here in the 40's! Spring can't be too far away now.

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    1. mike
      Thanks
      Mike the book is quite detailed on the history of the spider. The 40's, man that's like a heat wave.

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  5. Hi Alan,

    A well thumbed copy of Rob's book sits atop of my tying desk. It is a fantastic piece of work and should be in any serious tyers library.

    Love the Waterhen Bloa, that would be gobbled up on the Tees or Leven without a doubt. Although the spiders look delicate and frail, I find their hooking powers increase after they have been roughed up a bit by a few trouts teeth.

    Take care and be safe

    Alistair

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    1. Alistair
      Thanks
      Alistair the Waterhen Bloa is a fly that worked for me. I love tying it and would do so even if I never caught a trout on it.

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  6. Hi there! Just checking in to make sure that my Eastern friend is doing alright! I love the soft hackle. It really doesn't take too much material on a fly for it to work. These spiders are awesome! Take care and stay safe. =)

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    1. The River Damsel
      Thanks
      Emily all's OK here, I hope you are well to. You know what makes me feel good at times like this, it's homemade chocolate chip cookies. Do you have any available?

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  7. Alan,
    Robert Smith, the author of "The NCF" has a great blog, "The Sliding Stream", you may already know it but just in case I recommend it
    As always, a lot of affinity with your blog.
    Thank you
    Humberto

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous
      Thanks
      Humberto I follow his blog and it is very well done.

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