Monday, April 9, 2012

The "Adams"

The "Adams" dry fly is another one of those classics that should be in every ones fly box. This pattern has been around for almost a century now and still produces fish when called to duty. The fly was designed by Len Halladay of Michigan at the request of his close friend Charles Adams. In this day of matching the hatch, this is one fly that comes close in most cases. I carry this pattern in three sizes, 12, 14, and 16.
Since 1922 the "Adams" has been the fly to go to. It has earned the title of "Classic"


28 comments:

  1. Hi Alan.....I wish I had one of these last night. I am going to swing by LL Bean tonight because there a few fish down the street that I have an appointment with.

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  2. Personally, I think the Adams sets the standard as "Thee Classic". Though I generally don't use it, it is the first fly that pops into my mind when someone talks about the all-time best flies for fishing.

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    Replies
    1. Kiwi,
      Thanks.
      I am one who doesn't use it enough. When I do there's usually a fish on.

      Delete
  3. Love the Adams, Alan. These are a great pictures. I personally tied it parachute style and it produces well.

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    Replies
    1. deanwo,
      Thanks.
      The parachute version works so well.

      Delete
  4. The Adams is a fav of mine, I also love the closely related Parachute Adams.

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  5. The size 14 is my favorite, although I fish all three sizes. I like the way it floats high and can be fish for a long period of time without adding much floatant. Thanks for sharing a great pattern.

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    Replies
    1. Bill Trussell,
      Thanks.
      A size 14 is good on the old eyes.

      Delete
  6. I love the Adam's fly.

    Classy and effective.

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  7. Got them, now all I need is trout season to open up. Last Saturday, this month.

    Mark

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    Replies
    1. Shoreman,
      Thanks.
      I'll be waiting for that report.

      Delete
  8. Excellent ties for sure. I like all the different variations of it. Thanks for sharing. Tight Lines.

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    Replies
    1. Trout MaGee,
      Thanks.
      The variations work well also.

      Delete
  9. The 100 year testament to this pattern tells it all about it's productivity..a classic among the classics.

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    Replies
    1. penbayman,
      Thanks.
      Your right. Can you imagine how many fish were fooled by this pattern.

      Delete
  10. Kind of like the venerable "wooly bugger" , just catches fish every time you tie one on. Those are some great looking ties , and I love that first pic.

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    Replies
    1. HighPlainsFlyFisher,
      Thanks.
      I guess you could say that. Those tree seeds were a good background.

      Delete
  11. We have an old English pattern that is remarkably similar but has no wing. It too is the basic "when in doubt" fly for many of us over here, as well as a very good fly for matching the hatch when any one of a great long list of upwinged flies is on the menu. It's the Grey Duster. The Adams is also used over here by many anglers, especially on the Derbyshire rivers. Looking at the Grey Duster and the Adams side-by-side it would be easy to say they were both related but the Adams is the wealthier cousin with a fancier wardrobe!
    ;)
    As ever, your pictures are excellent. The vignette is very effective.

    Best wishes

    Regular Rod

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    Replies
    1. Regular Rod,
      Thanks.
      Well said. There are a number of classic dry flies I tie with no wing. The trout don't seem to object.

      Delete
  12. I had an "Adams" period some time ago. Tied the parachute version in several sizes. Certainly an all round pattern or fish finder.
    Have fun tempting your brookies with the Adams,
    Mats Olsson

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    Replies
    1. The Jassid Man,
      Thanks.
      The parachute seem to provide a low rider, and the fish nail it.

      Delete
  13. Love this fly. I've been a believer in it ever since my brother fooled a big Rainbow with one on the Henry's Fork on one of our first trips.

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    Replies
    1. Jim Yaussy Albright,
      Thanks.
      That's the kind of results that keeps it in our fly boxes.

      Delete
  14. I want to start by saying I love your blog it leaves me hungry in two ways! Small streams and fine meals! I as the others have always kept a row or two open in my box for the venerable Adams.

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    Replies
    1. Bill,
      Thanks.
      It makes me feel good that my blog has a positive effect on you.
      Comment often, it's appreciated.

      Delete