For those who have been following this blog know of the love I have for this fly. I have posted many reports of the success I've had with this wet fly. One of the reasons for the success of this fly is that it represents a variety of insects. If you look at it the first insect to come to mind is a caddis, or a stonefly, maybe a beetle or a cricket. It also can be fished as a dry, with a little floatant it can be made to hang near the surface, then pulled and it becomes an erratic struggling meal. A bit of sink putty and it's a good nymph. But it's best use is as a wet fly, cast downstream and stripped back. Vary the speed and you have a very good trout catcher.
The Picket Pin is a simple pattern. Few materials are needed, peacock herl, brown hackle and squirrel tail. Tying it is not hard and most can tie it with ease. Even if the finished fly is a bit off it will still take fish.
I tied a version of The Pin using some peacock herl that was dyed red. When finished it looked OK. But the test would be on the stream. So yesterday I gave it a run and it did very well for itself. That report will come later. For those of you who have just started tying flies try the Picket Pin.
Another variation the Picket Pin streamer. I am saving this for a larger river like the Farmington.
The picket pin has all of the trademarks of a winning fly. Easy to tie, few materials, and effective. I look forward to your report.
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
DeleteThanks.
You said it.
Caught my first brook trout of 2012 back in Jan. on a Picket Pin.
ReplyDeletePicket Pins & Hornbergs are my two favorite small stream flies.
A.T.
Apache Trout,
DeleteThanks.
The both of them are so versatile they probably belong in every ones fly box.
Oops I forgot the Ausable Bomber. :)
DeleteJust curious but what size are you tying on for the wet fly version, and what size and hook is the streamer wrapped on?
ReplyDeleteBill May,
DeleteThanks.
I tie the wets on Mustad 9671 in sizes 12 to 16, with 14's the best.
The streamer is tied on a Mustad 3665A size 6.
Thank you Sir, I reckon there's a few karma fish in your future!
DeleteVery nice variation.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with it!
G Leach,
DeleteThanks.
If the rest of the outings were as good as the first I'll be satisfied.
I thought I was the only person who tied the streamer version of the Picket Pin! LOVE that fly. It's been my go to fly on most rivers and streams... and even works in lakes. Works well with variety as well: for example, bead head, on a rounded emerger hook, etc. LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tribute to such a fantastic fly!
Will
Anonymous,
DeleteThanks.
I used to fish a streamer called a Squirrel Tail. Silver tinsel body and squirrel tail wing. But I think the Pin with it's peacock body is a better attractor.
Can't argue with success. I gravitate towards flies that require few materials, I feel that in most cases, the simpler the better. Not to mention the multiple uses that this fly can employ. Very nice, will have to tie a few up and let you know how they fare on the Poudre.
ReplyDeleteSanders,
DeleteThanks.
Simple and versatile, a good combo. I'll wait for your report on them from the Poudre.
I think the red looks great Alan. nice job on the modification.
ReplyDeleteDarren MacEachern,
DeleteThanks.
The red also struck a nerve with the brookies.
Another great looking fly that I don't have in my flybox. Definitely looks like a good little caddis imitation , by varying the herl color it could be just about anything though. Next time I'm at the bench I'll have to whip up a couple and try em out on one of my favorite little trout streams.
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
DeleteThanks.
My thoughts are that of a caddis too.
Incredible pattern. It flat out works.
ReplyDeleteRKM,
DeleteThanks.
I know that you speak from experience.
A simplified version consisting of just the herl body and the wing has worked extremely well for me. Over several decades I have found that wild brookies will not leave this fly alone. Yellow dyed squirrel tail has worked equally well.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThanks.
They do tear the fly up for sure. I have tied a few with a yellow tail. I'll have to tie a few with a yellow squirrel wing.
Nice going. I'm going to try tying some tonight. I love your variations.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
DeleteThanks.
I'd love to hear how they work out west.
I really like the fact tha this fly can be used as a dry or as a wet fly. Excellent pattern anyway you look at it. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteBill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
Very versatile fly Bill.
Hi Alan.......good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI will be heading to LL Bean today to add these to my growing collection.
As always, I appreciate the information.
Ed,
DeleteThanks.
It's a great fly, size 14.
BT,
ReplyDeleteWhen you tie the picket, what kind of stacker do you use for the squirrel tail?
Thanks,
Cliff
Anonymous,
DeleteThanks.
Cliff, is a small stacker I got with a tool set. I believe it was made in India.
Nice hookers Brk Trt..and am looking forward to your report on their success ..
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
DeleteThanks.
I was out today and they were able to bring quite a few to hand.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled onto your blog. I just love the Picket Pin. I've been fishing it for at least 30 years. I do the best fishing it dead drift as a nymph in smaller sizes, I guess in sizes 8 to 12. I don't fish streamers much so I'm not sure how it does as a streamer. I think it's a great fly. The Best, Bruce
Another fly I do great with is the Brown or Grey Hackle Peacock wet fly during the Grannom hatch. I think I tie it in sizes 14 and 16. I don't think I've ever fished it other than during the Grannoms. It's another fly a beginner shouldn't have too much trouble tying. And, like the Picket Pin, it doesn't need to be tied perfectly to be effective.
ReplyDeleteBruce
Thanks and that i have a tremendous supply: Who Repairs House Siding house remodeling company
ReplyDelete