I'd like to introduce you to "Spikey". He has been around for a short time but has made an impression on this angler. He is not a nymph, even though he make look like one because of the bead head. I would rather call "Spikey" a soft hackle. He is constructed of a brown hackle tail, thin silver wire rib, opossum dubbing and starling soft hackle collar.
On "Spikey's" first outing he did quite well for himself, bringing many strikes and a few to hand. He was badly chewed up and even lost his collar, but still continued to battle on and win. Next time be sure to seat the hackle better and put a few more wraps of thread around it.
Soft hackle wet fly or nymph....what say you?
For me, the best nymphs are the hare dubbing and pheasant, without question. Yet these seem interesting, I'll tie some. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMario GC
DeleteThanks
Mario those are good materials, but this Aussi possum will work just as well.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI would think Spikey would be the pattern to use on the Farmington with an indicator. Have you tried this fly there? Great job!!
Bill Trussell
DeleteThanks
Bill yes it would work on the Farmy. May try it this week.
In my world, if it's weighted it's a nymph.
ReplyDeletessj
DeleteThanks
You mat have a point. What about a weighted wooly bugger?
The choice was between a wet and a nymph. I consider a wooly bugger to be a streamer whether it is weighted or not. If it's small enough to be a wet, then it must be unweighted to be a wet. Otherwise it is a nymph. Again, this is in my world. I won't, can't, and don't choose to make that decision for anyone else's world. None of my business. And really, these labels we give to things don't matter.
DeleteThe only exceptions that my classification of wets allows is using hooks of different gauge wire to make the same fly a little lighter or a little heavier. Again, how much does this matter. For me it is more a classification system than a moral judgement.
DeleteAgreed my friend.
DeleteI think it could be considered a wet, and I know you would like it that way because you don't fish nymphs. Do you plan to fish an unweighted version on some blue lines?
ReplyDeleteRI brook trout
DeleteThanks
I don't like fishing nymphs, they are effective no question, but just not my favorite.
Yes I will fish the unweighted version on small streams.
I would expect this to be a very effective "Non-Descript" pattern. Not really a nymph, or, a wet fly. Just one that does not meet the standard definition. Anyhow, great looking color combinations. Very buggy looking, too. Result: A fish catcher.
ReplyDeleteGramps (Mel)
DeleteThanks
Mel you have nailed it. A very diplomatic answer.
Al! How about a weighted wet, soft hackle!!!! I know a few places that would work very well !!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI
DeleteThanks
Pete good answer, and you are the guy who knows how to fish them.
Alan, in my world here the great river is fast and windy, so for me this litle Spikey should be wet. i'm a big fan of his blog, I have seen his work in page of Cris del Plato Streamer List , in which I am a regular participant.
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
DeleteThanks
Armando so you fish big waters, and the flies must be wet. I take it you fish many streamers to catch the trout that swim these big rivers. The "Streamer List" is a wonderful site.
This certainly is my kind of fly! The red tag was really successful in the Alps for me last week, looks like a fantastic tie, Alan. Post some more photos of the fish you catch with it please?
ReplyDelete