Lil' Dorothy is a fly that was created by Mark Libertone of Wellsville N.Y. Mark was a fine fly tyer and angler who loved to tie wets, soft hackles and flymphs. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mark but had several conversations with him on various forums and email. When I started tying flies they were simply awful. The feathers were cheap the hooks the wrong style and the proportions were terrible. Mark would always comment that the effort to tie was the important part, and I had that down, everything else could be fixed. He was a part of my inspiration.
His soft hackle fly Lil' Dorothy which I have tried to tie to his recipe, a few change were put in for I did not have the material, and I I'm sure Mark would not disapprove, for he was just that type of man.
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| Lil' Dorothy |
Lil' Dorothy represents the emerging stage of the Little Sulphur mayflies that would hatch on Mark's home water, I believe it was the Genesee River. He commented that these sulphurs had a very distinctive orange body, and it shows well in the material he chose to use.
The Lil' Dorothy is a simple fly that has exquisite beauty.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe Lil' Dorothy certainly looks like it would get attention from both brook and wild browns. Got the soft hackles today and will be on the tailrace with them next week. Thanks
Bill Trussell
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Bill I'm sure that would be the case when sulphurs are coming off the streams.
Glad you recieved the flies, can't wait for your report.
Very nicely tied!
ReplyDeleteMark
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Mark it was a pretty easy tie, just didn't have the right materials. I love tying soft hackles.
Very glad (and surprised) to find this tying tribute to my friend Mark Libertone! Mark lived on the Genesee not far from my own place, and he could tie like no other. Although I am not much of a tyer, myself, I was inspired by Mark's efforts in many ways. We communicated and fished together for years. I'm sure he'd be proud of your tying accomplishments, like Lil' Dorothy herself/itself.
ReplyDeleteRivertoprambles.wordpress.com
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Walt I thought you may have known him. I hear he was a very good angler and did some fine work with youngsters lending his knowledge of fly tying. Mark was a real nice person in every way.
A fine tribute to someone who I'm sure was not fully appreciated during his time. It's a great looking fly.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard, just trying to keep memories going.
Simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJustin Carfagnini
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Justin you have said volumes in those two words.
Very nice fly
ReplyDeleteTom Ham
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Tom I appreciate your comment.
Alan, Another keeping it simple, keeping it minimal. Mr. Libertone obviously had a keen eye to create this for his home waters. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteKurt
Brookie61
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Kurt that simplicity thing seems to work my friend.
Today was the day we lost my Father 11 years ago. I was looking up inspiration for the possibility of a remembrance tattoo for my Dad of the Little Dorthy when I came app. This article and the comments. This is truly what my Father wanted to be remembered for. It is wonderful to know that others saw his passion for tying and flying. And also what a wonderful man he was. Thank you for this piece and all the kind words from everyone. It has made my heart happy.
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