The Ausable Wulff, a Fran Betters classic. I tie them but they just don't seem to look like his. None the less they fish very well and I guess that's why he created the pattern in the first place. I chose to fish the Ausable Wulff one day and like most times it brought a few to the surface. Some friendly pointers from Fran on how to fish his creation helped me to present the Wulff so that any brookie in the vicinity would take it. Now I must say that Fran was not with me at least in body but he was there in my mind. It does one good to pull an old fly out of the box and fish it. They may not always work the way you want them and that's OK. I would suggest that the next time you pull a fly out of your box make sure it's a Betters Ausable Wulff.
One of a few that could not let the Ausable Wulff pass.
How the Wulff looks after being chewed on for a few outings.
An Autumn brook trout from a couple of years ago. The Ausable Wulff in his lip.
I am a huge fan of Fran's, and through him, one of yours as well. You don't tie like Fran did; You tie a Betters fly like Monet would tie it. Fran tied his flies like Jackson Pollock would tie them. There's ridiculous beauty in both, but they're not the same. I can't tie like you so I try for Fran and end up with Alfred E. Newman. ...it works.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I love your thoughts. You highlight them so graciously. Fran tied for the fish and not the fisherman.
Beautiful Alan on three fronts! The fish, the fly, and the intriguing story behind it! Masterfully done! What a treat to wake up to a wonderful blog such as this!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
Dougsden
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Doug I appreciate your comment...find something you love and do it.
Alan
ReplyDeleteAnother fly that I'm going to used if I can EVER GET BACK ON THE SIPSEY WITHOUT THE CONSTANT RAIN!! We have another storm coming on Wednesday. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I know the rain can be frustrating, especially since you are unable to get out and fish. But all this rain will keep the coffers filled for that summer dryness that we know will be with us later.
You definitely wet my appetite to try this fly fishing m’larky Alan
ReplyDeleteJohn the Gardener
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John I can agree that some of it is indeed m'larky...but most of it is good for the soul and mind.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteThe Ausable Wulff is definitely a winner. One of my favorites. They float like cork, are easy to see and the small stream brookies love them. If the fish are looking up the rest of the flies in my box have a tough time getting in the game. That big autumn brookie is magnificent!
Thanks for sharing.
JJ
Beaverdam
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Joe between the Wulff and the Bomber a small stream guy set for dry fly season. I caught two like that from the same stream.
I'm rarely without at least one Ausable Wulff when Brook trout are the query.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan the brookies don't usually refuse the A. Wulff.
I have a couple of them tied on 12 and 10 hooks and use them for small bass.
I love that fly too, Alan, and enjoy tying them. They float like crazy and the trout will hit them if they're looking up. The white wings show up real well too when it is getting dark.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever see the video on You Tube of Fran tying that fly? He must put 18 wraps of hackle on his version. How he got that many on is beyond me.
Best, Sam
Sam
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Sam I have seen that video, a master indeed. He stated all his ties were of framing quality.
How are your knees feeling, Alan? Better I hope. Some decent days to fish ahead with small streams being in fine shape I imagine. If it ever warms up I will be looking for morel mushrooms soon. What a treat when I find those!
DeleteBest, Sam
Sam, knees are fine. When they flare up I usually take a good hot soak, which is odd cause most say ice them down. A day later and I can hit it again. Fine weather for a couple of days, very welcomed.
DeleteI'll bet those morels are delicious.
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeleteYou know I can be a perfectionist, at times. I have always believed, it's very easy to catch small young trout on poorly tied flies but to fool the larger, older fish you need a well tied fly with the correct bill of materials. Your mileage may vary. To this end, I had Mark W. tie me up a doz A. Bombers and A. Wulffs. They are superb. I have not used them yet. Still sheltering in place.
John Dornik
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John it's a good thing there are small dumb fish where I wade. Man, I'd be lost.
A great fly that I always carry. Thanks for the beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat I think it belongs in every anglers box.
I hope your doing OK.
I agree I use the Lead Wing Coach man as my dropper here in the Smokies.
DeleteRay
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Ray now there is a fly that one does not hear talked about often. A great wet fly that catches fish.