Valsesiana Flies, originated in northern Italy a long time ago. I have found on the internet several dates that put them in use before the North Country Spider. I was given a link to a video, thanks Humberto, that was done in Italy by a master of Valsesiana flies and fishing. From what I gathered from watching the video I determined the style of Valsesiana is close to the Sakasa Kebari used in Tenkara. Some of the Valsesiana flies were tied without a thorax and some had the thorax. I tie them both ways and have good success with each. In some cases I have found the Valsesiana style to out perform the traditional soft hackle.
A deer antler I found several years ago was recently transformed into a bobbin holder. My grandson Ethan drilled it out to accommodate several bobbins. The antler is very stable and secure.
I fished a bluegill pond recently and had a blast catching many of these little scrappers. They gave my 3wt all it could handle.
"Fun is"....
I learned something new today, thank you. I had never heard of Valsesiana before your post. Reading up on this will be fun.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike these flies were being fished before North Country flies. I could not find a lot of information on them.
The Simple Fly Fishing book from Patagonia has a little bit on Valsesiana. I think it's for Marble trout?
ReplyDeleteI love panfishing!
billp
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Bill I've heard of this book, I'll have to check it out.
Panfish can provide so much enjoyment.
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tying there...... Robin Smith has an interesting discussion about Valsesiana Flies and their connection to the North Country fly through the pilgrimages of christians across Europe.
Not sure if you have heard but the UK government has opened up fishing eventually. From tomorrow we are allowed to fish again as long as we practice good social distancing. So its catch up time!
Take care
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair...fish fish fish...I'm happy for you fellows over there.
Report please.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving some love to the bluegilll; using the deer antler as a bobbin holders is a first I think? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill I had a blast for a few hours with those scrappers. Recycling at it's best.
Nice little fish the bluegill and good work of your grandson Ethan, I think he comes out as ingenious as his grandfather. Hug and take care.
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando those little bluegills sure pack a good fight. Ethan has a good mind and good hands. Be well.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Valsesian fly, great colors.
The detail of the minimum thorax goes very well and will also give it a lot of effectiveness.
Thank you!
Humberto
Anonymous
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Humberto I like to tie in a darker thorax on some of my flies. It gives some contrast and might get the fish to strike.
Those little "Gills" are a blast on light tackle. Can't wait to get back up to White Pines Lake for a day of catching those little guys.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark ounce for ounce they are about the hardest fighters to be taken on light gear. Fish, fish fish....
Alan,
ReplyDeleteWow! Great looking flies and of course, great looking Bluegills! I too have been enjoying their charms lately but not nearly enough time! I love to see soft-hackles hanging from their scissors! May is a magical month as is October!
Great job Alan! We can always count on you to brighten up our days with this beautiful blog!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug those little guys know how to brawl. I enjoy them very much. There is never enough time to fish, and I do it many times a week. So get out and enjoy while you can..
"Bluegills on ultralight put up such a fight."
ReplyDelete- The fishing poet
kevinkin
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Hey buddy I'm sorry I missed your comment.
Bluegills are second to none when it comes to a hard fight, love them.
Like the "fishing poet"....