"Classic"...serving as a standard of excellence....Often the use of this word is dramatically overplayed. I for one use it but in very limited instances. Many times this word is not used when actually it should. Classic is used in most every which way describing food to automobiles and I can attest to as well as you can that this is farther from the definition. The book you see in the first picture was gifted to me by a reader of this blog. It has been in print for over 60 years. While the author is a name I'm familiar with I have never read the book. Mr. Atherton in his writings within the book share many of my beliefs as well as many that I intend to use going forward. His thoughts on impression in both fly construction and how the fish react to that impression have been a part of me since I started this journey. He also used numbers to identify his beautiful fly creations. So simple and yet I struggle with naming the flies I create. One of his creations was numbered 5...a dry fly. So at the bench using some materials given me along with the book I attempted to tie the #5 "Classic"...
Atherton's #5...again some of the materials are equal to the originals and some have been improvised. My attempt at tying a Catskill style fly is far from a master Catskill tyer. I honestly believe that John Atherton would agree that it's impression is close enough.
Another book that I was gifted. It to should be hailed as a "Classic"...I have never read the book but it has been out there for decades. Mr. Smith also hold many of my feelings about flies, fishing and where it all takes place.
The "Classic" Partridge and Orange Spider.
My first numbered fly in the tradition of John Atherton...# 1 Spider.
Beautiful, I bet those tomes are full of cool trout snacks.
ReplyDeleteNathan Camp
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Nate I was forced to check Webster as to "tomes"....
Those tomes were full of enlightenment for this angler.
Reading the old classics is studying Fly Fishing History, I added The Fly and The Fish to my collection last month, this Month Currents & Eddies by
ReplyDeleteSchaldach (great art & STORIES) and a reprint of The Dry Fly & Fast Water by La Branche
RW Van Brunt
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RW the old anglers were pretty much like us. Their writings are a pleasure to read. Getting insight from those books is priceless. I'll check out those two titles you mentioned.
The greatest! And an Atherton No. 5 to boot! You’ve got to admit the guy boiled it all down to his own simple set of impressionistic flies, which should be a life lesson to us all (much as this blog is its own Continuing Education Class for the Fly Fishing Life And How To Live It.) I have to get the Smith book and start tying up some No. 1 Spiders! Great stuff, thank you!
ReplyDeleteKevin
Ned Zeppelin
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Kevin if a man, angler, artist and author can settle in on a few simple flies that will be enough to fool the fish he seeks then why can't we. I know that fly tying is an art form and we have those juices which flow through our veins that almost demand we try other creations. But in actuality it's not necessary. Smith's book would be a valuable source in your library.
Happy New Year Alan! Have you read or do you own "The History of Fly Fishing in Fifty Flies" by Ian Whitelaw?
ReplyDeleteDean F
Deletethanks
Dean that's another book I'll have to check out.
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeleteI have Atherton's book as well and can report that Yorkshire trout like several of his patterns! I have followed his impressionistic lead on most of my own patterns by mixing hackles and blending furs for dubbing (not just to mix the colour but to get different textures as well).
I think I will have to have a look for "One Mans River" to add to my library........
Take care and stay safe
Alistair
Alistair
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Alistair it is fun trying those little material changes in a pattern. Sometimes the subtle changes make a difference.
One Mans River is interesting reading.
"One Man's River" is a reprint of O.W. Smith's book "Musings of an Angler" Musings is sometimes easier to find and cheaper to buy on the used market than the reprint. Regards.
ReplyDeleteJJ
Beaverdam
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Joe I recall you telling me of the original title. He also wrote articles for Outdoor Life if I remember.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe Catskill fly is truly a classic in my not so professional opinion. It just has that look of trout candy for any trout near it! Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill classics they are. They are the toughest flies to tie as far as I'm concerned. Tyers who can tie these flies correctly are the best.
What Beaverdam said. Ken Callahan of Callahan & Company, Peterborough, NH, specializes in out of print 'sporting titles'. He is a wonderful resource if you're looking for books such as Smith or Atherton's.
ReplyDeletemike
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There's a company worth checking out. Peterborough I visited it once. A&P had a store there years ago.
More on Atherton patterns: https://www.theslidingstream.net/john-atherton-dry-flies/
ReplyDeleteKevin
Ned Zeppelin
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Kevin I checked that out. Nicely done.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteI have always loved and admired John Atherton's patterns an!d philosophy on impressionistic tying. You have hit the nail on the head with your tying of his #5 above! It looks really good! Don't cut yourself short! You are not far from mastering the Catskill way and look!
Dougsden
Dougsden
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Doug accuracy in color size and material can be put aside after reading of Atherton's thoughts on "impression"...Carrie Stevens had similar thoughts in the creation of her streamers. I'm a long way from the "perfect" Catskill fly but I'm trying.