The "master" as he is often called, Jack Gartside has several books devoted to fly patterns that he has created. So many successful ones that if I featured just two per post I could keep this blog going forever. Jack was a guy who could look at some roadkill along with some discarded cigarette filters and create fly patterns that would amaze. One of the patterns that I use is his soft hackle streamer flies. Simple streamers that use a scant three materials. Marabou, crystal flash and a mallard collar. These flies can be enhanced with the use of Jungle Cock but that is up to the tyer.
Now I guess your thinking what does a small stream angler need with such a large fly. Experience has taught me that when presented a large meal a small fish will do it's best to eat it. And if that's not enough then the absolute deadly movement of the marabou will seal the deal. I have caught trout, bass, bluegill and pickerel on these flies. And if presented the chance to fish for steelhead I'm certain they would do the trick.
This is the basic Gartside soft hackle streamer. Yellow marabou, flash, mallard collar and a hook.
This is a soft hackle Mickey Finn. I fished yesterday and came upon a pool of about a foot and a half of water. I saw several brookies holding the bottom. In the span of 45 minutes I must have cast about 8 different flies without a strike. I tied on this Gartside soft hackle and promptly one of those "selective" brookies hit.
Now for breakfast...various breads that have been toasted. Toppings include butter, jam, peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. Oh and lots of good hot coffee.
Twist some up with Chickabou and hold on! Tiny but effective.
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I have my friend and they get it done
https://smallstreamreflections.blogspot.com/2021/01/a-soft-hackled-fanatic-and-jack.html
https://smallstreamreflections.blogspot.com/2021/01/fishing-chickabou-and-fine-winter-fare.html
DeleteI can attest I've caught a lot of steelhead back in WI on those. Used bright colors like Purple and Fuschia.
ReplyDeletebillp
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There's one conformation on the Gartside soft hackle being effective on steelhead.
Bill have you tried them on the NM trout.
No, I should though. They'd be effective. I was going to say deadly but I release my fish. :-)
DeleteOut here, a plain old Woolly Bugger is all you need for Steelhead. From the mouth of a fly fisherman who has gone after the fish of 10,000 casts and after 30,000 or 40,000 casts, quit chasing them. I came as close as bumping a Bugger off the nose of a Steelhead only to be IGNORED.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark the bugger is a great fly for steelhead, and other gamefish as well. Lots of work to finally get to tail one of those chromers.
Good coffee is all..
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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Good coffee is a gift. Most don't know it though.
One in yellow agitated a large king into grabbing for me this past fall. I lost him but the image of that giant suspended in the air with that yellow SHS in the corner of his mouth won't leave me anytime soon.
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Rowan that kings take must have given the arm a jolt. I could see where yellow would have an effect on a spawning salmon.
Brk Trt, I too love the Gartside marabou streamers. I'm a very traditional guy, and as my wife would say, a creature of habit. I love your Mikey Finn version, in which I would have never thought of creating such. I tie the gray, and maybe I'll break my habit and try thinking outside my box after seeing your beautiful creations....Phil
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Phil I'm the most non traditional traditional guy. Kidding aside Jack's shs in most baitfish colors will get the job done. I like the bright colors once in awhile.
Gartside patterns, peanut butter and fluff sandwiches, and a good cup of coffee. Perfect!
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike I don't think fluff is eaten outside of New England. What a shame.
A big Gartside Gurgler is my Go to Striper fly
ReplyDeleteRW Van Brunt
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That Gurgler is one of the better striper flies out there. I don't fish salt water but those that do will agree. I would guess that the Gurgler works well for both largemouth and small mouth
Alan
ReplyDeleteGreat post-----I am having trouble posting a comment on your blog. Thank s
Bill Trussell
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Bill I went back and checked and it shows that everything is working.
I’ve had trouble for about a week as well I get a screen that says only members of the blog can post.
ReplyDeleteYou had me at Gartside and marshmellow fluff. I’ve got to tie some of these up. Great stuff!
Kevin
Ned Zeppelin
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Kevin it should be OK now.
Both the soft hackle streamer and the fluff will make for better days when put to use.
Now are you ready for the "chicken poop caddis"????
Always good stuff. Every time I read your posts, I am hungry afterwards and wanting to tie flies! Keep it up .
ReplyDeleteMike Carl
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Mike tying flies and eating, can't be many other things better. Most times they both keep us happy.
If one could only fish with flies created by two tiers, for survival. They would be wise to choose Fran Betters and Jack Gartside. And the toast looks good to Alan!
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Will both of them deserve more praise in their contributions to our passion then they have recieved. Personally I know of many times when their flies saved the day.