The "Yellowhammer"

"Yellowhammer"...What! Several years ago a fellow mentioned a fly that was popular in the south on those wonderful mountain brook trout streams. So I went online and found some information on the fly, that information led to more searching and even more information. I wrote personally to a few southern fly tyers and received what I would guess to be as accurate of info as I was going to get. It seems that the Cherokee Indians were the first to fish this fly, I'm sure it did not look like those of today but it did contain the main ingredient, which is the feathers of a "Yellowhammer" woodpecker. The Yellowhammer is native to the area and that's probably why the fly worked so well. These days the Yellowhammer is protected so the feathers can't be obtained. Various substitutes can be used including grouse, woodcock, and hen. Below are a few of the variations of the Yellowhammer and where they came from.

Roger Lowe's book lists two variations. The top one a Yellow Hammer Nymph. The bottom one is a wet fly tied with different hackle. The bottom one is the first of this fly I fished locally. It was purchased from a Appalachian fly tyer.

This is the Yellowhammer purchased from the Appalachian tyer. I fished this fly many years ago and had a spectacular Autumn day.

Further digging got myself in touch with an outdoor sporting heritage group who were so nice as to send me this poster of the Southern Appalachia's Fly contributions. As you can see it contains another variation of the Yellowhammer.

These are a few variations of the Yellowhammer that I've tied. These flies have been tested, and have taken brook trout, smallmouth bass and bluegills. This one performed the best. Maybe it's because of the peacock head.

This one which I though would do well has done just the opposite.

This variation has done very well also. The yellow hackle I colored myself myself using a permanent marker.

This is where I first fished the Yellowhammer. I'm guessing it was the fall of '09. At the tail out near the base of the tree there was a large colored leaf jam. The fly was cast and as it drifted to the start of that leaf jam I saw what was a wake of a swimming brook trout. That fish slammed that fly and gave me a memory that is as fresh today as it was that day.

Let's Beat The Heat, or Try

I just want to pass along to you some wonderful and very informative articles that have been recently published. These articles can be found in the summer issue of Trout, and the July-August issue of Eastern Fly Fishing. The articles in Trout are about brook trout in southern Appalachia, their struggle from almost extinction to where there now protected and flourishing. A great story and read.

The article in Eastern Fly Fishing is about "Trout Town"...Carlisle Pennsylvania. Written by Henry Ramsay. A very well written and super informative about the land of limestone spring creeks, and the difficult wise trout that inhabit them. I very much enjoyed it.

With the northeast baking, a few words on enjoying it if there is such a thing. I love grilled hot dogs. Some steps to insure you will to. Use charcoal if possible. The best natural casing franks you can buy. Grill them until they split. And just as important as the good quality of frank that you grill so are the rolls. Buy New England style, and toast them first, I like to use a little butter. Then put what ever you like on them and enjoy.

The "Mini Bugger"

I don't think there is a fly fisher who has not fished the "Woolly Bugger". This fly that was created by Russell Blessing of Pennsylvania is probably recognized everywhere in the world, and has accounted for more fish than any other fly pattern. The effectiveness of the "bugger" can be attributed to the marabou tail, which every bugger has. This material comes alive in the water and will draw strikes even from lazy fish. Other materials vary on this fly. Bodies from various types of chenille, dubbings, along with wire or tinsel ribs. Some are weighted with lead wire, cone heads and bead heads, and a host of colors. These flies represent a lot of various forms of fish food. Bait-fish, hellgramites, nymphs, and leeches to name a few.

Woolly Buggers are tied on hooks ranging in size from 4 to 8, with some perhaps bigger and some in size 10. I would think size 8 to be the most common size used. I have started tying these in sizes 14 and 16..."mini buggers". The material list is pretty much the same accept for the colors of the marabou tails. Mustad 9671 nymph hooks are used with a peacock body. The hackle is black or grizzly and there is a brass bead. I think these mini buggers will have a good chance at taking trout from small streams, especially brook trout in winter.

Black mini bugger with gray tail.

Black mini bugger with olive tail.

Black mini bugger with black tail. I believe the black and the olive are the most popular color combinations. The flies are tied on #14 hooks.

A black mini bugger tied on a #16 hook.

"Winter Brookies" Get The Coffee Ready....

Yes winter brookies. While winter can be brutal there are times when the day can be almost perfect, for winter that is. These are a few times this past winter when I was able to enjoy some of the better days along a stream. Small stream fishing is a laid back type of fishing and in winter it is even more so. Your pace becomes almost turtle like. Dropping flies into likely pools and slow runs hoping to move a trout to your offering and sometimes it works.

But the best part of winter angling is the beauty. It seems as if cold air makes for a heightened sense awareness and you seem to notice more of what surrounds you. As long as the air temperature is above 32 degrees I can really enjoy winter angling.

A winter jewel. This one plucked from a slow spot. Flies need not be changed often and those that run near the bottom are usually best.

Watch for the slippery snow covered rocks.

On those bright days, come the chances you might bring one to the surface. I find the "Ausable Bomber" to be a good winter dry fly.

Days such as these make for some warm memories, and even if you do get a neck full of snow you will not mind it.