Jack Gartside, A Great New England Fly Tyer

I started tying flies back around 2000. At first it was pretty much a glob of feathers and hair on a hook. As I attempted to learn more about the finer points of fly tying I thought perhaps a fly fishing show would help. Back then we had a great show that took place just outside of Boston and that was the first one I ever attended. It was there that I met Jack Gartside. I knew nothing of the man but in the time I spent in front of his table I learned a great deal. I noticed he was tying on a Regal vise, the next day I ordered one from Hunters in New Hampshire. Jack was tying his soft-hackle streamers, and talking, like a sponge I soaked up everything. I purchased several books he published and learned from them. Every show after I made a point to stop and visit with Jack. My encounters with Jack were short but I learned much. Sadly Jack has passed but I like to think he's close every time I tie or fish one of his creations.

The "Sparrow"...some say it's a nymph, some say it's a wet fly, I call it a soft-hackle. Pretty effective fly for most fish.

This is close to the original Gartside "Sparrow"...the first version is mine and is not quite the same. I think Jack would not object.

This is the Gartside "Chicken Poop Caddis"...pretty simple fly.

New England..

This is the season to top all seasons. Nature has come forth to display her magnificent work. Jeanette and I had a day planned last week to get out and see some of Autumn spectacular views. We drove up up Vermont in the early hours. Stopping for breakfast at an old diner circa 1939 and had the most friendly breakfast one could ask for. Driving west we entered a service road to the Green Mountain National Forest. Not more than one mile in we parked the Honda retrieved the pack, a couple of bottles of water and some nuts and off we went. We hiked some of the prettiest areas of New England. Please follow along.

Vast areas of hardwoods and fir. Mixed in were white birch.

Rivers and streams were at seasonal levels, no doubt brook trout were getting ready to spawn.

New England is covered with numerous abandoned apple orchards. While not all of them produce sweet apples " some I tasted were a bit on the tart side, like a lemon" but some were so sweet. We took some home and they will be baked later today. As a side note, ruffed grouse were where the apples are.

Classic New England, Vermont style. We here in Connecticut are about a week away from peak color. I hope to gather some of it's Autumn treasures.

An all New England breakfast. Eggs from Wolcott Connecticut, bacon from New Hampshire, horn from New Britain Connecticut, and coffee from Vermont.

Enjoy your weekend.

Herl And A couple Of Antique Flies

Herl be it peacock or ostrich is a staple in the construction of Atlantic salmon flies as well as steelhead and a few trout patterns. The feathers themselves seem to possess a magic that will trigger a fish to strike. When they are incorporated in Atlantic salmon flies they are beautiful. Some of the trout flies that use peacock are both beautiful as well as effective. I think almost every angler has a Royal Coachman fly in their fly box that's only one pattern, I'm sure you can name one or many more.

The flies posted here also use peacock and Ostrich in there construction. These flies were first tied in the 1880's. Simple and elegant North Country Spiders.

Thompson's  Fancy"

"Thompson's Fancy"....Body, Slate Colored Silk...Two Twists of Black Ostrich Herl at the tail and under the shoulder...Wing, Gray Feather.

"Blades Purple Dun"

"Blades Purple Dun"...Body Purple Silk dubbed with fine Peacock herl, and over ribbed with purple silk...Wings Blue Hackle.

October 1st...It Starts

I turned the page to October yesterday and was very happy to be able to fish for a few hours as we head into this wonderful season we call autumn. As I walked to the stream the air was crisp and the flannel shirt was a comforting buffer from the morning chill. There was a vanilla like smell wafting through the forest that made me feel good, perhaps someone's breakfast being cooked in one of the homes that are close. The morning sun as it glances upon the stream creates a mosaic that an artist would have a tough job of recreating. All of this happening within a few minutes of being there, and the best is yet to come.

A beautiful slick pool along with a small stream reflection. The waters here break into a deep section of water, a likely place for a brook trout to be waiting.

The dry fly drifted but a few inches before it was taken. Soon my first October brook trout was at hand.

A gorgeous little run. Along that section of woody debris was a brookie.

This one...

Another reflection. This pool was as quiet as any section on this stream. The brook trout were somewhere in its dark water. I was forced to go deep and try to get one to take.

The beadhead worked and this fine red spotted brookie was the reward.

We have not a rain in weeks, but this little spring was flowing nicely. It's cold water providing some volume to the stream. This is one of many that keep the stream flowing healthy.