Point fly

Saw this one in the Trout and Salmon magazine a few years ago. I have forgotten the author and name of fly but the colour scheme is similar to the other flies I have shown here.

Hook: Kamasan B175.
Tail: GP Tippets.
Rib: Silver wire and pearly tinsel.
Body: Seals fur, black, red, black.
Hackle: Black hen.

All these flies are suggestive as opposed to imitative. I would like to believe that trout accept most of my offerings as food but some of the flies you see here, especially my competition flies, may stretch that point.

I have to credit the excellent http://www.flyforums.co.uk/ for advice and entertainment.

Cock v hen hackle

                                                                 

Muddler head

 Cock hackle

Hen hackle

I have been admiring the quality of some of the other blogs and aspire to improve the quality of this one. All criticism will be appreciated because then at least there will be dialogue.
 Meanwhile a nagging question about what hackle to use for perhaps my most successful fly has come to the surface. The fly in question is the Bibio. One dressing is attributed to Charles Roberts in E. J. Malone's Irish Trout and Salmon Flies but Tom Stewart accredits the fly to William Hewetson. Beyond doubt is the Bibio's Irish origins and its efficiency is attested by the several variations listed in Stan Headley's Flies of Scotland. I developed my own muddler headed version until I discovered other anglers had arrived there before me. Is there anything new in fly tying? There is something about a deerhair head that gives a fly an extra attraction. But the question of what kind of palmered hackle, cock or hen has vexed me for some time.

Bibio
Hook: Kamasan B170, B175 or B160
Body: Seal fur in three parts, rear third black, middle red, front black.
Rib: Silver wire or tinsel.
Palmered hackle: Black cock or hen.
Shoulder hackle: Black hen.

I use a variety of tyings for different occasions but my favourite is begining to evolve. Both hackles are of hen for movement instead of the shine of cock, and I prefer the broader tinsel rib as opposed to the strength of wire. An added dimension that should not be ignored is the muddler head.

Wee Black Jobs

Kate MacLaren

Kate MacLaren

Tom Stuart in his book Two Hundred Popular Flies says this fly was first tied  by  William J. Robertson in 1934 and fished for sea trout on Loch Maree. I use a smaller version and substitute a fluorescent tail for sunk line work. I have yet to try green Glo-Brite 12 on a Kate. But the colour combination of black and green works so well on my mini lures I am surprised I have not tried it before now. One for next season.

                                                                        Fluo Kate

Hook: Kamasan B160 or B175.
Thread: Black.
Tail: Golden pheasant topping or Glo-Brite 10.
Rib: Silver wire.
Body: Black seals fur.
Palmered hackle: Black cock.
Shoulder hackle: Light ginger hen.

Still harsh.

Kate and Kiera search for rabbits.

A harsh environment.

It is a harsh environment at this time of year. No flyfishing till March. Time to research the perfect fly box. I have found that fishing with traditional Scottish and Irish patterns, and the occasional inovation, catches a fair share of fish. I will introduce the patterns here and hope to encourage discussion and suggestions.