Not a lawn DART…Completed…

So a flashy little jig pattern that I have seen around..and NO, it isn’t in Umpqua’s catalog yet and there is no definitive recipe. If one tries to Google or Bing it, it won’t appear in any image search…so THIS is the closest approximation there is – right now. I have already had a couple of folks come snoopin’ around  lookin’ for it….here it is:

TUNGSTEN RED DART – Lance Egan/Variant …

Materials for TUNGSTEN RED DART…

HOOK: Umpqua C400 BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Ultra 70 denier, Olive Green – Abdomen / Gordon Griffith 14/0, Sheer – Thorax forward & Hot Spot

WEIGHT: .015 – .010 lead or lead sub.

TAIL: Red Saddle Hackle fibers

ABDOMEN: Hare’s Ice dubbing, Peacock – Hareline

*RIB: Brassie or Small Metallic Olive Ultrawire

HACKLE: Hen Neck, Ginger/Brown

THORAX: Pink UV Ice Dubbing

BEAD: Slotted Tungsten, Gold, sized to hook

* I have been informed by one of my tying friends that Lance Egan uses Sulky Holoshimmer for the ribbing and secures it with a covering of monofilament – thanks Jake !

This is a good attractor pattern !!!

 

TUNGSTEN RED DART(s)…

The Blue version may be viewed HERE…

TUNGSTEN ORANGE DART – Lance Egan/Variant …

Materials ORANGE DART…

HOOK: Umpqua C400BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Veevus 16/0 Brown – Abdomen / Datum Glo Brite #5, Hot Orange – *not pictured

WEIGHT: .015 – .010 lead or lead sub.

TAIL: Orange Saddle Hackle

ABDOMEN: 60% UV Ice Dub Brown / 40% Hareline dubbing #.24 – Chocolate Brown

RIB: Brassie or Small Ultrawire, Copper Brown

HACKLE: Hen Neck – Furnace

THORAX: UV Ice Dub Hot Orange

BEAD: Faceted Slotted Tungsten, Black – sized to hook

Brown is a color that works well in a lot of locations that we visit…So, why not ?

ORANGE DARTS….

Below Varney Bridge on the Madison River…

 

 

PT/TB 

 

 

 

 

AN Attractor, Caddis, Midge and … (In Progress)

Yup……these are some patterns I will be putting in the East Walker River box for May 2014…some things I have wanted to tie up for awhile…like this:

MR. T CADDIS (UV2/TPI) – Matthews/Variant – Daiichi 1100, #16…

Caddis time on the Madison River, MT…where the little guy below hatches during the dog days of Summer…

GLOSSOSOMA CADDIS LARVAE – Matthews/Variant, Daiichi 1130, #16…

Materials GLOSSOSOMA CADDIS LARVAE…

GLOSSOSOMA CADDIS LARVAE…

K.I.S.S. MIDGE LARVA – Chartreuse – Daiichi 1130, #18 – #22…

Materials K.I.S.S. MIDGE LARVA….

K.I.S.S. MIDGES….

COPPER LOTUS – Egan/Variant- TMC 100SPBL, #16 – #20…

Materials COPPER LOTUS…

COPPER LOTUS(s)….

I will be able to use some of them with this little lightweight set-up I have not put to work in a long time:

Bamboo,Abel, H&L Variant and ‘Bow…on the Stillwater River, MT...

 

 

PT/TB

 

The SPARKLE PUPA …a Contemporary Revision (COMPLETED)…

These are Sparkle Pupa patterns, with a bit of a twist , from Montana guide and tier Eric Slagle that appeared in the Spring 2006 Issue of FLY TYER MAGAZINE (ppgs. 20-29).. I have been using these guys, both the Deep and Emerger variants, since Spring 2007. All I will say is that it is worth the effort to add this version of Gary LaFontaine’s original to one’s Caddis arsenal. So  let’s begin…

Michael…likin’ some Deep Sparkle Pupa, in Green, on the East Walker River…

Just about SPARKLE TIME…and these guys… 

LaFontaine Sparkle Pupa:

HOOK: 1X-long,heavy wire nymph hook for tying the Deep Sparkle Emerger (beaded or unbeaded). a 1X- long,fine-wire hook for the Emergent Sparkle Pupa. Hook sizes #18- #8

THREAD: 16/0,14/0, 8/0 or 6/0 color to match the underbody. Use Tiemco 16/0 (dubbing loop) or UTC 70 denier when applying CDC using split-thread technique

UNDERBODY: A blend of Antron and Superfine dubbing

VEIL: Antron dubbing for hook sizes #18 -#12, Zelon for sizes #10 and #8

WING: Pale deer for the Ginger and Cinnamon Emergent Sparkle Pupa and  medium or dark deer hair for all other patterns

WING PAD: Hen saddle hackle fibers for the Deep Sparkle Pupa, color to match thehead *(Note) I will use Partridge, Grouse or Lemon Wooduck as alternatives

HEAD: Superfine Dubbing, color to match the head *(note) I will use Brass or Tungsten colored beads

 

COLOR SCHEMES FOR THE SPARKLE PUPA:

Brown & Yellow Sparkle Pupa

DUBBING:

One-half golden tan Antron

One-half Callibaetis Superfine Dubbing

VEIL:

One-half golden tan Antron

One-eighth March brown Antron

One-eighth golden stone Antron

One-Quarter white Antron

Brown & Green Sparkle Pupa

Dubbing:

One-half blue grass Antron

One-half caddis green Superfine Dubbing

Veil:

One-half olive damsel Antron

One-eighth March brown Antron

One-eighth dark olive Antron

One-quarter white Antron

Brown Sparkle Pupa

Dubbing:

One-half chesnut Antron

One-half Callibaetis Superfine Dubbing

Veil:

One-half chesnut Antron

One-eighth March brown Antron

One-eighth hare’s ear Antron

One-quarter white Antron

Ginger Sparkle Pupa

Dubbing:

One-half squirrel belly Antron

One-halh light cahill Superfine Dubbing

Veil:

One-half cahill cream Antron

One-eighth squirrel belly Antron

One-eighth golden stone Antron

One-quarter white Antron

Dark Gray Sparkle Pupa

Dubbing:

One-half hare’s ear Antron

One-half Adams gray Superfine Dubbing

Veil:

One-half charcoal gray Antron

One-eighth March brown Antron

One-eighth har’s ear Antron

One-quarter white Antron

These are the basic color schemes Eric laid out. He suggests that one may play around with the color mixes to mimic particular Caddis that may be present in other areas – just keep white or clear Antron, in a one-quarter proportion, in the veiling mixture. Here is my Cinnamon for those little guys on the East Walker River:

Cinnamon Sparkle Pupa

Dubbing:

One-half March brown Antron

One-half Callibaetis Superfine Dubbing

Veil:

One-half ginger variant Antron

One-eighth March brown Antron

One-eighth squirrel belly Antron

One-quarter white Antron

 

I also concocted some other veil and abdomen mixtures for the two Glossosoma species below. Those will appear in the pattern recipes. No other  material comes close to Antron’s fineness, for the veiling on smaller Sparkle Pupa – use it!

 

MAKING TOUCH-DUBBING:

The main ingredients for the veil and abdomen:

 

1.Align equal amounts of Antron and Superfine dubbing using the large teeth, then small teeth on the above pet comb

2. Cut each bunch of dubbing into 1/4 inch long pieces with some very sharp scissors

3. Blend the dubbings together – a couple of taps will do

PREPARING THE VEIL OF THE SPARKLE PUPA:

1. Select small bunches of Antron dubbing in the color scheme of choice

2. Roughly mix the colors together

3. Firmly grasp the roughly blended Antron between your thumb and fore-finger. Aggressively brush the coarse-toothed portion of the comb through the Antron. Continue combing the Antron, each time grasping more fibers between the thumb and fore-finger. (I put the bunch on my leg to really go at it) Turn  the clump and continue combing. Use the fine-toothed side to remove all stray fibers. (I do a final light run with the upper comb) The result will be a nice, neat bunch of Antron fibers of similar length. 

 

 *TYING SEQUENCES*

 

DEEP SPARKLE PUPA (Brown) – Weighted/ Beadless – SBS…Daiichi 1560, #14 – #18

1. Add about 6-8 turns of lead or tungsten wire to the hook shank. Cover the hook shank and wire with a layer of thread; make a fe wraps into the hook bend. Tie in the veil (I do a section on each side of the hook shank then use a half-hitch to secure). Trim the excess.

2. Add touch dubbing to the thread (hold dubbing in left hand, moisten fingers then thread and lightly twist a *very small amount*of dubbing on the thread, do this 5-6 times. Turn the thread *counter-clockwise – to lock the dubbing onto the thread ten advance forward, leaving room for the wing pads and head.

3.  Splay the veil fibers around the underbody; try to brush the fibers straight forward. Hold the veil in place with two loose wraps of thread.*Gently* pull out some of the fibers, with a dubbing needle, to create an even, oblong veil. Tighten the loose wraps add two additional wraps, cut the excess and add a half-hitch.

4. Tie hackle fibers on each side of the pattern at a slight downward angle to imitate wing pads, half-hitch.

6. Now add a small pinch of Superfine dubbing (or other dubbing to match the abdomen color -( this is Nature’s Spirit, Dark Honey emergence, dubbing), half -hitch and whip finish. Cut tying thread and add a tiny drop of Hard As Hull. Put a needle in the hook eye while the head cement dries.

 

*TYING SEQUENCE*

 

EMERGENT SPARKLE PUPA (Brown)…SBS…Partridge, Hooper Long Shank, 4x Fine, #14 – #16…

1. As in the above sequence with the veil surrounding the abdomen and half-hitched

2. *First, cut a half-dozen fibers  from the front of the fly, at two or three points to make the shuck – KEEP IT SPARSE*, gently pull them towards the rear of the pattern and twist. Then  tie in a small bunch of cleaned and stacked deer hair fibers for the wing. Half- hitch.

3. Apply a small bunch of Superfine dubbing to the thread, and wrap the head. Whip-finish and clip the thread.

4. Use a sharp hobby knife to cut a dozen veil fibers in half. Repeat this at several locations around the veil.

5. Finished and ready for H20…

 

*VARIATION*

 

GX (Glossosoma califica) DEEP SPARKLE PUPA (A Personal Project) …

HOOK: TMC 3761, Daiiachi 1560, #16

WEIGHT: .010 lead wire

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, White – Under Abdomen – Tiemco 16/0, Brown, Thorax forward

VEIL:

One-half chocolate brown Antron

One-eighth hare’s ear Antron

One-eighth squirrel belly Antron

one-quarter white Antron

ABDOMEN: Russett DNA Holo Fusion – 1 flash fiber 8-10 non flash fibers

WING PADS: English Grouse

THORAX: Iridescent Peacock fiber, Black, Spirit River

BEAD: Plummet Tungsten Bead, 3/32″, Metallic Brown

Glossosoma calificas…

An imitation, of what Ralph Cutter, calls the most important Caddis in the Sierras…

G2X (Glossosoma alacense) DEEP SPARKLE PUPA …

HOOK:  TMC 3761, Daiichi 1560

THREAD: Tiemco,16/0, White Under Abdomen – Tiemco 16.0, Brown – Thorax forward

WEIGHT: .010 lead wire

VEIL:

One-half chocolate brown Antron

One-eighth rust Antron

One-eighth hare’s ear Antron

One-quarter white Antron

ABDOMEN: 1 strand flash, 8-10 strands non-flash Pink DNA Holo Fusion

THORAX: Iridescent Peacock Fiber, Brown, Spirit River

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten, 3/32′, Metallic Brown

G2X(s)…

 

*TYING SEQUENCE CDC ABDOMEN*

 

CDC (Abdomen) EMERGING SPARKLE PUPA – Glossosoma alacense

1. Pick out a selection of CDC feathers that have fibers approximately the same length. Remove both ends of each feather, leaving only the long and even fibers on the side of each stem. Split the thread with a bodkin (dubbing needle) if using Utc 70 denier or make a dubbing loop if using Tiemco 16/0. Stack and stagger 2-4 feathers (depends on hook size) in the split thread or loop. Remove finger from the loop and allow the bobbin to close the thread (or in this case, pinch the dubbing loop with yer’ fingers on the left hand). 

2. Use sharp, long-bladed scissors to trim the CDC approximately 3/16′ long extending perpendicular from both sides of the thread. Spin the bobbin (or dubbing twister) counter-clockwise to lock the CDC fibers in the thread.

3. Wrap the fibers up the hook shank to make the underbody of the fly.

FINISHED EMERGING SPARKLE PUPA - Glossosoma alacense - Partridge, Hooper Long Shank, 4x Fine, #16… 

Materials for EMERGING SPARKLE PUPA – Glossosoma alacense…

EMERGING SPARKLE PUPA(s) – Glossosoma alacense

The above Emergent Sparkle Pupa and the Deep Sparkle version is for the cousin that makes it’s appearance in waters we fish around YNP…

I and my guys have tested Eric’s variation out in a lot of the places we visit…they work. Tie some up, keeping the veils sparse. Then, go into a Fly Shop and compare what you have tied to that which is available… commercially…There is no going back !!!

A Rainbow reward… on the East Walker River…

 

NEXT: Not a lawn DART

 

 

PT/TB 

 

 

 

 

 

SOME STONES…(Done done)

 

This little creek which is called a RIVER ,  in the Southern Sierras, holds a good population of stone flies. On this particular visit, Michael was workin’ the locals over with dries while I tossed small stone fly nymph patterns into the deeper drops that can be seen at Michael’s feet. I took some of the larger residents… on those patterns…

Michael…somewhere in the Southern Sierras…on a small river that is full of stone flies…

What follows is a series of fairly easy to tie Stones that inhabit Western waters we visit…These bugs require clean, oxygenated unpolluted water!!! Please note that I have updated the links (in bold type) to some of the Fly Tying companies whose products I use…they will be updated on my front page under catalogs…eh…soon…

 

STONE BOX completed…

THE PICKLE – Pat Dorsey …

Materials for THE PICKLE…

HOOK:  Daiichi 2220, #6 – #12

THREAD: Veevus 16/0, Brown

WEIGHT: .020-.025 Lead or Lead Sub.

LEGS: Black/Brown – Cascade Crest

BODY: Variegated Chenille, Medium, Lt.Olive/Rust – Wapsi

This has been around for awhile…good to have when Golden Stones are about (and they generally are in a range of sizes) in the waters me and my guys fish. Charlie Craven ties it HERE…

Some PICKLES…ready to be eaten…

Yoraperla nigrisoma (Roach Fly) …

Materials YOPERLA nigrisoma (Roach Fly)…

…and NO, they won’t be found in most backyards…they are however,found ( so far ) in two additional states, that are not colored…

HOOK: TMC 2302, #10 – #12

THREAD: Veevus 16/0, Brown

WEIGHT: .010 Lead Wire

TAIL(s): Goose Biots, Sulphur Orange

RIB: Micro Tubing, Brown

BODY: AZ Simi Seal #.34 Canadian Orange

WINGCASE9s): Medallion Sheeting, Mottled Brown

LEGS: Speckled Hen Back, Yellow

ANTENNAE: Goose Biots, Sulphur Orange

BEAD: Brass or Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

Yup…they are up there on the East Side and while most fishermen don’t know about them, the Trout do…plan accordingly…

YOPERLA nirisoma (Roach Fly) herd…

Sweltsa borealis …

Materials for Sweltsa borealis…

HOOK: Daiichi 1260, #14 – #16

THREAD: Lagartun 74 Denier, Amber

WEIGHT: .010 Lead Wire

TAIL(s): Goose Biot, Tan

BODY: Emergence Dubbing, #.70, Amber – Nature’s Spirit

RIB: Ultra Wire, SM, Amber

BACK: Scud Back, 1/8″, Tan

LEGS: Speckled Hen Saddle Feather, Amber, * tied convex side up and pulled over… like a Bat Wing Baetis

WINGCASE(s): Scud Back, 1/8″, Tan –  * whip finish and coat the entire top of fly with UV resin

 

Yeah…I go for the obscure latin names…these guys are found in a number of places here in the WEST. They are certainly in the Sierras and Ally ain’t waitin’ in vain below…

A few Sweltsa borealis nymphs…

Ally, waiting for those little guys to move into the shallows, on a late June evening, in the Madison channels…

UGLY BUG – Variegated (Black/Olive) …

Materials for the UGKY BUG - Variegated (Black/Olive)…

HOOK:  Daiichi 2220, #6 – #10

THREAD: Veevus 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .015 -.025 Lead or Lead Sub.

BODY: Variegated Chenille, Medium, Black/Olive – Wapsi

LEGS: Medium, Olive/Black - Cascade Crest

 

This pattern goes by a number of different names and they may be tied in various colors,some imitative and some, like this, as more of an attractor. Just depends on what Mr. Trout is up for on any given occasion…

Some UGLY BUGS…

Some UGLY BUG water…Below Varney Bridge, on the Madison River…

PAT’S RL ( Brown/Amber)…Pat Dorsey …

Materials PAT’S RL  (Brown/Amber)…

HOOK:  TMC 5262, 5263 – #6 – #12

THREAD: Veevus 16/0, Brown

WEIGHT: .015 Lead or Lead sub.

BODY: Medium or Fine Dark Brown Chenille

LEGS: Super Floss, Amber – Larva Lace

This is a simple and effective tie that can be done in a number of sizes and colors to match a wide variety of Stone Flies. They are very useful in pocket and turbulent water where the Trout have to make a quick decision on food items…

PAT’S RL (s)…

Another STONE FLY factory in the Eastern Sierras…which takes a 4X4 to get into…

Some Stone Flies identified during a stream survey, in a watershed, not too far away from the above location…

TIM’S LITTLE BLACK STONE – Matthews/Variant …

Materials TIM’S LITTLE BLACK STONE…

HOOK:  TMC 2302, 5212 – #14 – #16

THREAD: Abdomen – Veevus 16/0, Black – Thorax forward – Tiemco 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .010 lead wire

TAIL(s): Goose Biots, Black

RIB: Ultra Wire, SM, Hot Orange or Red

BODY: AZ Simi Seal, Black/Red … * taper with scissors

HACKLE: English Grouse

BEAD: Brass or Tungsten – sized to hook

Small black stoneflies represent many different orders of Plecoptera…they are good to have in a selection of sizes and configurations. This particular pattern is a recent addition done by Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies and as with most of the patterns he does, it is simple and very effective. It may be used ALL YEAR LONG… some the larger orders of stone flies take up to three years to mature…so they start out small and become larger each season…

TIM’S LITTLE BLACK STONE(s)….

Michael, working a stone imitation, on the West Walker River…with a stick he needs to remove above his indicator…

NEMOURA STONE FLYMPH…

Materials NEMOURA STONE FLYMPH…

HOOK: TMC 5262, 2302 #10- #12

THREAD: Abdomen – Danville #47, Tobacco Brown, 6/0 – Thorax forward – Veevus 16/0, Brown

TAILS: Two short fibers, Iridescent Peacock, Brown – Spirit River

ABDOMEN: SLF Spikey Squirrel Dubbing,Brown

RIB: Olive/Brown Micro Tubing

WINGCASE(s): Bustard Thin Skin * coat with UV resin prior to adding hackle

HACKLE: Speckled Hen Saddle, Amber

That little Brown Stonefly  (NEMOURA) found in the Eastern Sierras, is this guy. It is also found in other areas, primarily throughout the U.S. and Europe in various shadings…this is a good imitation to work along banks when they are preparing to exit the water and their nymphal form, to hatch in the stream side rocks and vegetation…

NEMOURA STONE FLYMPHS – #10 & #12…

HOLO SALLY UV2 …

Materials HOLO SALLY UV2…

HOOK:  Daiichi 1260, #14 – #16

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Light Cahill

WEIGHT: .010 lead wire

TAIL: Goose Biots, Tan

UNDER BODY: Veevus Holographic Tinsel, Small, Yellow

OVER BODY: D-Rib, Medium, Yellow

BACK: Amber Zelon

RIB: Ice Thread, Rusty Brown

THORAX: UV2 Fine & Dry, PMD

WINGCASE: Mottled Brown, Thin Skin – * coat with UV resin

ANTENNAE: Goose Biots, Tan

BEAD: Tungsten, Copper or Gold, sized to hook

The Little Yellow Sally is present throughout the West. I have seen some great hatches of this small stonefly, in the evening, on the Madison River, below Ennis Lake, in Beartrap Canyon. They also available to Trout in most watersheds in the Eastern Sierras (HERE) . It is a must carry stonefly imitation both in the nymphal and adult form…

Ally, down in Beartrap Canyon on the Madison river…and there is a reason they call it BEARTRAP!!!

HOLO SALLY(s) UV2…

 

NEXT: Finally getting around to SBSing these updated versions of GLF’s SPARKLE PUPA   done by Eric Slagle ,in Fly Tyer Magazine, Spring 2006…

In use… on the East Walker River …

Affirmed…the addiction is a genetic thing…

 

PT/TB

 

 

 

 

 

ATTRACTOR PATTERNS FOR SPRING 2014…COMPLETED !

Another Spring, another box to fill. These are a series of attractor patterns and hopefully, there will be some snow and water here in the West, this year, to use them in. Some of these guys will be going back East for Michael to use in rivers outside of NYC. Many will be incorporating some new materials I want to try out..There are eighteen (18) patterns in this series…Take what ya’ want and leave the rest…

The box… is completed…

BLUE Z DONE…

Materials BLUE Z DONE NYMPH…

HOOK:   Umpqua/Hanak C260BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Veevus 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .010 or,015 lead wire

TAIL: Mallard side fibers, Royal Blue. Nature’s Spirit

ABDOMEN: Over working thread, 6-8 strands Blue Zelon

RIB: Ultra wire, x-sm, Gun Metal Blue

HACKLE: Hen Neck, Dun

THORAX: Ice Dub UV Pink

HOT SPOT: Gordon Griffith, 14/0 Sheer, Red

BEAD: Tungsten Nickel, sized to hook

Slinky BLUE – the new black…

‘Cause Michael says so…

BLUE Z DONE(s)…

IN PINK JIG NYMPH …

Materials IN PINK JIG NYMPH…

IN PINK (s) JIG NYMPH….

HOOK: TMC 403BLJ, #12 – #16

THREAD:  Abdomen -Ultra 70 Denier, Fl. White / Thorax forward, Tiemco 16/0, Brown

WEIGHT: .010 or.015 lead wire

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Medium Speckled

OVER ABDOMEN: Over white thread base, 1 strand flash, 12-18 non flash strands DNA Holo Fusion, Pink

RIB: Micro tubing, Pheasant Tail…NOW * coat with Hard As Hull

THORAX: 50/50 Mix Fire Star, Fire Red / Squirrel Blend, Rust

BEAD: Slotted Tungsten, Black, Sized to hook

Pink is another color that I have had a lot of sucess with in recent years. The Browns on the East Walker River like the color…

KIMCHEE NYMPH – Chung/Variant …

Materials KIMCHEE NYMPH…

HOOK:  Umpqua/Hanak, C550BL, #10 – #14

THREAD: Abdomen- Ultra 70 denier, Brown  / Thorax forward, Veevus 16/0, Brown

WEIGHT: .010 or ,015 lead wire

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Dark Speckled

RIB: Ultra wire, Fl. Yellow, SM

WING: Marc Petitjean CDC, Dirty Yellow

HOT SPOT: Datum Glo-Brite, Fl. Orange

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

A hot RS2…why not ?

KIMCHEE NYMPH(s)…

MINKY J. CADDIS  UV2 (Tan)…

Materials MINKY J. UV2  CADDIS (Tan)…

HOOK:  TMC 403BLJ, #12 – #16

THREAD: Danville 6/0, #47, Tobacco Brown

WEIGHT: .015 or .010 lead wire

OVER ABDOMEN #.1: Cover thread base with Medium Pearl Tinsel * coat thread with Hard As Hull… first

OVER ABDOMEN #.2: 40% UV2 Caddis Nymph, Tan / 60% Natural Mink

RIB: Veevus Iridescent Thread, Copper

THORAX: SLF Spikey Squirrel Dub, Brown … NOW…brush with Velcro and vigor…

HOT SPOT: Veevus 10/0 Sunburst Yellow Thread

BEAD: Black, Gold or Copper Tungsten, sized to hook…

These may be done in Olive, Amber, Gray or Brown…proper colors of UV2 Dubbing and dyed Mink from White Fox Fur and Feather Co.. Mink is a great fur for capturing air bubbles…I have been using Mink and Sable in many of my Caddis ties for a long time…HERE…

MINKY J. UV2 CADDIS (Tan)…

GTI CADDIS – Egan/Variant…

Materials GTI CADDIS…

HOOK:  Umpqua/Hanak C300BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Abdomen – Ultra 70 Denier Yellow Olive / Thorax forward – Tiemco 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .010 or .015 lead wire

TAG: Small bunch of DNA Holo Fusion Fibers, Brown, cut short

ABDOMEN: Senyo’s Laser Dub, Light Olive

OVER ABDOMEN RIB #1. : Medium Chartreuse Glitter D Rib..*Under Floss Back

OVER ABDOMEN RIB #2. : Ultra wire, x-sm, Black * Over Floss back

BACK: Brown Flexi-Floss, or Thin Skin, Stretch Flex,  a strip of .5mm Brown Razor Foam – your call

THORAX: SLF Spikey Squirrel, Black

BEAD: Tungsten Black Nickel, sized to hook

A new Lance Egan pattern, for which, there is no recipe…YET…it may be viewed HERE at Blue Quill Anglers …in several colors…

GTI CADDIS…

TUNGSTEN BUD BUG …

Materials TUNGSTEN BUD BUG…

HOOK: Umpqua/Hanak C260BL – #12 – #16

THREAD: Abdomen – Ultra 70 denier Lt. Olive / Tiemco 16/0, Black – thorax forward

WEIGHT: .015 or .010 lead wire

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Medium Speckled

ABDOMEN: Working Lt. Olive Ultra Thread

RIB: Ultra wire, Metallic Olive, SM

THORAX: 20% Fire Star, Copper Fire / 20% SLF Davy Wotton Amber / 60% SLF Spikey Squirrel, Brown

WING BUD: Short loop of Midge Diamond Braid, Fl. Hot Pink

WING CASE: Black Zelon

BEAD: Nickel or Black Tungsten, sized to hook

Another generic , earth toned, May Fly nymph with a bit of bling in the bursting wing bud…

TUNGSTEN BUD BUG (s)…

LEE’S TURBO MIDGE- Chris Lee/Loren Williams- Variant 

Materials TURBO MIDGE…

HOOK: TMC 403BLJ, #14 -#16, TMC 2499SPBL, #18

THREAD: Ultra 70 Denier, Black

WEIGHT: .010 lead wire

RIB: Veevus Silver Iridescent Thread – * coat with Hard As Hull for durability

THORAX: Ice Dub UV Black

BEAD: Tungsten Nickel, sized to hook

A Loren Williams pattern by way of Chris Lee…the SBS tutorial is HERE…I will send some of these to Michael and will try them out on the East Walker as a Zebra Midge replacement…

TURBO MIDGE(s)…Moo…in perfect TURBO water…East Walker River, in the Spring…

B.O.P. UV2 …

Materials B.O.P. UV2…

HOOK: Umpqua/Hanak – C400BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Veevus 16/0, Brown

WEIGHT: Optional – .015 or .010 lead wire

TAIL: UV2 Strung Saddle Fibers, Fl. Orange

RIB: Ultra wireHot Orange, SM

ABDOMEN: Senyo’s Laser Dub, Light Olive

HACKLE: Furnace

THORAX: Ice Dub UV Shrimp Pink

HOT SPOT: Ultra 70 Denier, Fire Orange

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, sized to hook

A light Olive May Fly attractor with a hackling position that will be seen on a lot more jig patterns…

B.O.P. (s) UV2…PIT STOP PUPA …

Materials PIT STOP PUPA…

HOOK: TMC 2499 SPBL, #14 – #18

THREAD: Abdomen- Tiemco16/0, White  / Thorax forward, Tiemco 16/0, Black

TAG: Veevus Holo Tinsel, Chartreuse, SM 1/64′, * coat with Hard As Hull

OVER ABDOMEN: cover white thread base with Nano Silk 12/0, Orange

RIB: Ultra wire, Copper Brown, SM

THORAX: Natural Gray Ostrich Herl

WINGS: V-Notched Partridge, Brown-ish

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten Bead, Metallic Brown, sized to hook

A Caddis Pupa attractor for the Browns… on the East Walker River…

PIT STOP PUPA(s)…

BRUIN NYMPH …

Materials BRUIN NYMPH…

HOOK: TMC -403BLJ, #12-#16

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .015 or .010 lead wire

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Ginger Speckled

ABDOMEN: Pheasant Tail Fibers, Black

RIB: Ultra wire, Hot Yellow, SM

THORAX: 30% Diamond Hair (chopped) Silver/Blue – 20% AZ Simi Seal (Chopped) Blue/Black – 50% Awesome Possum, Black

BEAD: Gold Slotted Tungsten,sized to hook

A generic, black Mayfly pattern…

BRUIN NYMPHS…

BRUIN time…Madison River…in the channels…PIMENTO NYMPH …

Materials for PIMENTO NYMPH…

HOOK: Umpqua/Hanak,  C200BL, #16

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Olive

WEIGHT: .010 lead wire

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Dun

ABDOMEN: 6/0 Combo Thread Yellow/Olive (over 16/0 Olive) * coat with SHAN or Hard As Hull

THORAX: 50/50 Mix Senyo’s laser Dub, Light Olive / SLY Spikey Squirrel, Olive

HOT SPOT: Gordon Griffith 14/0, Sheer, Red

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten Bead, 3/32′, Metallic Olive

Because there is always a small Olive colored nymph in the drift…

PIMENTO NYMPHS…

Add PIMENTO and the water will stir…East Walker River…FEYD UV 2 (The Baron’s Nephew) – Loren Williams/Variant …

Materials FEYD UV 2…

HOOK:  Umpqua/Hanak C300BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Abdomen – Ultra 70 Denier, Fl. White / Thorax forward, Danville #47, Tobacco Brown, 6/0

WEIGHT: .015 or .010 lead wire

TAIL: Lemon Woodduck fibers

ABDOMEN:  Flat Pearl Tinsel, Med. or SM

OVER ABDOMEN: * coat with Zap-A-Gap, then wrap, UV2 Turkey Biot Mahogany

THORAX: 30% AZ Simi Seal (chopped Canadian Brown) / 70% SLF Spikey Squirrel Dark Brown

BEAD: One size undersized to hook, Gold Tungsten

The second of two Loren Williams patterns in this series and it is a good one. Loren ties it HERE…play with other colors on this one…good segmentation and bugginess…

STING as FEYD in “DUNE”…

FEYD(s) UV 2…

“EDIBLE ARRANGEMENT” Caddis Attractor – Andy Larkin/Variant …

Materials “EDIBLE ARRANGEMENT” Caddis Attractor…

HOOK: Umpqua/Hanak – C400BL, #14 – #16

THREAD: Abdomen – Veevus 10,White / Thorax forward, Veevus 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .015 or .010 lead wire

OVER ABDOMEN: (over white Veevus thread) 1 strand OPal Mirage Flashabou – *coat with had cement first!

OVER OPAL MIRAGE: Glitter D Rib, Medium Chartreuse

WRAPPED IN GLITTER GROOVES: Senyo’s White Laser Dub in dubbing loop of White Veevus thread

THORAX: SLF Spikey Squirrel Dubbing, Dark Brown, brushed out

COLLAR HACKLE: CDC Black

BEAD: Black Tungsten, sized to hook

This is just a great pattern from Andy Larkin. Rather than trying to go into a detailed description of how to tie it, check out Andy’s SBS tutorial HERE. I will be tying these up in Tan and Amber in the near future…

“EDIBLE ARRANGEMENT” Caddis Attractor(s)…

PURPLE PT TOOB …

Materials PURPLE PT TOOB…

HOOK:  UMPQUA (Hanak) C200BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .015 or .010 lead wire

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Mediu speckled

ABDOMEN: Pheasant Tail Fibers, Purple

RIB: Micro Tubing, Blue

THORAX: 50/50 Mix Fire Star, Purple Pearl / Squirrel Blend, Natural Grey

WING CASE: 8-10 strands of Pearl Fire Fly – * coat with UV Resin

HOT SPOT: Ultra 70 denier, Peacock Blue

BEAD: Tungsten Nickel, sized to hook

Would there not be a PURPLE pattern when I tie attractors? Something slim to cut through the water column and bounce the bottom…That Fire Star comes from LARVA LACE and I really like mixing it with furs…

PURPLE PT TOOB(s)…

TOOB water….

FLOSS DIVER …Caddis Pupa

Materials FLOSS DIVER – (Brown/Olive CDC not pictured)

HOOK:  Umpqua/Hanak C400BL, #14 – #16

THREAD: Abdomen- Ultra 70 Denier, Olive Green / Thorax forward, Tiemco, 16/0, Dark Brown

WEIGHT: .015 0r .o1o lead wire

ABDOMEN: Goose Biot, Caddis Green

RIB: Black Ice Thread – *Coat abdomen with SHAN or Hard As Hull for durability

WING BUDS: Brown Flexi-Floss cut at an angle and a bit short

THORAX: 50/50 Mix Fire Star, Copper Fire / SLY Spikey Squirrel, Olive Brown

COLLAR HACKLE: Brown Olive CDC

HOT SPOT: Dat Glo-Brite, Chartreuse

BEAD: Silver Tungsten, sized to hook

I love Caddis Pupa with a lot of scraggly stuff flowing off the thorax…This critter may be fished dead drift or swung in the current…hold on when it makes the dash to the surface…

FLOSS DIVERS…

CLIFF SWALLOW…

Cliff Swallow (Photo – ZTrout)…

Materials for CLIFF SWALLOW…

HOOK:   TMC 103BL, #15 – #17

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Dark Brown

WEIGHT: Optional, .010 lead wire

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Dark Speckled

ABDOMEN: Lady Amherst Pheasant Tail Fibers, Rust/Black

RIB: Ultra wire, Copper Brown, SM

THORAX: 50/50 Mix SLF Prism, Sand – SLF Spikey Squirrel, Brown

HOT SPOT: Fl. Fire Orange Ultra 70 denier thread

BEAD: Copper Tungsten, 5/64″ or 3/32″

I would not be adverse to using this little fellow when PMD’s are about, either on this river, the Frying Pan or others that have a rust toned, cobble bottom…

Ally at Cliff Swallow…on the Stillwater River, MT

CLIFF SWALLOW(s)…

YES BUTT Olive/Pink …

Materials for YES BUTT…

HOOK: TMC 2499 SP-BLB, #16 – #18

THREAD: Tiemco 16/0, Olive

WEIGHT: Optional, .010 lead wire

TAG: Short, cut fibers, Chartreuse Fluoro Fibre

ABDOMEN: Working thread

OVER ABDOMEN: Non flash strands of DNA Holo Fusion, Olive

RIB: Pink Ice thread - * coat with SHAN or Hard As Hull for durability

WING: 1 short strand, Grizzly Krystal Flash, Black/White

THORAX: Iridescent Peacock Eye, Olive Dun – Spirit River

BEAD: Plummeting Tungsten Bead, Metallic Pink, sized to hook

Pink and Olive…Oh yeah…two colors, which when mixed together, have scored some nice Browns on the Owens and East Walker Rivers…

YES BUTT(s)…

YES !!!…Miracle Mile section of The East Walker River, Bridgeport, CA…

ELECKTRA GLIDE JIG …

Materials for ELECKTRA GLIDE JIG…

HOOK: Umpqua/Hanak C400BL, #12 – #16

THREAD: Abdomen – Ultra 70 Denier. Fl. Chartreuse / Thorax forward, Tiemco 16/0, Black

WEIGHT: .015 or .010 lead

TAG: Holographic Tinsel, Blue (from Rainbow Holo Flashabou)

TAIL: Coq De Leon, Dark Speckled

ABDOMEN: Ultra 70 Denier, Fl. Chartreuse

OVER ABDOMEN: Non flash strands of DNA Holo Fusion, Chartreuse

RIB: Ultra wire, x-sm or SM, Gun Metal Blue

THORAX: Iridescent Peacock Eye, Kingfisher Blue – Spirit River

BEAD: Tungsten Nickel, sized to hook

A little guy with motion and translucence for dredging the bottom of the water column in dark or turbid water…

ELECKTRA GLIDE(s)…

NEXT: Something STONEFLY simple…

PT/TB 

THE CATALOG…is here…

There was a time, right around the first of the year, when I would eagerly await the arrival of the mailman with a spanking, brand new year’s edition of the catalog from THE fly fishing emporium in West Yellowstone, MT.

(photo: yellowstonelodging.com)

I say THE because, having spent more than a few hours in that joint, I knew it would contain some great new fly patterns, tying materials , equipment and gadgets – one of a kind stuff… I am never disappointed…

Some Blue Ribbon Flies Catalogs I have collected through the years…So, mine having arrived via the BRF weekly newsletter today, HERE ya’ go…

2014 BLUE RIBBON FLIES CATALOG

PT/TB

 

 

 

“MONTY”…

 

The Rainbow Bridge…inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

“Monty”…Summer 1998-Jan. 10, 2014