Was reading Minor Tactics of the Chalk Stream by G. E. M. Skues. He states that the range of wet fly patterns is not extensive and lists 7 dressings that serve all practical purposes. Now I know how much time I have wasted on this subject over the years. This pattern is #3 the Blue Dun. I used a Dai...

From Trout by Ray Bergman the Mascot.

Hook. Mustad 3906B size 12
Tag. Yellow silk.
Tail. Mallard Quill red.
Body. Peacock.
Hackle. Black (European coot)
Wing. Slate mallard.
Head. Black

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They look great Ray.

Tom

I used black Pearsalls on this fly because of tradition. I guess my spool is ok as I have had no trouble with breakage. I guess that Pritt did not think the silk colour on this pattern important as he does not even list silk in the pattern recipe.

Tom

From North Country Flies By T. E. Pritt the Black Snipe.

Hook. Daiichi 1480 size 14.
Silk. Black.
Body. Peacock .
Hackle. Jack Snipe.

Perhaps some others can chime in on this question. Certainly a fine wire would make the fly more robust but was a fine gold or silver wire even available 150+ years ago. There were no fly tying material catalogues or shops available to the fisherman of the times, and what would be the purpose of an ...

No 57 from North Country Flies by T. E. Pritt .

Hook. Daiichi 1480 size 12.
Silk. Pearsalls straw.
Head. Peacock Herl.
Body. Yellow silk.
Hackle. Light partridge.

I have been using for about 15 years now what Walt Dette used and have had no problems whatsoever. Simply whole cloves. They have a pleasant aroma and have proven to be very satisfactory!

Tom

Call Graham!!!


Tom

Out with the old and in with the new

Tom