Stewart's Red Spider tied by Leisenring

[wsbailey]

In his book “Catskill Flytier”; Harry Darbee recommends American woodcock for a landrail substitute.

https://digitalcollections.pugetsound.e ... 4383/rec/2

[daringduffer]

European Jay might be an alternative: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_jay

Several photos in this link: https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffcm&q=Garrul ... &ia=images

dd

[upstatetrout]

Jay is the way!!!

[wsbailey]

One thing to keep in mind is that some suppliers will assume you want the blue feathers and won’t even notice that all the red feathers have been harvested.

[gingerdun]

Thanks, guys, for this string of really interesting and useful comments. I should go back and look at the original scan of the flies, and see if I inadvertently lightened the colors.
Lance

[DOUGSDEN]

To Lance and Everyone,
What a great thread to read and enjoy! It is quite interesting to see Big Jim's version of this venerable pattern! It is a bit different in structure than I am used to tying! Thank you Lance for bringing these images to us so we have reference points to study and enjoy!
Bill, the landrail wings are quite beautiful with their medium reddish brown hue! It seems quite appropriate for a "red" spider! You have a real gem (or two?)!
Dougsdem