Stewart Black Spider variation

[Johnno]

A couple of similar versions (Difference being the hook) of Stewart's black spider. Tied with claret Pearsalls. And tied off at the rear. I have used these with some success recently as part of a team of three wets/softhackles on our late season hatches. Also been using ones made in the same manner with a lighter brown silk with a slate coloured spur winged plover feather. Better refelcts the colours of our local small late season hatching mayflies..

[letumgo]

John - Could you elaborate on your comment "tied off at the rear"? I am intrigued by the comment. Are there advantages tying in that way?

Great flies by the way...

[Johnno]

Ray, I wrapped the hackle around the thread then wound backwards and tied off the "head" at the rear of the fly - if you look closely, you can see there is no head to speak of at the front

[letumgo]

Glad I asked. That is a terrific technique. I've tyed other portions of flies "backwards", but never tried your method. Need to give it a go. Thanks mate.

[William Anderson]

This is exactly the way I understand Stewart to have tied his. I was reading Hidy from Masters of the Nymph and he was describing about 8 characteristics that are important in a pattern. Then turned and noted that Stewart could do it with just the one. Liveliness, which he called vitality. I believe it.

w

[willowhead]

Way Cool.....

[chase creek]

That pattern isn't exactly a showcase pattern, but it's been catching fish, and a lot of them, for 150+ years.
That makes it one of the most attractive flies around. Very nice tie, and I like the choice of hook on these.
I think I'm too "ham-handed" to twist the hackle and thread without breaking the hackle. Tried it a few times, now I "cheat" and use the method described by Hughs in "Wet Flies". Works fine for me, and the fish have never complained.
Thanks for posting this one.

I wonder if we could get Whiting to start breeding Starlings for sturdier hackle?