Dr. Lyte Palmer

[tie2fish]

Good to see you back, Lance. This one certainly does look more like the JL/Hidy version, but I still like the aesthetics of your initial posting.

[gingerdun]

Hi Bill.
I know. I like that first fly on the Grip hook too, with the more tapered body.
Because of my research for the book, I'm following two paths: sometimes trying to match the 1941 model pretty closely, and other times interpreting them with modern materials and my own taste. Now that the tinsels and wires from the 1940s have turned dark, it can be hard to imagine how sparkly those flies looked when they were first tied. If I can get a Dr Lyte perfect enough, on the right hook, I may use it in the book since the vintage flies that I've photographed are so badly compromised.

I have considered someday trying to tie replicas of the 28 flies in ART OF TYING THE WET FLY, but I doubt that I'll ever be good enough, or disciplined enough, to pull that off.

Lance

[hankaye]

Gingerdun, Howdy;

Lance, You Sir need to develop greater confidence in you abilities and skills ...

When Ray was in Salt Lake City, we had the occasion to meet and talk for several hours.
We talked alot about the Gathering in Rosco, the fishing of the waters near there, one
thing that was mentioned was your tying style, how it was shaped by your teacher(s), and
the flys that they tyed.

My take on the two hackle lengths is that 'maybe' the forward hackle was ment to be as long
as the wrapped hackle, when they are pushed back towards the bend .... just guessin'

hank

[William Anderson]

Lance this is great on several levels. The material selection chosen by Leisenring is so specific...and I've missed the notes completely. When I think of sword herl I have only seen them used for their more vivid color, assuming the long fibers on the other side were undesirable. But you've really nailed it and the original tie isn't unclear. I just saw what I expected to see. It's a keen distinction. Thanks do much for the noted sword pic. And your efforts to present the original so accurately are just remarkable. The entire construction and material selections here are just really well done. Thanks again for the thought you've put into sharing this pattern. It makes a big difference.

[Mataura mayfly]

Lance, that last offer is a wonderful looking tie, very close to original. Well done sir.

[gingerdun]

Hank, The difference in hackle size is an open question, so your guess is as good or better than mine. It probably doesn't matter too much, judging by the vintage flies I've seen. I've probably exaggerated the size difference a bit too much, but I like the way it looks. Thanks for the comment, and the encouragement about my tying ability. I have high hopes, but I learn so slowly. Very cool that you and Ray got to spend some time together. I hope you are recovering from your surgery in good order.

William,
I'm glad to hear that someone else was in the dark too about these sword herls. Good to have this addition to the peacock palette, something that was known about by others, but not to all of us. Makes me feel that this exercise was worthwhile.

Jeff,
Glad you liked it. Your peacock sword herl arrived just in time. Makes me happy to have a little bit of NZ in the mix.

Lance

[letumgo]

Lance - I find your new additions very informative. I have rarely used the long slender sword herl. I'll have to give it a go. Thanks for the added background.

[Soft-hackle]

Good stuff, everyone. A great topic, Lance, and lots of great information on a very interesting fly from Leisenring's line-up.

Mark