March Brown Soft Hackle (variation)

[tie2fish]

This is a beautiful pattern, Ray ... great material selection, natural color scheme, and technically well-executed. It will be a most welcome addition to my collection when the swap package arrives.

[Mickalo]

Hey Ray as usual a great pattern another one to add to my "To-Tie" list. Do you find a advantage to using an up-eye over a down-eyed hook, for either tying, or fishing the fly ?

Mike

[Kelly L.]

Ray, these are killer looking flies. I love the whole concept. Thank you for sharing these little gems with us.

[William Anderson]

Ray, I'm sorry to be late in saying so, but these have a lot to love and definitely have that letumgo finesse. The pattern looks very effective. The swap group are very lucky judging from all the patterns I've seen so far.

Well done fellas (Tim for his contribution and motivating pressure to complete them).

w

[tjd]

You guys are killing me...Ray, No, I wasn't able to fish yesterday! I was thinking about it, though!
William-Now everybody will think of me as either "the consciense" or "the good idea fairy"!
Looking forward to seeing you on your road trip, by the way.
Seriously, glad I had that small package that I use to tie up March Brown Flymphs tucked away in my tying chest. We've been able to get some beautiful flies from that bird.

Be well, everyone!

Best,

Tim

[gingerdun]

Ray,
Man, am I glad I signed up for this swap. Yours is an innovative take on an old standard, which is one of the things that makes these swaps so worthwhile.
Tim, thanks for helping our pal out with the supplies.

Lance

[Mataura mayfly]

Beautiful looking fly Ray, liking the up-eye on this pattern, give it a traditional look for a traditional pattern with a modern twist.
Very cool.

[letumgo]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the encouragement.

Mike - I used the TUE hook as a nod to the history of wingless wets & their connection to Pete Hidy. They are one of my favorite hooks for this style fly. They just look nice to my eye. In smaller sizes, I would contend that the TUE has an advantage over TDE hooks, due to the added clearance for the hook point. In other words, the eye does not form an obstruction in front of the hook point. I guess that you could make the same argument for straight eye hooks, but I just find the TUE more pleasing from a visual standpoint.

I'd love to hear others opinions regarding the advantages/disadvantages of the hook eye.

[tjd]

Ray,

Agree with your comments on eye appeal.

I've also experienced that flies tied on TUE hooks fish better on a dropper. I can't explain why. I typically use the Orvis knot when tying them to tippet or dropper strand.

Best,

Tim

[gig]

Certainly looks like a very useful fly and nicely tied