Copper, Beaver and Starling Soft Hackle

[letumgo]

Copper, Beaver and Starling
Hook - Daiichi Model 1510/Size 8
Abdomen - Small UTC Ultra Wire (Amber)
Thread - 6/0 UNI-Thread (Black)
Thorax - North American Beaver Dubbing (Black)
Hackle - Starling Coverlet Feather (I like to use the feathers with a bit of the lovely metallic/iridescent green - hard to photograph, but nice to see in hand)

The materials are listed in the order they are tyed onto the hook.

2010_1031_114835AA.JPG

This is my Halloween-themed fly (orange & black). I tyed it up earlier this morning, but just found the time to post a photo. Happy Halloween to you all!

EDIT - Post updated with close-up photo of the fly

2010_1102_225548AA.JPG

[hankaye]

Nice flys Ray,

My high school colors.

Hope all the hob-gobblins have had their fill of treats and no tricks were played upon you.

hank

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Lovely looking flies, Ray. Well done.

[wayneb]

Hi Ray;

I really like this "holiday appropriate" fly, you could almost call it a partridge & orange variant.

Is the abdomen entirely composed of UTC wire? If so, how many layers are there?

Wayneb

[letumgo]

Yes, the abdomen is entirely copper wire. There are two layers of wire (one tightly wrapped from near the eye of the hook to the bend, and then open spiral wraps back to the thorax area). Once the abdomen is formed, I then tye in the thread at the eye of the hook and secure the copper wire. Dub the thread, wrap the thorax, tye in a starling hackle and wrap 1 to 2 turns. Whip finish and cast off the thread. Very simple little fly.

[DOUGSDEN]

Ray,
What wonderfully tied wets you have shown us. Looking at them closly, they are just perfect.
If you were to ever cross the palms of a total stranger and wanting to represent to him/her
what it's all about, these would be the patterns. If you don't mind I'm headed toward the den to break out the vice and materials and give them a try. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...." I didn't come up with that one but I wish that I had!
I also like the ceramic trouts expression as he gazes toward a possible lunch of Copper, Beaver, and Starling. Nice touch Ray. Please keep them coming!
Dougsden

[letumgo]

Thanks Doug - I bought the ceramic trout at an Buffalo's Allentown Art Festival a couple years ago. He has been stored away in some of my tying "stuff". I rediscovered him, when I was moving my materials to make room for the new tying table I built.

[DOUGSDEN]

Ray,
I saw your re-posting of your new tying desk. It looks wonderful and functional too! Are you taking orders?
Please use the ceramic trout in future postings of your patterns and such. I think it's really cool! You know he needs a name. Can anyone help Ray name his special ceramic friend?
All in fun Ray. I like your style!
Goodnight,
Dougsden

[letumgo]

Doug - The only orders I take are from my wife (humor)...

[letumgo]

Nah...