Red Fox Squirrel Nymph 2-12-12

[Kelly L.]

Thanks guys. I did have lead wraps on this fly. It was a few days ago now, so I forgot what size. I love that Casual Dress pattern. I made 2-3 a while back. Only one was I fairly pleased with, but I never took a picture of it. It is in my fly box. (one of them... ) I used a piece of flo orange flashabou for the ribbing. This fly should do very well in my local waters, for just about any fish that sees it. I plan to do the bead head version of the RFSN, but it will probably be the last version I try. I think there are 4-5 varieties of this fly. I just got the dvd of Whitlock tying the patterns, so I am gonna have to watch him tye the standard version again today, before I proceed to tying them.

[Kelly L.]

You know, when I tied this fly on the 12th, I had to do it from memory, as my son had my computer. (my memory stinks by the way) Now that I am looking at the dvd, I see my fly is over dressed. But I still think it will do well for my waters. It does have that Casual Dress look to it. I see that more now, since I looked at the 6 different variations of the RFSN. Hopefully after I watch the standard tye again, I will have made an improvement on the fly.

[fflutterffly]

As I've posted before this happens to be one of my favorite flies. I've produced some lovely fish while hanging this fly from a dry. I don't care if it's like the original Mr. Whitlocks or the chubby twin on steroids, this fly has always worked for me. Kelly, you can always find a home for those "wide load" squirrels in my fly box. Great work. Last year I wrote a thank you note to Dave Whitlock extolling the virtues, which he was well aware of. As the gentleman he is, he acknowledge my praise with a kind note in response.

[Kelly L.]

Thank you! You sure put a smile on my face. I made a couple RFSN's last night. Much closer to the ones on the dvd. As you say, the chubby cousin will work here even so...lol. I can't wait to see what the local fish think about all the variations of this I can do. It seems there are at least 3 of us that love this pattern. I don't know what it is, but I just love this pattern! (including all the variations too) Thank you for your thoughts.

[gingerdun]

Hi Kelly,
I like seeing your flies. As for this one being over-dressed, I'm agnostic on that. Let the trout be the judge. Looks like a tempting morsel for a hungry fish.

Lance

[Kelly L.]

Lance, thank you for your very generous compliment.

[Hans Weilenmann]

I like seeing your flies. As for this one being over-dressed, I'm agnostic on that. Let the trout be the judge. Looks like a tempting morsel for a hungry fish.

*chuckle*

I did not say the fly was overdressed. It looks great and I would happily fish it.

However, as a Whitlock RSN replica it can be considered a little 'fluffy'. No more, no less

This is Kelly's fly, and she can tie it any way she pleases, and she is.

Cheers,
Hans W

[chase creek]

"This is Kelly's fly, and she can tie it any way she pleases, and she is."


Agreed Hans. If it looks right to the tyer, it's right. That's one fascinating thing about tying flies - interpertation is up to the tyer. Kelly's fly will no doubt catch fish, even if it doesn't look EXACTLY like the original pattern. Dave and Kelly are two induviduals with individual styles and tastes. My interpretation of that particular fly would be different (and should be) than either of theirs.
That's why I really enjoy seeing everyone's work here.

[fflutterffly]

One day I was conversing with Mr. Willowhead and got the greatest piece of advice. I had mentioned that I couldn't get the hackles to be the correct length. And the says, " What ever you want is what makes the fly right. It's your fly. Tie for fun. Dig? Best bit of advice I've ever had in fly tying in terms of personal satisfaction.

[Hans Weilenmann]

One day I was conversing with Mr. Willowhead and got the greatest piece of advice. I had mentioned that I couldn't get the hackles to be the correct length. And the says, " What ever you want is what makes the fly right. It's your fly. Tie for fun. Dig? Best bit of advice I've ever had in fly tying in terms of personal satisfaction.

fflutterffly,

I am broadly in agreement with Mark's observation, yet...

In my mind there are two types of flytiers - those controlled by their materials, and those in control of the materials.

We all start out in the first group, as we embark on the journey.

I prefer remain in the second for as long as I can manage

My flies would qualify as "controlled chaos", or "organized anarchy"

Your mileage may vary...

Cheers,
Hans W