Slim & Sparse Imagos

Underdressed spinner patterns can be deadly effective, especially during warm evenings. CDC is the perfect material to help achieve the effect. If you find they tipple under the surface, worry not... just watch the leader for any hesitation as they work very well sub-surface.





~Dave

I have added a new page to the River Fly Box about tying with CDC.

River Fly Box: Tying with CDC




~Dave

Rising fish striking at duns as they float down the current seams is the holy grail of many a river angler's season. Either a well placed paradun or a CDC Dun will usually be my choices. The paradun will sit a little lower in the surface. The CDC helps an imitation to float onto the surface. Here's a little example with two CDC feathers tied in for the wing (as opposed to the fibres being spun in a split thread). Microfibbets for the tails here, although a version with Coq de Leon may be my prefered choice for very glassy glides in crystal clear water:



~Dave

So, did you watch it? All three episodes about the state of our fishing Industry? I thought I was pretty clued up about the problems our fish stocks faced and the issues involved. It seems it was worse tham I thought. Considerably worse.



So, a moment away from my usual blogging manner, and a step aside from fly fishing and tying. Please take a look and support this cause... it looks as though a difference could be made. It certainly needs to be. Sign Up.

~Dave

OK, we're a long way from spring, but once you get into January, I can't help but start to think about longer days and a little more sunshine. There are even a few bulbs springing in the garden, and then thoughts turn to April and the start of the New Season. Over the bridge, and the season is even closer. So my thoughts turn to tying dries and small nymphs rather than heavier bugs. The thought of chucking neat loops with a 6' rod rather than swinging Czech Nymphs with a 10 footer... it doesn't seem that far away.

I'm sure we still have a hit of snow to reach us before Spring starts properly. But it's the anticipation isn't it? Sure there are more Grayling to be targeted first and a few casting sessions are starting to book up. However, I can already sense the enjoyment from that first trips of the season.

In the meantime, and between sessions at the vice, whet the appetite with the supreme photographic skill on display in Catch Magazine. Enjoy!

~Dave

A new year on the river bank, swimming heavy bugs for grayling whilst Malcolm double hauls his pike fly into a likely looking pool.





~Dave