Parachute Emerger - A new addition to the RFB

I have just added a step-by step for tying parachute hackles on the River Fly Box.



Hook: Varivas 2200BL-B #14
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, tan
Abdomen: Orvis Spectrablend, Light Olive
Wing post: Funky Fibre, yellow
Thorax: Orvis Spectrablend, ginger
Hackle: Whiting, Golden Badger




~Dave

Biot Nymph - A new addition to the river fly box

I've just added a new addition to the River Fly Box: The Biot Nymph




Hook: Varivas 2120WB (Wave Barbless) #14
Bead: Tungsten 2mm
Thread: Sheer 14/0, tan
Tail: Coq de Leon fibres
Abdomen: Turkey Biot, olive
Thorax: Argentinian Hare, dyed olive

~Dave

Swedish Fly Fair, March 2010

I am delighted to say that I have been invited to tie at the Swedish Fly Fair in March (11th - 14th March). It'll be great to see some old friends and meet some new ones. This will be my first vist to Sweden too, so I'm really looking forward to it.

More information can be found here: Swedish Fly Fair 2010

~Dave

A very happy Christmas to everyone who visits and reads my blog. Since I started the records of visitors, the blog has received over 12000 hits from more than 80 countries. I am delighted that so many people have taken an interest and encouraged me to continue with the blog. I wish you all a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

I have always tried to keep the blog dedicated to fly fishing and tying. However, I wanted to add the news that my son, Oscar, was born on Christmas Eve. A better present you could not receive.

Best wishes,
~Dave

When the going gets tough... #30

A couple tied on #30 hooks... they really do have their day:

CDC Dun



Hook: Varivas 2210 #30
Thread: Synton 0.05 x2, olive
Wing: CDC, brown, fibres in split thread



CDC Shuttlecock



Hook: Varivas 2210 #30
Thread: Synton 0/05 x2, olibe
Abdomen:Light Olive
Wing: CDC
Thorax: Ginger

~Dave.

Smutting Shuttle

Small flies can save the day. When tying in the #24 and below sizes I very much like the use of CDC. There's little weight from such a small hook and, as a result, just a small amount of CDC will keep these floating all day.


Here's an example:



Hook: Varivas 2300 #28
Thread: Synton 0.05 x2, olive
Tail: 2 strands DNA Frosty Fibre
Abdomen: Tying thread
Rib: Tying thread
Wing: Natural CDC
Thorax: Superfine, #19 Sulphur Orange

~Dave

Frosty Reception

I saw a window of opportunity today to take the rod out and pursue a few winter rainbows. I rarely fish small stillwaters, but with good water (with excellently conditioned fish) just a few miles from home and usually a good winter fishery, I thought it was worth a crack. As I drove further up the valley, there was a little snow on the ground. When I found the lake, it was heavily iced over. Back home to the vice then to tie a few for warmer days.




~Dave.