Perusing the always fascinating PlanetTrout, when I came upon a blog at Foldis Fly. Found a very interesting pic showing the use of CDC on an emerger pattern. Nice shot.
CDC Emerger Pattern at Foldis Fly
Archive for May, 2010
11
May
10
Fly Tying: CDC & Cool Pic
I am avoiding the upright wings of split hackle tips or mallard barbs. I am aware the silhouette of upright wings is often called for. Also, this was slightly lower grade cock hackle…not quite stiff enough. So, still happy with the wrapped abdomen of peacock herl quill. The tail also, needs stiffer barbs or fibbets. Almost there. Well, at least for my undisciplined self.
I putzed around with some dry flies and came away with renewed certainty that I gather no satisfaction in tying them. I tie enough for each season and rarely try to perfect the components. It is obvious that if you don’t practice, you won’t get better…or is it in my case?
SwittersB's Dry Fly Grind
Unkempt efforts…I won’t even attempt to justify them. Eek! So, I retreat to the comfort of a well worn whatever…a little pupa…the ubiquitous pupa, with bead of course. Don’t feel too bad for the monstrosities above…I tied about a dozen of each…maybe.
SwittersB Dandy Caddis Pupa
SwittersB Caddis Pupa
Collage of Women Streamside (SwittersB)
Paintings from www.danielridgwayknight.org
The draw is as self evident as can be. Women could only stand by so long, watching, observing the life along the stream before picking up the rod. Women were sent to fetch the water. How fortunate. They were quick to see what was taking place while the man walked the plow or loaded the cart. I think some intuitive code awaits many more women to pick up the rod….and to sit at the vise to create.
Brook Trout Streamer (SwittersB)
Brook Trout Streamer (SwittersB)
A Size 12, 3xl hook, yellow thread 3/0 body ribbed with gold tinsel. Two matched hen hackle feathers are tied in for the wing and extend back past the bend of the hook 1/2 the length of the shank. Red hackle barbs are tied in under the shank as a beard and extend back the length of the body. Black 8/0 thread was used to finish off the fly’s head.
SwittersB
Michael Rossiter
09
May
10
Fly Tying: Downwing Caddis Pupa
Caddis Pupa (SwittersB)
Caddis Pupa Downwing (SwittersB)
Downwing Caddis Pupa (SwittersB)
The hook is a pupa hook with a slightly bent shank, size 16. Tan 8/0 thread is used to tie in a piece of yarn from a spool (see top pic). The abdomen is wrapped from down the bend of the hook up to the thorax area. A beard is tied in from partridge feathers under the shank. A feather is selected (in this case a random chicken hen feather found in the yard) and two sections or slips are cut (each across from each other, along the stem). Then a thorax is dubbed over the wing tie in point and left scraggy. I strive to keep the abdomen lean. Also, the wings should be horizontal and not elevated…a downwing profile. This is a good pattern for both streams and stillwaters.
Happy Mother’s Day…Cutting Mothers some Slack!
I have been told I am stubborn, strong-willed, stoic and too independent for my own good! They are correct, I am all those. My mother had a lot to do with who I am. These were her traits as well, but somehow the very things I find in myself, I resented in her!
Mothers have been blamed for everything from neurosis to psychosis, from nail biting to criminality in their offspring. Mothers have gotten a really bad rap actually! Oh I know we hear a lot about Mom on this special day once a year…how we honor them for the things they do…cooking, cleaning, laundry, and all the things that make home a place for children to thrive.
For some they can go and get the flowers and go get the candy and a card. I did that too, but inside I held a secret (ok maybe not so secret) grudge for her being the way she was. I won’t air all that here, just suffice it to say I had issues with my mother! Then one day, I became the parent, and she the child. Illness, pain and suffering have a way of turning things around. The day she passed away, I hated myself for all the times I remembered the unforgiveness in my heart towards her. Unforgiveness for the very things I find inside myself.
Each Mother’s Day I go into my little box of treasures and remove the card she sent me on my 50th birthday. It simply says: ‘I love you, and I am so proud of all you have become. Love, Mom…’
It is then that I remember the good things. I remember her laughter, her gentle way when we were really sick, her feet and the way she used to say I was just like her. I have the floods of memories come, and there is no bitterness in them now. I remember the way she smelled when she was all dressed up, and the banana nut bread she made so yummy.
And, I remember her issues with her mother. Seems we all have them, they are the ones that we can take out our life’s frustrations on, and know they will love us anyway.
So it is Mother’s Day again. With the recent passing of Switters’ mother, I wanted to honor them, and all mothers. They deserve a break, they deserve us to cut them all some slack…after all, they have US as children! And yes, I am also told I am funny, and giving, and loving, and have my mother’s feet.
Thanks Mom!
Creek
How Many Jelly Beans? More or Less.
THIS MANY!!!
Can I just say thank you for the response, advice, support and satisfaction the visitors to SwittersB have provided? A passion, a diversion, a learning experience it has all been for me. One thing I know for sure, there are many gifted men and women out there that love the sport of fly fishing and fly tying. I have been pleased to share their wisdom, grace and wit along the way. I have mentioned before, I highlight the wisdom, innovation and wisdom of others. That creativity and my efforts to share along with a little of my own mutterings has hopefully generated a nice place for the new fly fisher or fly tier. I know it is a bit gauche (yes I had to look it up on how to spell it) to hype numbers. It is akin to bragging on how many fish we have caught. It is a yardstick, of sorts, that measures interest, even if not totally accurate. Thanks to all for visiting and contributing.
