Above the Gate (Tony Muncy)
The hike in above the gate: done it twice. One time freezing. Another time blazing hot. Caves, amazing view. Longer than it looks. Careful scrambling down. Snakes. Never tried a mountain bike.
Archive for July, 2010
11
Jul
10
Fly Tying: Hare’s Mask, Dubbing
Hare's Masks of Different Dyed Colors (MadRiverFlyTyingMaterials Pic)
As a beginning fly fisher or tier, you will note the GRHE or some variation of the very popular/productive Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear. The tying process often involves selecting a small plastic bag, off a hook, which contains rabbit fur or a blend of rabbit fur and a synthetic. The primary appeal of the fur is the guard hairs amongst the fur, which when applied or dubbed to the hook creates a spiky appearance. All this fur, in fact, comes from a Hare’s Mask. The fur is longer about the cheeks and quite short up near the ears. The masks are offered in dyed colors with the natural mask still the most popular. I am not sure there is any advantage to buying the mask as opposed to plucking that bag off the hook. But, if you like the more hands on effort at dubbing and blending, it is always interesting to buy a mask and see what you create. Store the mask where moths or mice cannot get at it (sound advice for all your materials).
Aside from an Adams, how often do you use grey in any of your patterns. I have highlighted the ‘Little Grey’ nymph before (a very simple nymph tie). Grey is kind of that forgotten color. A neutral color, it seems to have fallen away since muskrat and other grey furs are less utilized in tying these days. Grey or Gray, the color is a nice natural color in nature that lends itself to contrasting materials (ribbing and darker materials). The pattern here has a grey dubbed body with black wire ribbing. The hackle is starling and the thread a little heavy 8/0 on a size 16 hook.
Krystal Flash/Ice Dub/Biot BH (SwittersB)
For the beginner, a recap of the often successful nymphs that are so good you must carry them along with a multitude of also’s, pretenders, maybe’s and mights. (not including all the dries, wets, emergers, pupa, larvae patterns)
PTN by SwittersB
Copper John
Prince Nymph
Possie Bugger
10
Jul
10
Fly Fishing: Stillwater Booties
Glacier Glove Bootie
The majority of the time, you are putting into a lake near your rig and with reasonable footing. However, sometimes the footing is harsh with jagged rocks.
Wearing adequate soled booties provides protection for your wader’s neoprene bottoms (I couldn’t say bootie twice in one sentence). If you have got to take out of the lake to hike back toward your rig, then you may well need a good sole. I have used Glacier Glove booties for quite a few years along with lesser quality ones. By far, Glacier Glove provides the best quality that I have encountered.
Easy to get on with velcro side closures, the GG bootie is up to the challenge and goes well with the 3 different types of fins I have.
Similar type booties may exist in scuba shops or by other fly gear manufacturers. Take your waders to the shop, sit down and try on the bootie for the proper fit…not too tight. There, I don’t have to say bootie again. Not even shake your bootie.
10
Jul
10
Fly Fishing: Sun Over The Rim
Big D (Over The Rim) SwittersB
Respite…Hunkered down…Relief…Turn On Time…When Early & Late Suits You
10
Jul
10
Fly Tying: Technique Odds & Ends
TWO STRAND WEED GUARD FOR SALTWATER OR OTHER LARGE FLIES
CADDIS PUPA, SPLIT THREAD DUBBING TECHNIQUE
SIMPLE ANT PATTERN, PINCH TECHNIQUE & CAPTURING THE MATERIALS
Little Fort Leech Version (SwittersB)
A shore side set up for snapping self portraits if alone (SB)
