While we have been inundated with political arrogance, waste, toxic spills and financial collapse an amazing story has continued in Chile. 2000+ feet down, where the miners are nearing rescue. What a story of a much maligned industry, the government, the navy and rescuers coming together to save these miners. Did the stars align? Phoenix Capsule story Can you imagine the emotional~mental spillover once atop? Update 10/13/10
Workers are rushing to create dams to stop the additional leaking of 3 toxic pools. A current wall, that remains, is likely to breach. Company exec arrested.
“The sludge from last Monday’s spill reached the Danube — Europe’s second-largest river — on Thursday, raising fears of wider contamination in Hungary and countries downstream, including Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and the Ukraine.
Water test results released Friday, however, indicated the sludge may not harm the Danube after all. The pH level of the Danube water was only slightly higher than normal.
The exact chemical composition of the sludge has not been revealed, but aluminum processing normally involves compounds that include cyanide, cadmium and chromium.” (more CNN) (Aerial view)
I borrowed upon the suggestions of Normand Frechette at flytyingoldandnew (see his comments from my previous post, yesterday) and I noticed a definite improvement. Now this time, I did use the most ultra fine wire ribbing I had and that did change the appearance and did reduce the segmentation contrast I was trying for. However, the tail was much improved, and the ribbing wound without displacing the tail. What you might be thinking well duh, you stopped using rope for ribbing. Actually, that is the small Wapsi wire ribbing (ultra small would have been better). I resorted to a finer ribbing because the pics made the ribbing look so thick. To the eye, the ribbing actually looks fine. That darn macro actually is a help and a hindrance for ‘impressionistic’ types (read less disciplined or is it more free spirited?) like moi. Fly needs to be slightly more robust. Nope, Hans will never snap my flies for Danica.
Lil' Black Stone Size 14 (SwittersB)
I set out to tie a size 14 Little Black Stone, or to experiment with a contrasting abdomen (lighter colored wire ribbing against a black 8/0 thread body) as well as a dubbed, spiky thorax over a weighted under layer non-lead wire. I tied a couple and what I found interesting (yet again) was that I did not see that I had butchered the tail in both instances as I commenced wrapping the fine wire ribbing.
In the first instance, the first wrap of ribbing was brought from underneath and over the top/away. The wire ribbing divided the tail (hackle fibers) and split them asunder. In the bottom fly, I wrapped away over the top, and you can see the tail fibers were pulled off the top and to the far side of the shank. This, in particular, is a common problem. Usually, it happens as the tail is tied in. I thought I had tied it in on top, using the pinch method. Now, as I am prone to say, both patterns tumbling through the currents probably will fish just fine. But, the ever helpful macro lens reveals much in one’s tying techniques. What I take away from this is to pay much more attention to that first wrap of ribbing. Also, something that is also apparent is the thread body is not wound flat. The thread is no doubt twisted tight and does not lie flat when wrapped. The black thread abdomen was but three layers. You can see the bumps and ridges of the thread body. The wire ribbing often follows these contours and can spread or bunch following the irregular body contours. So, start slow and double check the steps. Also, unwrap and reapply if mistakes are noted. I cannot bring myself to spring for those funky magnifying goggles.
Read comment by Normand Frechette @ flytyingnewandold.blogspot.com/ Very help advise
TM with Loop (SwittersB)
“The first thing is you need to carry a substantial loop, not just several useless inches as I see a lot of people fishing with. You want the loop to be at least the length of a fair-sized steelhead, say, 30 to 36 inches. Cut this in half and you get a loop hanging 15 to 18 inches below your reel. That length is usually sufficient, but I sometimes use more.” (excerpt from Dec Hogan’s book @ Midcurrent)
Present day: a must have book. Along with John Larison’s
Last night, I ventured out to the rig for something and upon coming back toward the front door, I noticed the porch lights and white front door were covered with hundreds of these smallish flies. They looked like mid size midges, but they fluttered about quickly so I could not tell. As I walked inside, I considered how many I must have escorted inside. This morning, I noticed quite a few had made their way through the house to the kitchen sink and some water in a bowl, setting in the sink. So, I saw one nearby and snapped a photo. Don’t believe it is a midge. Any one know what variety of fly this is? Cranefly? Close as I could come with some research at Troutnut.
SwittersB
The Fly Fishing Reporter has provided an excellent resource for all trout chasers: a very enjoyable video, available via Ralph and Lisa Cutter, that gives nice views of the various types of mayflies. Here is the the link to the FF Reporter (Ken Sperry) and a cool visual. Linked twice just in case. Add FF Reporter to your blog roll.
http://www.foxvalleytu.org/html/mayfly_larvae.html
I have posted re this site some time back. In review, it has very good, clear info re insect stages that will assist in fly pattern design and recognizing stages on the water.
Sparkle chenille body (SwittersB)
Sparkle Chenille Body (SwittersB)
Chenille bodies are not seen as much anymore for steelhead/salmon patterns. Bodies are slimmer. But, there are some nice chenille’s out there that have more benefit than just for Woolly Buggers. Here, I was playing around to see what the color combos would look like. Most appealing is the chenille’s highlights and that brilliant blue in the wound guinea hackle.
