Damsels to be distressed….

These are damsel fly patterns for stillwater (lake) fly fishing. I tied these four patterns (for the novice’s reference they are about an inch long) based on patterns I discovered back in 2008. They are variations of Jim Cope (Oregon) and Georgi Abbott (Logan Lake, B.C.) damsel patterns. The damsel patterns are highly effective on an intermediate or floating line worked around the edges of reeds and near the shoreline. The more static, slender Cope pattern or the fluffy, animated Georgi pattern never fail to produce in the fishy edges of a lake.

This shot was taken in full sunlight. I learned this six years ago when Tim Barker, over at Planet Trout (extraordinary site on not only fly tying & fly fishing but Hollywood history!) suggested photographing in direct sunlight.