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.

Fly Tying: Georgi’s (Harley) Damsel

I wanted to work on the photography lighting for my pics. Also, I wanted to point out that the often cast off hackle bottoms are a source of fluffy tail/wing material. In the Harley Damsel, I copied a pattern I saw years ago, called Georgi’s Damsel tied by Georgi Abbott of Logan Lake, BC. So, consider it a Georgi’s Damsel. I have temporarily named it Harley because the side shot looks amazingly like my goofy pup Harley. Ok, enough personal info. Additional info re Damsel Nymph-Instars at Troutnut.