Well these fly patterns are not exactly new, but for a person who has been a dryfly only fanatic for many years now, it's exciting with these "newly" discovered soft hackled flies. At first glance they may not look as appealing like the more modern patterns, but the more I look at these flies, the more interesting they become with their soft hackel from birds like Starling, Patridge and Waterhen and with a body made of Pearsall silk and different type of fur.
Take for example the fly Patridge and Orange with its body of orange silk and partridge hackle. The fly is a well known fly with its roots set firmly in English
angling history. It is an impressionistic pattern fished successfully
during caddis hatches and spinner falls.
The Partridge and Orange is traditionally a trout and grayling pattern.
Dreaming of the upcoming summer .... just a few months away now.
Meanwhile its time for tying some soft hackled flies and building some new bamboo flyrods.
I wouldn't worry so much about the dry/wet dilemma. It's kinda like seasonal allergies, soon enough the hackle and tails will grow back on those flies just in time for spring thaw. In the meantime, if a trout takes a sunk fly just below the film, it's ok... winter rules
SvarSlettNice photos
Hi Jan!
SvarSlettYou have the same name as one of my brothers. I like the softhackled flies very much too. I've had periods during my around 4 decades of fly fishing and if I can choose I prefer the dry fly. Many times a fly below the surface can take more fish but it's something special when a big trout takes a dry fly; just seeing it and often hearing it makes your hart beat faster. But everyone can fly fish the way they choose. That's the big advantage of fly fishing. I'm also tying some new flies and building up hopes for the coming season. Let's hope it will be a good season!
Kind Regards,
Mats Olsson
I fell in love with "soft hackles" a couple of years ago. Glad to see others are realizing the simplicity and beauty of these old legends.
SvarSlettGreat Post Jan. Love the bamboo rods.
SvarSlett