Dougsden You are welcome. One thing I forgot to say was that with either Shetland Wool brand it is possible to split the wool into two strands and make a blended version by adding two strands from different wools together. Incidentally if you email your full name and address to me - dsriley1(at)gmai...

Although I quite often use Jamieson’s of Lerwick Shetland Spindrift wool, which many fly tyres are aware of, especially if the are Tenkara or Fixed Line fly fishermen - famous for the ‘OysterI shade used in the Utah killer bug. These days I like tying with Jamieson’s & Smith (Shetland Wool broke...

F1F930EB-8C83-4457-B5D7-23456E3849D8.jpeg Kamasan B120 size 14 hook. Uni-thread 8/0 orange. Body of thread wrapped with Jamieson & Smith Shetland Wool FC68 ribbed with fine dark copper wire. Whiting Brahma hen medium dun hackle. Note - Wool has no name but it is very dark brown with strands of ...

Lovely tie.

I think any fly tied simple with peacock herl body and hackle is a killer. I tie them with different dyed colour peacock herls, ribbed with different coloured wires and threads. The addition of a tag is another plus point too.

Thanks everyone for the comments. Bob Your post about ‘Bloody Williams other mate’ has shaken a few of my brain cells. In 1967/9 I was involved with the Fly Dressers Guild and recall Jim Nice’s patterns being discussed at a meeting. That was when I became aware of the ‘Bloody William’ which was one ...

Just noticed an excellent post by Joaniebo on the Red Hot Spot black Magic Spider. Here is another spider very simple to tie but lethal. Basically it’s a ‘William’s Favourite’ with a red wool tail. The dressing :- Black thread Black hen hackle Red wool tail with body of thread ribbed with fine silve...

I like the look of this fly very much. It has given me a few ideas. Thanks for sharing.

David

In the UK we have access to Indian hen capes which are very reasonably priced, plentiful and have a variety of cape colourings. I only tie wet flies and am not too fussed about top quality or if the cape is a true Furnace or Coch y Bonddhu or badger etc but they have a good range of hackle sizes and...

I have been having counselling since reading this post! My counsellor reckons it will be a long job and I may never use purple again in a dressing. That is very serious since Snipe & Purple spider is my favourite fly.

David ( from a darkened room in Cheltenham)

Hi Alistair Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately I have not been able to get out yet to try it. I am restricted to buses as I am no longer able to drive (health reasons). Am waiting for the schools to go back before I venture forth. With all my ‘Lockdown’ tying I have quite a few flies to test! :D...