FLYMPH FORUM

Parmachene Belle

Winged Wet Fly

Tail - White and scarlet
Butt - Black ostrich herl
Ribbing - Gold tinsel
Body - Yellow floss*
Hackle - White and scarlet
Wing - White with scarlet stripe
*May also be tied with yellow wool

Trout - Ray Bergman
Forgotten Flies - Schmookler and Sils

Wow, another really classy fly!

I love this fly, so much nostalgia in it. My grandfather, and all the other old dudes around here, used to fish this fly as a hair wing; tying it on up-eye, double salmon irons for the 'Big Rivers', and single's for stream fishing. In the spring, they tied a streamer version of it. I still troll it when I want to channel his memory. Thanks, Norm.

When I was a kid, my parents gave me a set of winged wet flies as a Christmas gift. I clearly remember the Parmachene Belle was one of the flies in that collection (but it could not hold a candle to your version...simply superb by the way). Thanks for refreshing a fond memory.

Norm,

Did you know ever know Don Bastian? I think he would have been impressed with your Bergman style flies. I had once signed up to attend one of Don's tying classes, but unfortunately his wife passed away shortly before the class. I never got to see him tye in person, but am a big fan of his work.

Emily Bastain, niece of Don, is doing her best best to uphold traditions and the conservation ethos of her uncle.

nativefishcoalition.org

Thanks Mike.

letumgo wrote: ↑Tue Feb 14, 2023 5:54 pm Norm,

Did you know ever know Don Bastian? I think he would have been impressed with your Bergman style flies. I had once signed up to attend one of Don's tying classes, but unfortunately his wife passed away shortly before the class. I never got to see him tye in person, but am a big fan of his work.

yes i knew don bastian

i took a tying class with don at mike holts fly shop up in fairfield maine many years ago

Norm, This as one of Vickie's favorite flies. She loved to tie it and fish it. She has, or rather I have, a set of flies tied by Don Bastion and the Parmachene Belle is featured front and center. Thanks for posting this and the memory.