Pattern Suggestions

[jklett]

I am making a rod for someone and using claret silk for the guide wraps. I would like to tye a few spiders to go along with the rod and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions that would incorperate the claret silk for the flies. I am somewhat limited as to the hackles I have though, I have partridge, golden and ringneck pheasant, and starling skins. Any ideas?

[Soft-hackle]

Hi jk,
Perhaps an Iron Blue Dun using dark gray starling for the hackle. I'm not sure what other materials you might have, so it's hard to say.

Mark

[narcodog]

Do you have any dubbin?

[skunkaroo]

I am making a rod for someone and using claret silk for the guide wraps. I would like to tye a few spiders to go along with the rod and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions that would incorperate the claret silk for the flies. I am somewhat limited as to the hackles I have though, I have partridge, golden and ringneck pheasant, and starling skins. Any ideas?

What colour is the rod (if graphite), or what finish does it have (if cane)? Might be nice to know if you're going for a colour palette.

Off the cuff I think claret thread as a rib over muted orange floss with either brown partridge or grouse would make a striking little stonefly.

Aaron

[Old Hat]

I was in line with Aaron, thinking a body of golden yellow with claret rib and partridge hackle. Of course an Iron Blue Dun would be a must. Maybe a claret body ribbed with purple and hackled with starling.

[jklett]

Thanks for some ideas, I'll post some pictures of the flies next to the rod when it's finished(it'll be in a couple of weeks).

[GlassJet]

Grouse and Claret if you can get your hands on a grouse hackle...

Andrew.

[William Anderson]

I like the simplicity of a small spider, with as much of the claret showing as possible. And the contrast of the dark hackle. But this might present better with a partridge hackle if you have one. Just a suggestion.

w

[flyfishwithme]

Nice fly William.
Here are a couple of patterns to try:
Broughton's Point:
Silk/Body - Claret
Hackle - Black hen
Wing - Starling Quill
Pritt and Walbran rated this fly highly, especially for Grayling.

Swarbricks No1:
"Abought the 20 Feby you may begin Flie Fishing Make the Winter Brown it is Made From underneath the Wood Cock wing one of the Large Feathers which Covers the quill feathers you Must Make This a Hackle Flie you Must make the Bodey with Red silk and a little Peacock Harl in the Head" - From his manuscript.

Waterhen & Claret:
Silk/Body - Claret
Hackle - Waterhen
This works extremely well when the water is a little coloured.