Attempts at Valsesiana style flies

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Both flies are done on Firehole 316 size 14. One was tied with Pearsall's Gossamer 6A and a gray partridge feather. Something about the Pearsall's just doesn't look right. The second attempt was tied with Larguntan silk floss split into 4 strands. One strand was used for the fly. It's sort of a claret floss with Woodcock hackle.

Note to self: If your going to tie with floss, borrow some silk gloves from Vickie, or use lots of hand lotion.

The older fly dressers and fishers in the region fear that their precious style of flies will be changed and modernized. I can understand their feelings completely. Their flies are tied in hand, using Bozzolo Seta Reale for thread, and game bird hackles. I have already seen videos on youtube of tiers taking short cuts, and using tools and techniques the old timers didn't use. There is something to be said for tradition. Having said that, I offer these flies using improper thread and a vise.

[Mike62]

I'm really digging this whole Valsesiana/Kebari thing you and William and Alan are putting down. Great inspiration. Thank you! Everybody should take a walk over to Alan's site and check out the kebari stuff he's been tying.

[Fishnkilts]

Correct me if I am wrong, these flies are used for Tenkara style aren't they? I never heard of Valesiana/Kebari before.

What is it that is making these flies becoming so popular? Is it the way they ride on the water, or do they more sit in the film?

[Roadkill]

Nice flies Ron!!

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Correct me if I am wrong, these flies are used for Tenkara style aren't they? I never heard of Valesiana/Kebari before.

What is it that is making these flies becoming so popular? Is it the way they ride on the water, or do they more sit in the film?

Can't speak for the popularity of the Kebari fllies, aside from the fact that they do catch a lot of fish in a very simplified style of fly fishing.

The Valsesiana style of flies may be gaining some notice because it is a dying art. This style of fly, tied in hand with locally sourced silk and feathers has been practiced in the Valley of the Sesia River in Northern Italy for centuries. Those who still practice it in it's original form are simply dying out. There is some thought, though no proof, that this style of fly traveled to the British Isles with Roman soldiers and morphed into the spiders of today.

[Fishnkilts]

Correct me if I am wrong, these flies are used for Tenkara style aren't they? I never heard of Valesiana/Kebari before.

What is it that is making these flies becoming so popular? Is it the way they ride on the water, or do they more sit in the film?

Can't speak for the popularity of the Kebari fllies, aside from the fact that they do catch a lot of fish in a very simplified style of fly fishing.

The Valsesiana style of flies may be gaining some notice because it is a dying art. This style of fly, tied in hand with locally sourced silk and feathers has been practiced in the Valley of the Sesia River in Northern Italy for centuries. Those who still practice it in it's original form are simply dying out. There is some thought, though no proof, that this style of fly traveled to the British Isles with Roman soldiers and morphed into the spiders of today.

Thanks Ron. I have heard that it may have been the birth of spider fishing in the UK, and it does make a bit of sense. Funny how things that are dying out in their original countries seem to become what's popular here when it comes to fishing.

[wsbailey]

A little off topic but ten or twenty years ago Scottish Spey River salmon flies were all the rage here. I got ahold of the book “Trout and Salmon Flies of Scotland” and was surprised that there was no mention of Spey flies. I contacted the author and he told me no one in Scotland used them anymore.