March Brown Spider (classic)

[Hans Weilenmann]

This one is for you, Tim/Premerger



March Brown Spider (classic)
Hook: Kamasan B175 #12
Thread: Benecchi 12/0, black
Hackle: Brown partridge
Rib: Wire, gold fine
Tail: Brown partridge barbs
Body: Hare's ear - in split thread

Cheers,
Hans W

[Mataura mayfly]

Now that there, that is a nice spider.
If you are going to tie a spider with tail and "fuzzy" body, you would be hard presses to top that pattern..... except maybe silk in place of the Benecchi thread..... for the purists.

My question is. Is this "the" classic?
Every so call "classic" tying reference I have carries at least three patterns for March Brown spiders and not one of them will be the same! Some dark, some light, some ribbed in tinsel others wire, some materials are completely different, some are slim bodied- others fat and barrel like.
I am not doubting anyone or second guessing here, just asking is there a line that can be drawn in the sand to say this is "the classic" March Brown Spider? Or is it one of the patterns we will never truly be sure of in regard to original?

[Hans Weilenmann]

My question is. Is this "the" classic?
Every so call "classic" tying reference I have carries at least three patterns for March Brown spiders and not one of them will be the same! Some dark, some light, some ribbed in tinsel others wire, some materials are completely different, some are slim bodied- others fat and barrel like.
I am not doubting anyone or second guessing here, just asking is there a line that can be drawn in the sand to say this is "the classic" March Brown Spider? Or is it one of the patterns we will never truly be sure of in regard to original?

Jeff,

The latter, I fear

Let's just say the pattern as shown is my 'classic' interpretation

Cheers,
Hans W

[Mataura mayfly]

Thanks Hans, as I had feared- it is just one of those early ones that is hard to nail down....... but as far as classic interpretation is concerned, I think you nailed it.
To me your offering shows all the classic lines and materials (did I mention the Benecchi? ) of what a March Brown spider should be........ in my mind anyhow.

[Old Hat]

Great example Hans. I think part of the issue is there are more variations in color, shape and size of march browns in the streams than any other bug I can think of except maybe the chironomid.

[tie2fish]

As per usual, very nicely executed, Hans.

[Kelly L.]

Greatness!

[William Anderson]

Not much beats hares ear and partridge. This is a beautiful specimen.

[Premerger]

Thank you Hans!
Beautifully tied, always an inspiration.

[raven4ns]

A nice spider. Even I could stumble through that one and make it look like something a fish might eat.....lol. My skills aren't as refined as many of yours are but the fish don't seem to mind....thank goodness...lol.

Tim