Wee Olive Dun

[Smuggler]

Ray, this pattern is just amazing. Can't see why this wouldn't fish year-round. Awesome.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Very nice, Ray. Looks like something that will be on a fish's menu.

[zen leecher]

very nice looking fly.

[crazy4oldcars]

Wow. I like ostrich herl on flies, because of the motion it imparts. This is amazing. Loving the taper. This fly just works.
Should catch.

Kirk

[William Anderson]

Ray, laying a coat of varnish down and being able to wrap the herl in a more open turn is actually a very interesting idea. I think I would like this as a technique for several spider patterns using peacock, pheasant, turkey or heron-like herls for mayflies. a very different effect than my herl-twisted with silk method. certainly something to try. I love the airy/robust nature of this one. Nice job. thanks.

w

[DUBBN]

Ray, I tied a few size 18 nymphs up using your ostrich/sally hansen/open wrap technique. I used one olive herl, and one natural herl palmered together. They look very cool. Cant wait to give them a try.

[letumgo]

Wayne - Your version sounds great. Care to share a photo? I look forward to hearing how they fish. Our flies would look better hanging in a trouts mouth, matted down fishing. Don't ya think?

I missed your question earlier about the rib. I chose not to use a rib, since it might crush down the herl fibers. The nail polish was an attempt to add durability to the fly, without using a rib. I have some fine stainless steel wire, which may make a more durable fly. The wire is very fine, but very strong because it is stainless steel. The wire is normally used for making dubbing brushes, but makes a nice silver rib too.

[CM_Stewart]

Stunning! Absolutely stunning!

[Sith]

Absolutely awesome.

[DUBBN]

Wayne - Your version sounds great. Care to share a photo? I look forward to hearing how they fish. Our flies would look better hanging in a trouts mouth, matted down fishing. Don't ya think?

I missed your question earlier about the rib. I chose not to use a rib, since it might crush down the herl fibers. The nail polish was an attempt to add durability to the fly, without using a rib. I have some fine stainless steel wire, which may make a more durable fly. The wire is very fine, but very strong because it is stainless steel. The wire is normally used for making dubbing brushes, but makes a nice silver rib too.

My Ostrich herl is pretty wide (bushy) even at the tips. My nymphs (using your technique) look too fat in the abdomen when dry, but, once wet, they look perfect. I lost the first nymph on a snag on my second drift. Took a couple Browns with the second nymph then the herl broke. I think I waited too long to wrap the herl after I applied the S&H.

I will tye a few more up and experiment with some wire, tag end of tying thread, or Krystal Flash for ribbing.