FLYMPH FORUM

A idea for a different Soft Hackle to tie at next year's NW Tyers Expo in Oregon. However, I will simplify the dubbing used.

Hook- Mustad 36890 #4
Thread- Kimono Emperor Silk
Tail & Hackle- Whiting Silver American Hen Saddle dyed Purple
Body- Dubbing made from Light Blue Rabbit Fur blended with Kimono (324, 327, & 329) silks, Alec Jacksons Purple Silk Floss, and a touch of clear Trilobal Nylon
Rib- Opal Mirage

RIMG9149 by William Lovelace, on Flickr

Beautiful fly! I will look you up at the expo.

Nice looking fly. I know some runs on a few Washington rivers where that would get a grab and head shake.

When is the Albany show in 2023? I am going back to WA next year for a visit, it would be great to be able to make that show. It was always our favorite.

Ron,

It is March 10-11, hope to see you there!
https://www.nwexpo.com/

There are open spaces for tyers in the shadow of the pandemic, but I am glad to tie again and see old friends.

Love that fly. Beautiful.

Nice fly Bill. I did pretty well with simple soft hackled steelhead flies like this on the Wallowa. I had 3 patterns I tied. Caught a lot of trout as well while steelheading on these. #6-#8.

Jaysus..., I'm in love; and I hate purple! That is a beautiful fly, sir.

(That's not true. I don't hate purple. I love looking at purple flies, I just can't make them work)

For some reason all I can see is how clean and perfect that first wrap of tinsel is and how nice it makes the tail look. I often don't think about what side I tie it in on in relation to what way I'm going to rib it and end up with a wonky first wrap.

Some dubbing arrived yesterday, so here is The 2023 NW Expo version tied with Nature's Spirit Purple Rainbow Fine Natural Dubbing...

RIMG9172 by William Lovelace, on Flickr

Bill that should be great on the muddy Crooked... if we ever get to fish it this winter...