FLYMPH FORUM

Saw this dressing in a Handbook of North Country Flies by Roger Fogg who attributes it to Michael Theakston 's British Angling Flies of 1853. I thought it was quite attractive and will try it out this summer I hope.

The Dark Drake.
Hook. Allcocks 6821 wet size 14.
Silk. Pearsalls gossamer orange #6a.
Body. Orange silk dubbed lightly with mole.
Hackle.Water Hen outer covert feather.

Great tie!!

I have just started on a small box of 1800's flies to play with when I get to go fishing this year, this will be my next addition to it (along with the mole).

IMGP0209 by William Lovelace, on Flickr


I already have some Palmer flies on my list to tie.

Does the name Drake refer to a tyer of days gone by, or a Drake mayfly?

Good looking tie!

upstatetrout, thanks for the inspiration!! My bookmark happened to be paused in Herds book at just the page on Theakston newer version of his book.

Dark Drake 1862
My thanks to Andrew Herd for another fly- Michael Theakston variation from his 1862 book British Angling Flies.
Theakston apparently added the tail whisks to the earlier 1853 pattern.

Hook-Dai Riki 070 #14
Thread- Pearsall's Gossamer Orange silk
Hackle and Whisks-Moorhen wing
IMGP0213 by William Lovelace, on Flickr

In a size 14, I'd fish that in the film as an Ephemerella rotunda/invaria, that orange--ish sulphur that follows the Hendricksons. Fishing Creek, the Narrows, middle of this month.

Somehow I missed this earlier. Beautiful dressing Tom.

Have you had a chance to fish this yet? Fishing conditions should soon be prime, if you can get out.

Not yet Ray had to clear the driveway of snow this morning. Gonna head down state to Roscoe pretty soon though!

Tom