Variation on a Waterhen Bloa

[Niveker]

Using the Kimono 100 threads, one with #301 (Ichiban), which has been compared to Pearsall's Primrose #3, one with #353 Wasabi, roughly equivalent to Pearsall's Light Olive #20. Natural mole dubbing and shoulder feather from a California Quail.







As I understand it, the Primrose should be well waxed to bring out an olive hue. The Kimono #301 did not do that with the two types of wax I had on hand, which admittedly are no where close to the proper wax, so I switched to the Wasabi. Any thoughts, aside from the obvious uneven application of dubbing?

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Both look like killing flies. I'd fish either in a heartbeat. That dubbing should trap a lot of air bubbles. What wax were you using? A dark cobbler's wax is what I use to get that olive hue. The heavier the wax, the darker the hue.

[DOUGSDEN]

Dear Niveker,
I agree with REE! Both patterns are stunning and should hunt well! Have you turned them loose on your favorite waters?
The silks you mentioned look awesome! I think we are all on the prowl for the next generation of silk tying threads that match closely to Pearsall's!
The distribution of the fur on the silk looks pretty spectacular to me! That's a hard thing to do but it looks like you did it quite well!
Show us more of what you can do! This is exciting!
Doug in the Den

[letumgo]

How dark is the wax you are using? The cobblers wax I use is very dark, almost black.the combination of wax and dubbing help create the olive cast (more noticeable in a wet dressing).

Wonderful job, on both versions. The California Quail is a nice sub for waterhen.

[Roadkill]

Beautiful ties!!!

[Niveker]

Thanks all for the encouraging comments.

Ron, Ray - the only waxes I have on hand are a Waspi wax and ring wax. I guess its time I picked up some of the darker cobbler's wax to get that olive hue to the thread.

Doug, I have not fished this pattern yet. There is a pretty healthy population of small caddis that hatch sporadically on one of the streams I fish. I'm hoping to test it out soon.

I like working with that silk, but having limited experience with Pearsall's, I'm not sure how different the two are.

Ray, I don't have nor have I held in hand any waterhen, but have read that the California quail is a decent substitute. I think waterhen may be a little softer.

Ron, as to your comment regarding the mole dubbing. Yes, it is a great material, soft and spikey and with a little bit of sparkle, a surprisingly luxurious little pelt. It was a gift from one of my cats. I really get a kick out of getting my own material when I can.

--Kevin

[chugbug]

Kevin -
Ron Eagle Elk just sent me a more than generous piece of Bailey's, in connection with the Skues' swap. If you'd like, pm me your address and I'll send you some of it.
Steve

[Niveker]

That is very generous Steve, an offer I can't refuse. Sending a PM now.

-Kevin

[Theroe]

Thanks all for the encouraging comments.

Ron, Ray - the only waxes I have on hand are a Waspi wax and ring wax. I guess its time I picked up some of the darker cobbler's wax to get that olive hue to the thread.

Doug, I have not fished this pattern yet. There is a pretty healthy population of small caddis that hatch sporadically on one of the streams I fish. I'm hoping to test it out soon.

I like working with that silk, but having limited experience with Pearsall's, I'm not sure how different the two are.

Ray, I don't have nor have I held in hand any waterhen, but have read that the California quail is a decent substitute. I think waterhen may be a little softer.

Ron, as to your comment regarding the mole dubbing. Yes, it is a great material, soft and spikey and with a little bit of sparkle, a surprisingly luxurious little pelt. It was a gift from one of my cats. I really get a kick out of getting my own material when I can.

--Kevin

“gift from one of my cats“, priceless………… cats are a built in dubbing store!