Jan's Flies

At the time of putting pen to paper I am sitting in a nice warm spot in the Central Highlands watching the snow creating a white carpet on the ground. It's because of this unsettled weather I have not had time to fish, but I have busied myself reading Greg French's new book Frog Call. I don't consider myself a great reader and it takes something special to hold my attention. This book I love. Many of the stories and places mentioned relate to experiences I've had.  Greg talks lovingly about the western lakes area - he makes it sound so magical and is moreso if you have been there. The book is written as short stories and covers many places and often hilarious situations. So for all those interested in fishing, walking and dreaming this is for you.


The flies I show you here are a break from tradition. The debate about what constitutes a fly - or a lure is often debated. Over the past few years I have dabbled in saltwater fly fishing using large lure type flies and I think that if you can cast it on a fly rod using fly line and a leader you are fly fishing.

In this modern era some of the tradition in fly tying and one uses on a fly rod has experienced quite a shift and the modern fly tyer are finding new ways to fool fish.

As many would know I am a great advocate of Woolly Buggers and the Woolly Worm style of fly. These flies, in various sizes, will imitate many aquatic life. If a worldwide survey was done this fly would undoubtedly enjoy the greatest variation of tying materials and colours of all. Have a look at the many colour ranges in your tackle store next time. The next shop you visit will have a different selection again. Not only do the Woolly Worm/Buggers work well in freshwater - they also work well in salt. In freshwater I tend to keep to the olive green, brown and black combinations. For saltwater the brighter they are the better - I liken them to Christmas trees with all the tinsel and colour.

The flies I have tied for this issue are variations of the Woolly Worm/Bugger.

The first has a propellor added to the front section. These propellors have been around for some time but have not been easily obtainable. I got these from The Essential Fly Fisher, but I believe they are now easier to find. Also available are the flutter collars as on the second fly. The smaller propellors are excellent on trout flies and they are placed on the hook between two beads. These can be glass or brass depending on how much weight is required.

Jan Spencer

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