This has really developed into a great thread! Thank you, John, for your "perfect bookshelf." I have to add that when I first saw the title to this thread Datus Proper immediately came to my mind. I have read What the Trout Said some several times and cannot agree more with the positive th...

This looks to be very interesting - thank you, John and Ray. I had no idea that hackles were trimmed by our 19th C. forbears. Eagerly looking forward to seeing more.
Cheers, Jim

What zen said. Makes a case for acquiring some English hackle pliers. The lightweight teardrop shaped pliers I use would probably not spin so well. I have also tried reversing the way the thread is attached to the block - this allows a loop of thread to hang below the block in which a spinning tool ...

Thank you, Carl. You've certainly sparked an interest in this fly for me. I like especially the way you tie them with the wing/collar more sparse than I believe the original is tied. The color and value variations inspire as well. What is the smallest size you have fished this fly?
Cheers,
Jim

Very cool post, Ray. I have been using folding wading staffs for years and they have saved my butt more than once. My main complaints about them, however, are that they tend to flex a little more than I would like, can get stuck in the riverbed and disassemble right when you most need them and tend ...

Thank you! These recordings of Charlie are too much! Appropriate for this Memorial Day weekend - Charlie was retired Air Force, I believe. Love his #6 answer, too.
Cheers,
Jim

Great project, Will! I am truly envious as this is a task I have set for myself several times in the past to no success. Beautifully photographed as well. When does your production run begin?
Cheers,
Jim

Great tip, Ray! Much easier than: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIelGE5 ... -Pb4-BDBjw

I must say that is a nice tie! Thank you for sharing the technique which seems to nicely replicate the effects achievable with a spinning block.

I am not sure if we have any Iron Blues in Colorado, but I am sure that that fly will catch fish on the Front Range! What a lovely tie! Thank you again for showing us how it is done.
Cheers,
Jim