I don't think you could have chosen a better flymph to "start" out with Andy. Sounds like you had a great time. I find the "swollen thorax" profile and palmered hackle to be a productive profile especially on the larger size flies. I also will darken the dubbing in thorax as well...

If you're after a cluster dry then I don't think you can beat a Griffith's Gnat. Clip the bottom short if you want it to ride lower. I use Whiting 100 packs for these. I was under the assumption you were after a wet fly.

I would have to agree with Pritt on that matter. I rarely tie on anything smaller than a #16, a select few #18. I often tie on #12 and #14 hooks but keep the pattern sizes #14 and #16 respectively. I went this route a number of years ago and haven't noticed any catch difference. Now there are those ...

I use starling or neck feathers from quail for small trico and midge patterns. Here is some starling on a #21 Tiemco hook midge pattern. http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac275/OldHat_photos/ReidsAssassinMidge-1.jpg Any smaller than that and you can use dubbing in a twisted thread. This is a smalle...

Yes, I agree. Very cool.

Wood Duck and Orange Hook: Mustad 31217 #15 Thread: Bright Orange Pearsall's Gossamer Silk thread Rib: X-fine Lagarten gold braid Hackle: Young Wood Duck flank feather http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac275/OldHat_photos/WoodDuckandOrange.jpg Wood Duck and Nutria Hook: Mustad 3121 #14 Thread: Gri...

When I first started tying flies and was just learning, I had only a written recipe for a the partridge and orange spider. Of course, I thought "spider" and figured that is what it was to resemble. I can't even remember how I did it now but my version was only orange thread and a partridge...

Thanks guys. Yes, as long as it is not cooked...yuk.

RnF - #14- #18

Odd name, I know. This fly has somewhat of a "following" in the PNW. I have fished this pattern for years with wonderful results both in stillwaters and moving waters. It's certainly not a "traditional" tie of a soft hackle with the tail "bubble" but nevertheless very e...

A little tinsel under the thread also has a nice effect in this situation.