Gig, Nice one, Mate. I can't see a fish passing on this fly as a meal. I use Ostrich herl for the thorax on a couple of flies, but you take it to a whole new level. I'll be playing with several of the colors I have on hand. Well done.

I love everything about this fly, especially that woven body. My skill envy index just went up several points. W.A., I agree, if I lost a fly like that I would not act well at all.

Another really good place for information on wet flies and tying them, you might want to check out Donald's web site. It's one of my favorites and is a great source of information. http://donaldnicolson.webplus.net/

Jeff,

Do you have any dark wax like a Cobbler's wax? I agree on doing one without wax and giving them a test dunk for color changes.

REE

Jeff, A lot of flies with a "stinger" hook at the rear fashioned much the same as yours are pretty common for steelhead fishing here. Usually I toss them across the river with a two handed rod, but have fished them with a single and don't get the tangle you're thinking about. Oh wait....is...

Hey Dwclapp, Welcome to the forum. I'm sure there are differing opinions out there and my Brothers of the Flymph will chime in soon. When I'm using silk, I like Pearsall's Gossamer, though others have had excellent results with other silks such as YLI. Normally I don't use an underbody when I dressi...

Okay, I like it. I like the color palette, I like the buggy body, I like the hackle, and I'm a sucker for that hook. Well done, as always, Hans.

Now THAT was a vacation day!! Excellent pictures and a wonderful read. Made me feel that I was right there with you. Well....except for the part about wading....and catching fish....and tying flies on the tippet. Those parts just made me jealous.

jaydawg, Having your flies get wet by rain and wading accidents is only part of the problem. Many folks, myself included, have put flies back in the wallet after fishing them, without drying them first. The result is not just one rusty fly, but several due to the felt holding the moisture.. Can't wa...

Carl, Being somewhat dyslexic I thought your title was the Gray Grunt Nymph. Thinking it was a tribute fly to the Confederate Infantry, I had to look. No matter the reason for opening the thread, I'm glad I did. Your fly is a wonder. Great shape and proportions, the colors are perfect. The fact that...