My attempt at Stewarts Black Spider

[Fishnkilts]

I don't consider myself an expert tyer at all, but the fish do seem to show me mercy.

Thread: Pearsalls silk, brown
Hook: Partridge L3AS
Hackle: Starling

[upstatetrout]

Very nicely done!
Tom

[joaniebo]

Looks good to me. Nicely tied.

[ronr]

Welcome to the gang fishnkilts... I love the Stewart's Spider. I have fished it a lot on the Metolius and Crooked Rivers here in OR. It is particularly effective in the summer and early fall on the Metolius in super clear and shallow riffles. Hope you enjoy the forum as much as I have in the last year or so. Its a very generous and knowledgable group of blokes.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Lovely wee spider. Looks about like mine, the messier the better. Very effective fly. Like Stewart, I always have several in my box, sizes 12 to 14. It's a favorite.

[Roadkill]

That will fish!
Good to have a selection in your box of all three spiders, I like them in 16 & 18's. I also tie a variation in olive.

[letumgo]

Lovely wee spider. Buggy goodness (sincere compliment).

Thank you for sharing, and joining into the conversation.

[redietz]

Nicely done.

One thing about Stewart's Black is the neatest one ever tied isn't that much more tidy than the sloppiest. It's one fly that I never worry about how it looks.

Since Labor Day, I've been wondering why I even bother to tie on any other fly. At least 80% of the fish I've caught since then have been on one (and I think 100% of those since New Years) regardless of whether it's tied on at point or as a dropper, and regardless of whether I'm fishing tailwater, spring creek or freestone.

[DOUGSDEN]

Hi Fishnkilts!
Welcome aboard! You may have waded in over your waders on this forum! These guys are tops! World class actually! Your spider looks great! They are especially killer on hard pressed fish where ever you swing them! You stayed true to the recipe with the brown silk. I always forget and use black thread or silk. No one (the fish that is) has said a mumblin' word about it so far. They (the fish again) vacuum them up as soon as they hit the water! These patterns are part of the great "they shouldn't work, but they do" mojo that still remains a mystery to most of us! From what I understand, Stewart was a master at swinging these dandies lifelike thru the currents! That says a bunch!
Great tying friend! Please keep them coming! This is great!
Dougsden

[flyfud1]

Great fly.

I've had folks tell me that a fly as simple as this can't possibly catch trout. I don't try to change their minds, I just tie it on and catch fish. Works really well in the South Platte.

Charlie