FLYMPH FORUM

Hen and Silk-Wire 1260

Hook: Daiichi 1260 #14
Thread: 14/0 Brown
Hackle: Hen Med Dun
Abdomin: Wire covered with two layers of pale silk. (thanks Stefan)
Thorax: Pine Squirrel in a dropped loop.

Dry:


Wet:


Both:



Just a an opportunity to use a unique opportunity. This wire would make a nice subtle rib, and Stefan says it takes maker and laquer very well too. Lots of possibilities.

w

So the body material is a wire core, sheathed in a double layer of silk? Like lead cored trolling line?
Rather cool looking material- and I guess not that easily had off the shelf of the average fly store? Really nice contrast between the wet and dry versions and a neat way of tying up a functional weighted fly.

Mataura mayfly wrote:So the body material is a wire core, sheathed in a double layer of silk? Like lead cored trolling line?
Rather cool looking material- and I guess not that easily had off the shelf of the average fly store?

Yes, it is "raw" copper wire insulated with dual layers of very fine silk. This was used on finer transformer threads instead of paper insulation before the more modern enamel coating. Unfortunately it is not very durable. I don't know how much this has to do with age. (I have it on a wooden spool).

dd

Nice flees William. I knew I could trust you. (The photo doesn't capture how the copper glows through the wet silk. I forgive you this).

dd

Now that is a novelty, and a very classy one. Nice transatlantic collaboration guys.

L

Fellows,
These are really cool! Thanks for showing them both dry and wet.
Doug

The fly looks good. It looks superb wet.

How cool is that?! I did not know silk wrapped copper wire even existed. Very nice of you to share this, Stefan. I like this a LOT.

Yes, a great material that I had never heard of before. I would like to see this wet William.

If anybody wants to experiment, just send me an empty tippet spool and I will fill it with silk wire for you. I have difficulties finding something adequate to spool it onto. Tippet spools are perfect.

dd