This is probably a VERY long shot given the complexity of the flies and the expense incurred in tying them, but is there any of the classic tyers out there up for a swap.
I'd say 5 tyers MAX, so we each tie 4 flies.
Any pattern from the usual suspects - Kelson, Hardy, Traherne, Knox, Pryce-Tannatt, Tolfrey, Blacker, Ephemera, Francis.
Due Date Aug 1, gives a good couple months to get all tied up and shipped out.
I've been on a tying spree of late, focusing exclusively on these flies.
Completely understand if there are no takers. I'll let it open for participation until May 31, which is two weeks from today, or if we get 4 more tyers before then, all the better.
Eunan
Recently did a swap on another forum for classic salmon flies and tied the Thunder and Lightning from PT, 2/0
I could tie a couple with the limited materials i have, but would be using standard up eye hook. I don't have the hooks or material to tie the loop eye style.
I would also have to substitute some of the materials, which would not hold true to the original pattern.
If you would not mind though, I would be interested.
I tried a swap similar to this a couple times with no response to speak of. I think, like you say, most tyers dont have the fancy materials.
But they are fun to tie and a challenge, which I like.
Eunan - Your swap is a great idea and I hope it is a success. I would love to participate but I just don't tie Atlantic Salmon flies anymore. I've exhausted much of my supply of good materials and have gone in other directions. Good luck and I will be following the swap. Jack Devlin
View attachment 15337
Eunan - Your swap is a great idea and I hope it is a success. I would love to participate but I just don't tie Atlantic Salmon flies anymore. I've exhausted much of my supply of good materials and have gone in other directions. Good luck and I will be following the swap. Jack Devlin
Ok,
Here's The Smith. I'd never tied this pattern before last night, so proportions are a little off. But i'll retie for the swap and make sure everything is right for the final.
The pattern calls for grey mottled turkey in the wing, i didnt have any, so just left it off with as i didnt have a reasonable sub either.
Underwing is swords from golden pheasant tail, which is also a little long.
This is on a 1/0 Alec Jackson hook, which i've not tied a lot of flies on before, so another reason for the proportions to be off a little.
The body can also be tied with flat silver and ribbed with oval tinsel. I might try that on the next one I tie. If i get some blind eye hooks, the overall fly might look a little better. 2/0 would probably be the biggest i'd tie it on a blind eye, which is actually shorter than the Spey hook above.
I think the wing here is too deep, i'd prefer a much lower profile, and the topping is a bit too long. Also the head is too far back.
All will be rectified for the swap, for whoever signs up.
Even if you think the fly is not in proportion, I think it looks just fine. Really like the married wings.
Any sizes on the hooks? I was thinking about tying on a size 2, because it is what I have. But I could go and purchase a few 1/0 or 2/0.
I've been tying for another swap right now, but should be done with that swap by tomorrow. I will start on some Atlantic Salmon Flies after tomorrow.
If it ends up just being the two of us, we could maybe tie a couple different patterns and have a MINI Swap.
I would like to join this if you will have me! As long as the due date is kept to Aug 1st. I have been tying these for a few years now and would be interested in what others thought of my progress.
looks like its the three of us.
We can tie one pattern each, or two patterns each, whichever you prefer.
I'm gonna stick with The Smith, and one other yet to be decided pattern if we go that route.
Let me know. Due date is still Aug 1
A first attempt at the Emerald Green. I know the proportions are off a bit on this too, but it fishes. Note to self: Use your glasses....there's space between the tinsel.
Been a while since I tried a hand at these tough flies. Gotta work out my crest shaping also.
It'll get there.
looks pretty good. I'd say just shorten the hackles a bit and for the crest, its good to pluck them from the head, wet them and wrap them round a glass. Let them dry and then use them....you can get a nice arch to them depending on the circumference of the glass.
Are we all agreed on two patterns, that will be 4 flies each since there's only 3 of us.
Thanks for the tips using a glass. I was trying to find a website with some feather forming tips. I use to have alot of the Classic Salmon Fly info, but changed hard drives and lost alot of it. Plus, it has been a few years since I tied some of these. I had to make a trial run to gimme more perspective for sure.
And yes, I am definitely fine with two patterns each for 4 flies total. Still trying to find an interesting 2nd pattern to tie.
Thanks for the tips using a glass. I was trying to find a website with some feather forming tips. I use to have alot of the Classic Salmon Fly info, but changed hard drives and lost alot of it. Plus, it has been a few years since I tied some of these. I had to make a trial run to gimme more perspective for sure.
And yes, I am definitely fine with two patterns each for 4 flies total. Still trying to find an interesting 2nd pattern to tie.
Just a note about your hackles - The hackle you have at the back of the fly is plenty long enough for the throat hackle, and the rest should be shorter than that one.
I also think i see i a herl head on the fly too.
I wind my herl heads from front to back. Its a difficult thing to master, but can be done. You finish the herl head right at the wing and tie it in with a couple wraps, then one or two whip finishes. To keep the herl from slipping forward, you can do one of two things: either use cobblers wax, which is stickier than regular tying wax, on your thread, or once the herl is tied in, put some head cement on the thread after you have moved the thread back to the finishing point at the wing - allow the cement to dry a little, but not fully dry, it should be a bit tacky, then wind the herl back...it should stick to the cement and not slide forward. This cement method is a one and done thing, if you screw it up you have to unwind and retie a new herl - cobblers wax is better...
Thanks for the tips. Never knew about the herl wrap procedures.
No criticism taken whatsoever. I would like to learn more about tying the fancy flies, but the cost of materials put me off them a few years ago.
Where can I get some cobblers wax? Never heard of it.
you can make your own - you just need rosin (like gynmastic rosin or that for muscial bows), beeswax and castor oil.
Or you can try a shoe repair store locally and ask if they sell it. or alternatively you can get it here
Two down two to go! Decided on the durham ranger for the first fly, with a couple variations. Im thinking something with a married wing for the second fly..........
How's everyone going? I've got my two patterns, The Smith, which i'll do as a presentation fly, and Edwin, a fly just posted by Saltyer. Looks a great pattern for fishing, and pretty easy to tie.
Guys, Might have to push the deadline back a couple weeks. getting some work done at home, and my tying den (the basement) is designated storage area, so i'm out of commission until at least July 14. I will hopefully make Aug 1, but in the eventuality that i dont, is everyone ok with additional week or two. We can still aim for August 1 though.
Ok guys, i'm gonna have to push it back two weeks. Totally swamped with stuff going on and i've had no time to get flies tied like i thought. How does Aug 14 sound for flies to arrive in my mail box. I'll turn them around as soon as all are in and get them back again to each of you.
Aint heard from anyone since July 3, Gonna cancel this one.
Thanks anyway guys. Maybe during the winter when the weather is worse and there's more time for tying.
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