Trout Flies in New Zealand

I have been reading a recently acquired book, 'Trout Flies in New Zealand' by Keith Draper.
It was recommended by Jeff Hamm. An excellent book, with great insights into NZ
trout fishing and fly tying.
Interesting to note that there is actually only one Matuka fly.
That is the original using Matuka (Bittern) feathers, now a protected bird, the modern
recipe uses two soft hen pheasant flank feathers, back to back, with oval gold tinsel
to tie them down.
All other flies using other hackles are not Matuka, but flies with their hackles tied down
in the Matuka style.
I do enjoy a bit of pedantry. ;)
It is a book well worth reading.
Thanks a lot Jeff.

Donald,

Thanks for that review. I have just placed an order for the book. Being recommended by Jeff and you, it has to be high on the list of books to read.

REE

Hi Donald,

Glad that you like it. It is an interesting read. Indeed, the matuka was originally a specific fly (now illegal). The tying of the feathers along the shank was done here to help reduce the problem of the wing getting caught in the bend of the hook. In North America this problem was overcome by using much longer shanked hooks, so the streamers were tied in at the head and allowed to stream free. Here, regular shanked hooks were used, but the feather tied in. Because of the popularity of the matuka, which was tied in this manner (as were kiwi flies, now also illegal), once the feathers were off limits substitutes were required, and hen and rooster feathers were used. This led to an explosion of patterns, that more or less all follow the same basic construction pattern.

Anyway, it's a great book and I'm sure you'll enjoy it too REE.

- Jeff

Glad you got the book. I bet it is a good one, as I have also heard great things about it. I would get it, but my tying budget is way overdrawn. Gonna have to cut way back on my tying expenditures for a while. I will be interested in seeing the flies you post from the book though!!