Addition to West-Country Wet Flies

[Donald Nicolson]

I have put in an addition to the front of West-Country wet flies.
It is H. C. Cutcliffe's (1863) North Devon flies.
They were very large 4, 5, 6, and 7 flies intended for catching trout in very fast water.
They might be of interest to sea-run anglers.
I have no pictures, I have not tied any yet, but asap.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Donald

Again, a great new addition to the site. Now, where can I get some house rat hair for dubbing? Oh, and anyone with a spaniel with black ears, can you save me some hair from the back of the ear. Thanks in advance for your help.

REE

[DShock]

House Rat?
Lab Rat?
Pet Rat?
New York Rat?
White Rat?
Ed Roth (Rat Fink)?

[Donald Nicolson]

I've dressed some flies for this article, they are all on Wet Fly # 6 hooks, it was what I had available.
The selection was based, mainly, on the cock hackle I had available. Mostly Conranch, but I did use a crimson Chinese hackle. The dubbing was approximated, I did not fancy trying to make up the dyeing recipe given, or going rat hunting.
The flies are easy to dress, being quite large helps, and might be worth a trial on a very fast section of river, as they were originally intended. While tying the flies it struck me that they fill in a similar function to Woolly Buggers. It does not take long to tie half a dozen or so flies, so perhaps someone could try experimenting.
Here is one -


It just crossed my mind that these might be suitable flies for bass etc.
That's if there is not already a similar fly.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Donald,

As always, wonderful dressings on those flies. Glad you gave a substitute material for the House Rat dubbing. I was ready to put cheese under the house to attract some of the furry little critters.

I guess I should have ordered the s/e hooks in some larger sizes too. Better call my local shop.

REE

[hoboflyfisher]

Donald as always a very nice addition to you site. Thank you.
Hobo

[fishingseaducer]

That fly says low water steelhead to me.I also think one with a burnt orange body would work grate for Fall SRC.

[Donald Nicolson]

It is meant for high summer low water fishing for big browns in fast water.
you gave me an idea for self concocted fly.
Body: Orange 'possum. Rib, gold holo tinsel.
Hackle: Orange grizzle saddle hackle.


This might work for sea-run cutthroats or steelheads

[JZ]

awsome, i love that kind of fly

JZ

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Donald,

Excellent pattern in all the right colors for Sea Run Cutthroat and summer steel.

Very nicely done.

REE