Welcome to Just Old Flies

Welcome to 'just old flies,' a section of methods and flies that used-to-be. These flies were tied with the only materials available. Long before the advent of 'modern' tying materials, they were created and improved upon at a far slower pace than todays modern counterparts; limited by materials available and the tiers imagination.

Once long gone, there existed a 'fraternity' of anglers who felt an obligation to use only the 'standard' patterns of the day. We hope to bring a bit of nostalgia to these pages and to you. And sometimes what you find here will not always be about fishing. Perhaps you will enjoy them. Perhaps you will fish the flies. Perhaps?

Part One hundred seventy-one

Hare's Ear

Hare's Ear

Compiled by Deanna Birkholm
"This old pattern was in existence prior to 1839, when T.C. Hofland referred to the fur from between the ears of a hare. The originator cannot be traced, but is from England, brought by the settlers to use on American waters. A sombre pattern, it forms the basis of many imitations of natural trout foods. Not lavish or flashy, but still a fly that has accounted for many fish for a very long time, the gold tinsel give the added spark every fly needs. This pattern seems to be even a more killing fly when worn and tattered, the light pattern may change slightly, making it more effective." Quoted from Dick Surette's Trout and Salmon Fly Index, published by Stackpole Books.

This is the pattern, as tied by Dick Surette.

Hare's Ear

    Hook:   Mustad #3906.

    Head:   Black.

    Thread:   Black-silk, monocord or nylon.

    Body:   Hare's ear dubbing, ribbed with flat gold tinsel.

    Hackle:   Picked out at the throat to represent legs.

    Wing:   Mallard wing quill section.

Credits: Information and photos from Dick Surette's Trout and Salmon Fly Index, published by Stackpole Books. ~ DLB

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