Dan Bailey, Livingston, Montana, created and popularized
many flies, including some for Joe Brooks and Lee Wulff,
but to my knowledge, this is the only one which carries
his name. He was extremely knowledgable about the local
insects and hatches. The LadyFisher and I were honored
to have worked for him as guides in the 1970s. He was
a real gentleman and very unassuming, which may explain
the lack of 'Bailey' named flies.
Quoting Trout Country Flies, From Greater Yellowstone
Area Masters by Bruce Staples and published by
Frank Amato Publications, "The first description I found
of this pattern was in Jack Dennis' Western Trout
Fly Tying Manual: Volume II. He states it is
effective and easily tied. Fly fishers have presented
damselfly nymphs for centuries, but traditions that first
came to America were centered around imitating baitfish and
life stages of mayflies. Undoubtedly, Dan Bailey created
this pattern when offering damselfly nymphs gained enough
popularity to justify retailing it."
Bailey's Damsel
Originator: Dan Bailey, 1960s.
Hook: Mustad 9672, or equivalanet, size 6 - 10.
Thread: Black 3/0.
Tail: Pale olive marabou fibers.
Rib: Gold mylar tinsel in front of grey ostrich herl.
Body: Peacock herl.
Thorax: White floss.
Wingcase: White floss.
Legs: Brown hackle.
~ JC
Credits: Quoted portions and photo from Trout
Country Flies, From Greater Yellowstone
Area Masters by Bruce Staples and published by
Frank Amato Publications.
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