"This unusual type of dressing was originated by Mr. E.H. (Polly)
Rosborough, of Chiloquin, Oregon in 1936. The Silver Garland is one
of the most famous and most productive of all marabou streamers due
principally to the unusual construction of the body. The body is
fairly fat and heavy, dressed with tinsel (over a weighted body if
desired) which is formed into a chenille-like fringe similar to Christmas
tree tinsel. . .[described below]. This provides a brushlike metal body
which should be lacquered to keep it bright. The value of the body is
due largely to the added flash of reflected light which this type of
tinsel provides. This makes the fly especially productive in high or
discolored waters."
Polly Rosborough was a leading professional tier in the Northwest,
who we had the pleasure of meeting at a Federation of Fly Fishers
Conclave in West Yellowstone in 1972. Even then you could sit across
from a famous tier and watch - and ask questions. Polly was also the
author of Tying and Fishing the Fuzzy Nymphs in 1965.
Some of the other flies he was known for are the Muskrat nymph,
Nondescript, Green Damsel, Dark Stone, Casual Dress, Fledermouse
and Near Enough. He loved using marabou and may have been the
first of the west coast tiers to do so.
"His Silver Garland Marabou in its many color combinations, is a
famous fly for big fish in both fresh and salt water, from coast
to coast. . .For instructions on how to do it Mr. Rosborough referred
me to a short article written by Mr. A.J. McClane, Fishing Editor of
Field and Stream magazine, which is as follows:"
"In regard to wrapping the Garland body, tie in at least one-fourth inch
of the body material with heavy nylon working thread and have a good
thread base under it, well lacquered and dried. Otherwise the body
material will skid around the shank of the hook. It is best to use
a core of long fibered Scotch wool, well saturated with lacquer, under
the tinsel. The wire core of the tinsel sinks into the wool somewhat,
eliminating any possibility of skidding later. Fold it back as you go
and you will end up with a body better tapered than if you shear it
afterward."
It should be noted that Streamer Fly Tying & Fishing
written in 1950 and quoted above, lists this fly as a Matuku Type
Streamer. Besides the colors shown, the fly was also tied in
white/greenish-blue/yellow, as well as yellow/royal blue/white
and black. And for all saltwater fish which eat herring and
smelt in white marabou with royal blue over Silver Doctor blue.
Silver Garland Marabou Streamer
Head: Black (Large black optic heads with white eyes
and red, black or orange pupils often are used.
Body: Silver Christmas tree tinsel.
Wing: Hot orange marabou wing with black ostrich herl topping
(or for Steelhead - Hot orange marabou wing with black over white
ostrich herl topping).
~ DLB
Credits: From Streamer Fly Tying & Fishing,
by Joseph D. Bates, Jr. Published by
Stackpole Books.
|
