There are two versions of this Icelandic fly, the "true original," also
known as the Yellow Head. The "modern" verson has a black
head.
Icelanders renamed the Yellow Head to the Crosfield in honor
of its originator, Shetney Crosfield. According to
Fishing Atlantic Salmon by Joseph D. Bates, Jr., and
his daughter Pamela Bates Richards, "The origin of the Crosfield,
has often been misunderstood or miscredited, is documented in
Ellidaar: Reykjavik's Anglering Treasure by Asgeir
Ingolfsson. In the book, Shetney Crosfield is described as "the
most gifted angler among the British." The author goes on to quote the
story of Crosfield finding a gray leg feather from a mallard and remarking
it would "probably do for a good flywing."
This is the original pattern.
Crosfield
Tag: Fine oval silver tinsel.
Tail: Golden pheasant crest.
Body: Embossed silver tinsel.
Throat: A pale or Silver Doctor blue hackle.
Wing: Matched sections from a pale gray mallard feather.
Head: Yellow.
Credits: Information and photo from Fishing Atlantic
Salmon by Joseph D. Bates, Jr., and Pamela Bates Richards,
published by Stackpole Books.
~ DLB
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