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 Two hundred-five

Wasp

Wasp

Compiled by James Birkholm
"Dame Juliana Berners recommended for July "The Waspe flye, the body of blacke wull lappid abowte with yelow threde, the wings of the boswarde." Ever since that far-away time anglers have continued to use imitations of wasps, and although it is maintained by some fishermen that trout will not notice the natural insect, the imitation appears effective..."

The Wasp

    Butt: Orange Floss.

    Body: Alternating black and tan chenille.

    Wing: Mottled brown turkey, black goose over top.

    Hackle: Partridge.

    Head: Red wool.

Credits: Text from Favorite Flies and Their Histories, by Mary Orvis Marbury, Published by The Lyons Press. Color photo and recipe from, Forgotten Flies Published by the Complete Sportsman.

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