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?

Montana Jock Scott

Compiled by James Birkholm
Before mid-century, Montana fly fishers presented mostly wet patterns. Versions of classic streamers including the Jock Scott were popular with anglers come from the East. So, with preference for presenting wet flies and the quality of Montana coldwater fisheries, it's no surprise a version came from Montana. In a note published in J. Edson Leonard's Flies, Ruth Evans, production manager for Glen L. Evans Co., verifies the Jock Scott as a pattern in demand through Montana outlets.

Montana Jock Scott

    Originator: Unknown, 1930s.

    Hook: Mustad 3906B, or equivalent, size 6-12.

    Thread: Black 6/0.

    Tail: Scarlet heackle fibers.

    Rib: Flat gold tinsel.

    Body: Rear half; yellow floss, front half; black floss.

    Hackle: Guinea body.

    Wing: Brown turkey over married red over yellow goose quill segments.

Credits: Text and color photo from Trout Country Flies by Bruce Staples, published by Frank Amato Publications. ~ JC

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