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?

Barbie



Compiled by Deanna Birkholm
The tradition of Montana woven nymph patterns is the West's best example of fly tying technique that began in isolation. Potts woven patterns were first to be marketed through the region, but patterns from other practitioners soon followed. Among the most enduring are those from the Wombacher family. Uniquely woven Wombacher nymph patterns have been tied and distributed for seven decades.

Beginning as locally popular patterms they have expanded to nationwide use. This pattern is named for a Wombacher granddaughter.

Barbie

    Orginator: Henry and Genevieve Wombacher, 1940s, tied by Elva Hartwig.

    Hook: Mustad 3906, or equivalent, size 6 - 14.

    Thread: Black 6/0.

    Body: Black nymph weave of sandy cow's tail over orange embroidery cottton.

    Hackle: Blond bear hair. ~ DLB

Credits: Photos and text from Trout Country Flies, by Bruce Staples, Published by Frank Amato Publications.

Archive of Old Flies