I've Been Busy...

Being laid up due to recovery from surgery has provided me with the opportunity to get a bunch of tying done, along with a bit of experimentation. Here are a few pics of what I’ve tied up over the past four weeks.

This is a progression of a Zebra midge with some added triggers:

This is a result of some midge pupae that crawled onto our pontoon boats at two different locations:

Here is the real bug:

Spring Creek Scud:

Rainbow Warrior:

Stalcup Mysis:

…more to come.

A new Baetis nymph:

A crazy new generic nymph:

Not even sure what to call this little critter:

Some experimentation with Damsel patterns:

Stalcup’s Damsel:

KG’s South Fork Special:

Improved Shop Vac:

My favorite all around nymph - Flashback Pheasant-tail:

That’s it for now. It’s been fun to tie, but a literal pain to go through the healing process. But, I’m not complaining. It will be good to have the ankle stability back so I can get out on the water again.

Tight lines everyone,

Kelly.

Nice selection of flies there, Kelly, and very well presented.

Really like and appreciate the picture of the midge pupa. A couple questions - from what kind of water, e.g. still water or moving water ?? Have you seen them in that coloration in a variety of habitats, or only on the two pieces of water where you have seen that particular bug ??

John

John, both were from stillwater - one from Paul Reservoir up near Monida Pass, and the other from Sand Creek Pond #4 - both were identical and a size 12 DaiRiki 125 hook was the perfect sizing for this tie. I also wrapped the hot orange wire first and then wrapped the pearl mylar over the top of the wire, allowing it to glow through for that subtle segmented color you see in the natural. I’ve not seen any other similar colored samples from any other waters.

Kelly.

Kelly,

Very nice selection of flies. I’m always impressed by how clean your flies are. Impressive fly dressing there, my friend.

REE

VERY well done! Not only are those NEATLY tied…the proportions are excellent (at least to my eye).

Being laid up due to recovery from surgery has provided me with the opportunity to get a bunch of tying done, along with a bit of experimentation. Here are a few pics of what I’ve tied up over the past four weeks.

Great looking bunch of flies Kelly! I especially like the damsels - any chance you’ll be up here to the North Idaho Fly Fishing Expo in Lewiston, March 25 & 26th?

Moscow

Nice flies and a good job of staying with usable flies. Much of what I tied in similar cicumstnces was great for relieving boredom but only suitable for scaring fish. I blame it on the painkillers.

Nice work Kelly. Those are some excellent looking patterns. Glad you have still been up to doing something fishing related. I really like that googly eyed little nymph. Nice pics of all the flies as well.

Heal fast my friend, soon you will be putting those patterns to their intended application.

Ben

One beautiful collection of flies and since you cannot fish them yet, I will be glad to take them and try them out and then I could send them back to you with a fishing report. I figure it is the least I could do…: )

Great “ties” and pictures.

Not even sure what to call this little critter: How about “lunch” ! Great stuff KG

Very very nice work Kelly, i am also recovering from surgery , however it was in the hand i need to work , i have only been able to look at flies for some time now and draw very crude sketches of new pattern ideas. Wishing you a very speedy recovery
best,
heinrich

Great ties, and with all the tying you’re doing you ran out of stuff right LOL. Tell the wife you need to order some replacement stuff

Kelly,

Got it bookmarked! Wonderful creative stuff, and as others have said: nice work with the photography!! Get well!

Best regards, Dave S.

I received my invite about a month ago, and, since the in-laws live in Clarkston, we are making a trip of it. I hope to tie both days I’m there. Can’t wait! :smiley:

And many thanks to all of you for your kind remarks. I guess you could call it stir crazy, or just plain crazy, but at least I’ve had some fun while recuperating. As far as running out of supplies, I am just about out of my most favored sizes and styles of hooks, so I’m anticipating a trip to Jimmy’s Fly Shop soon. As for the rest of it, I don’t think I have to worry much at all…just ask my wife.

Kelly.

Beautiful ties there Kelly!

Great, I’ll keep my eye on the schedule and stop by to say hi!
Moscow

Wow those are some beauties - I have a question about your PT flashback - is your rib chartreuse? I have tried standard copper and wire and the copper always outperforms the red. Just curious.

sweet flies, very impressive

Kelly,

Great flies, thanks for the pics. Sure hope you’re recovery goes well (and quickly) so that we can see how effective the flies are with some pics from your trip reports.

Regards,
Scott