I just finished tying my first attempt at an Atlantic Salmon Fly, I call it the Rosemary. What I would like is some critique and criticism and tell me what you think. The Doctor Blue Floss is hard to see in the Photo, my camera is not the best for this.
Materials
Hook: Mustad Black #4 36890
Thread: UTC 70 Black
Tag: Flat Med Silver Tinsel
Butt: Black Ostrich Hearl
Tail: Golden Pheasant Crest
Rib: Flat Med Silver Tinsel
Body: Doctor Blue Floss, Butt Black Ostrich Hearl, Doctor Blue Floss, Butt Black Ostrich Hearl
Wing: Red Sqauirrel Tail
Throat: Red Buck Tail
Head: UTC 70 Black Thread covered with SHHAN
Thanks for your help and comments. John
Below is my second try. I changed to French Oval Tinsel for this one. And made it with just 2 segments in the body. I also worked on the head to try and make it smaller and smother. John
bassman
not a bad job for a first, much better then my first Atlantic. the only thing I could say is work on the head, it need to be a bit smaller and more tapered and you want to hold back a bit for the eye of the hook. But other then that it a very good Job.
Ghost.
Like Ghost said, nice first fly. THe head should be about 1/3rd the size and leave some bare shank between it and the eye. The tag is lumpy. I also think you tried to put too much on a small hook. Maybe just two body segments. The herl is not dense enough. The tail is too long. There is something yellow at the front of the butt? There is only one butt, the rest are called joints. There is something shaggy on the rear two body segments??? There is thread showing from the tie in of the throat rear of the head.
Tag has open turns. Tail is right length. There are some trapped GP barbs that are sticking out at a different angle than the tail. That is because you tied the tail in over untrimmed barbs. Butt is pretty poor, uneven turns and not close turns, leaves an uneven butt like this. Turns should be almost on top of the prior turn of the barbs. Front body segment should have ended 1/2 of the way into the head. In other words, the head is only twice the size as it should be.
Actually, I suggest you read the salmon fly tying lessons here at FAOL. It will take you through the steps with pictures and better descriptions than can be given here.
Bassman - I use UNI - THREAD 8/0, it helps with the keeping the heads small. 3-4 turns on the tag is plenty, and in my opinion I would shorten the tail to just a fraction more of the hook gap.
If you’re anything like me, the size and proportions of your head are going to be your biggest aggrivation. I’m still trying to get it right.
On a brighter note, I tied up a similar pattern last summer that wasn’t much for salmon, but the big sea trout loved it!! You’ll have fun with those flies…as I have been reminded recently, the rest will come with practice.
You are right, heads are my biggest problem and I know I will need a lot of practice. I am reading all I can about tieing Salmon flies. Thanks for the advise. John
No expert but…I think your wing and throat hackle are two far back resulting in a longer head. I use those mustad hooks and my tie in point for the wing is forward of where the double back eye ends. Still lots of room for a riffle hitch if you use one.
Drop of head cement prior to the wing tie-in doesn’t hurt either especially with squirrel wings…if your just starting off, reduce your tread (8/0 is plenty) wraps to 1/8th what you are currently using…atleast I had too.
Bassman, I don’t think that I’ve ever seen an ugly fly that you have tyed. My 2 first thoughts were; there are some smallies near you that you could have some fun with and there are some trout not too far from you that are big enough to warrant salmon flies. Either way, keep you original safe, tie up some more, get the clones wet, put the fish back in while they are still wet. Repeat the last two steps. Good luck!
Thanks for the compliment Ed. And the advise is great, it is the sme advise I would give. Yes there is some very good fishing very close to me. And yes the first one I tied will be put up. Thanks again John
lol