Purple Haze Revisited

All about flies Fly Tying
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Hi,

A number of folks on here have stated that the Purple Haze pattern really works. I think it was either designed by, or popularized by Walt Weise at Park’s Fly Shop in Gardiner, Mt.

Anyway, I thought I would make sure to tie some for this early summer on the rivers of the Yellowstone Area.

I did find what I think is a complementary colored and textured dubbing for the thorax.

Anyone guarantee this will work if presented correctly? Size 16 TMC 101 Dry Fly Hook.

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I guarantee it…providing you present it properly…:grin:

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…but I think it works best as nymph or soft hackle.

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… the Purple Haze was created and popularized by Andy Carlson of the Bitterroot Valley. The pattern was sold to Montana Fly Company at some point.

The real Purple Haze is basically a purple parachute Adams. Lots of folks seem to think it is special. I’ve never tied or fished one, so I wouldn’t know about that. I will say that I catch enough fish not using one to be quite satisfied that I have no need for it.

Your fly isn’t really a Purple Haze - maybe a Purpleparadun ?? And, as usual, very nicely tied and photographed.

And … your fly will most likely do just fine, just like any other (insert color)paradun of the appropriate size that is properly presented.

It is my impression, as expressed in a recent thread on the Purple Craze, that the color purple is probably not the reason it works, but the way it is tied it presents a very stark profile which probably accounts for its success.

John

5

Thanks! I now copyright this fly as Byron’s Purple Sparkledun.
Get your orders in! LOL

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Here is a brown hackled Loop Wing Purple Haze:

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Or an “Adams Like” hackled loop wing purple haze

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Hendricks would be proud…

They all look very effective… need a tester :slight_smile:

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Or a Parapost style - size 16

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I’m always looking for new flies to tie/try, especially if they’re quicker and easier to tie than some of the current flies I’m using (and at least as effective). As much as I loved Elk Hair Caddis, since I started tying the CDC & Elk 5-6 years ago I haven’t tied an EHC since. Purple Haze parachute was easier for me to tie than a para-Adams and has worked pretty well (although my favorite Adams has a grey biot body). Here’s a couple variations on the Purple Haze I’ve had luck with:

Purple Convertible:

Purple Viz-a-Dun:

Regards,
Scott

11

I like those Scott
What is the post material in the thorax version?

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Byron,

Thanks; it’s Congo Hair from Flytyer’s Dungeon.

Regards,
Scott

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you can sub chartruse or orange for the purple and it works just as well