Hi,
In another post, the footprint of the fly on the water was mentioned. I believe that the Water-Walker style of fly produces a perfect footprint.
Perhaps I have not done justice to this pattern in this particular fly, but I can tell you that you could throw the fly to the ceiling 10 times and it will land perfectly on the floor each and every time. The “feet” of the fly come out at the sides as the insect’s feet do.
Only the trout know the answer to this one, and since they seem to gobble up so many things we throw at them, I think that I will put this in the “not worth losing sleep over” pile. 
Just to throw in another pattern style to your thought: Ed Marinaro was of the belief that the ‘Thorax style’ that he developed had the perfect footprint.
However, slightly expanding and totally agreeing with what DG said, trout take so many different things under a multi multitude of so many different conditions that it’s not worth losing any sleep over.
Allan
Byron -
In all due respect, you have really gone over the top this time ( claiming perfection ). Maybe this is the surest way to lose any “due respect.”
John
Sleep well
While in agreement with DG also, I do look at the “shape” of a rise. Until the fish rise to my fly in the same way they rise to the natural, I don’t consider that I have cracked a hatch. The great thing is that next time the same hatch happens it is usually not the same solution.
Cheers,
A.
Nice tie. Those were in my pattern book when I was a kid. Finally learned to make them last year.
Perfect or not they do present a good profile and stand up to big rivers. They take some getting used to to learn how to tie but worth it in the end.
Byron:
Not sure about the footprint… as others have said the fish will judge… BUT I have to say that’s one beautiful fly, really nice tie, beautiful fly. Well done!
I’m a bit biased on that subject…and lean towards the LTD for the perfect footprint. 
Nice pattern though and nicely tied!
Gorgeous fly Byron.
While I understand where you’re going, unless the fly rides up on its hackles (which I bet it won’t), it’s still not the perfect footprint.
Vince Marinaro. Ed was a Minnesota Viking and b-grade actor. 
Always thought this style was too clunky and inelegant for technical water. Probably best for fast water where the fish do not have much time to look at it.
I found an interesting article by Al and Gretchen Beatty on this style of fly:
http://www.flytyer.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1486&Itemid=90
MJ
Nice fly! Does that fly differ from a loop wing fly?
Thanks
Byron
That’s a good-looking dry fly. Perfect footprint? You know you’re asking for trouble with that claim.
Note the legs to each side - not directly beneath in the catskill style and not 360 degrees as in a parachute. Don’t get me wrong, I tie and fish many catskills, parachutes and even more “no-hackle” sparkle duns. However, if the Water Walkers weren’t so hard to tie, I would probably use them much more.
Do you tie any of this pattern?
Thanks for the photo. Where did you get it?
I will try to find one to post with the insect on the water.
Nothing like a good lively discussion. Not sure why no one seems to like the Water Walker style fly dressing…
Not on the water, but nice footprint:
Byron, mainly the hackle within the loop, and the notched bottom.
as for the “perfect footprint”…a tongue-in-cheek remark. The footprint is what distinguishes it on the water though.
…I like the bottom mounted parachute. Although, when it comes to fishing a spring creek mayfly hatch I do believe in the “show them something new” profile, if they refuse. Which does tend to discount the relative importance of any given pattern.
… because it doesn’t have the perfect footprint ?? :roll:
Sorry, Byron, I just couldn’t resist.
More likely, because it is a real pain in the neck to tie and just not worth the time and effort when so many other simpler patterns will catch the trouts.
John
The perfect footprint? It’s here, of course: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/fliesonly/sectioneleven.php
(I can’t believe no one remembered)
