Tying the Water Walker Style Dry Fly

All about flies Fly Tying
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Hi,
I started tying these flies about 30 years ago after first reading Terry Heleckson’s tying book. I apologize for the poor photo’s - distracting background. But, wanted to show the concept. Each wing is hackled separately at the base. This produces a fly which has the “legs” (hackle) pointing out from the sides of the fly - more like the real insect. They are a little difficult to tie, but do float really well and do offer a more realistic impression on the water - in my opinion.

By the way. First picture is from above the fly and second is from below the fly.

Let me know if you tie these or what you think about them??

Thanks.

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:slight_smile: I guess what they say about coming up with a new pattern is true. It has all been done before. I tied up a fly or two like this after reading the “flies only” section of FAOL and trying to come up with a better footprint than a standard dry fly. I never did fish it because I thought it looked a little funny but I’m glad to see I wasn’t completely out of my mind for coming up with something like this. I might just have to give it a try. How do you like them compared to the thor-x fly by Vince Marinaro presented in the “flies only” section?

Thanks,
Greg

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I think it is hard to beat this style. Those hackle points coming off the body at that angle sure look more like the natural. The natural doesn’t have legs directly beneath its body. Having said that, it would have to be a very particular fish to choose one over the other if the right shape, size, and color.
Right??

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Yeah Terry’s book is excellent!!! There’s so many things to try out and yeah they can be tough to tie. His web site is pretty cool too!!!

Fatman

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I used to shop at The Fly Line in Ogden, Utah. He was once a part owner. He refers to a couple flies tied by Bruce and Mims Barker - the other owners. Has flies tied by them In the book.