I thought I’d do something in a little different style this week. This Christmas I was given Helen Shaw’s*Flies for Fish and Fishermen, a book I’ve coveted for years. I knew of its existence, but even used, it was always quite pricey. My wife found one that appears to be new, somewhere on-line, and I’ve been studying away ever since.
I love that fly, even the wild hackle. Since you’ve been coveting the book it must be a good read. I just ordered both mentioned in the article.
REE
Eric: Thank you for another wonderful, “Just Old Flies Article”…specially since it is one of Helen Shaw’s! Here are two other flies credited to Helen Shaw, that are also part of the FAOL Archives, for those who are interested.
[b]Golden Furnace Streamer[/b]
[b]Copper and Partridge[/b]
~Parnelli 
Thanks Eric,
I have never heard of Helen Shaw befor — you’ve introduced her to me!
Tom Deschaine
Thanks for the wonderful tie as well as the history. Another great book to check out would be from one of our modern-day flyfishing authors, Bruce Staples. His book Trout Country Flies: From Greater Yellowstone Area Masters is a very comprehensive look at some old and possibly forgotten patterns developed for western fly fishing and were certainly inspired by earlier fly tiers. Anyway, worth a look. Thanks again for the fine article, info and pattern.
Kelly.
The only book I currently own that does anything at all with Western fly history is Terry Hellekson’s “Fish Flies”. So it’s great to know about another information source. I’ll try to find
“Trout Country Flies” and add it to my collection. Really appreciate the heads up on this book. Thanks!
Eric
Having met Bruce Staples, without realizing he was an author, in addition to being a great fly dresser, I’m also interested in his book. I also located a couple copies of Snake River Country: Flies and Waters, also by Bruce.
Thanks for the heads up Kelly.
of it is available at Amazon, for sale at $24.95 (less then when published) I’ve used several of the Old Flies from it for our (wait for it) Old Flies. Truly a
lovely ‘local’ history. Mine goes with me back to Montana in the Spring. :lol: