Tag: Aftershaft

The caddis & the mayfly…

On By vegardflyIn Caddis, Emergers, MayflyLeave a comment

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These are two Jack Gartside patterns. They are tied to imitate emerging insects. As I have mentioned earlier he used aftershafts in many of his flies. Aftershafts are not the easiest material to use. Keep in mind that the aftershaft feather has a very fragile stem. If you find it difficult you can try using a electric gripping tool rather than a traditional hackle plier. They are also called EZ pliers. Always use a fairly gentle touch when winding these feathers.

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This is the Philo Mayfly Emerger.

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This is the Philo Caddis Emerger. This pattern also works very well when weighted. Both these flies should be tied in various colours and sizes to match the naturals.

The Sparrow…

On By vegardflyIn Just Flies!2 Comments

Jack Gartside created Sparrow as a nymph and it was his favourite subsurface pattern. I find it great for both deep or surface fishing. One of the key ingredients in his flies was pheasant. He used the whole skin and the aftershafts most of all. This fly really lives under water and can imitate many aquatic insects, even a little minnow. It is the fly to use when you don´t know what else to use.  All except for the body is from pheasant. The body in the original pattern was made from a blend of squirrel, rabbit and antron. I use whatever dubbing I have in front of me at the time of tying. I like to tie it on the TMC 2312 hook. If you tie it with bead-chain eyes it becomes The Salty Sparrow…