The Goat

Here's the fly photo studio that I made. It's just a plastic trash can with the side cut out, and a slot cut in the top to slide different color backgrounds in. These pictures are from when I used the vise to hold the flies. Now I just stick something to hold the flies right through the middle of the light refloctor. The reflector is just a piece of cardboard covered with white paper and some stiff wire that can be bent to raise/lower it to whatever height you want. Add a big, bright natural light type light, and you're golden. Not counting the light, the whole rig cost maybe $7.

Daaaaaang! Purdy! You're not gonna...um...take that onstream, are ya?

Ah! I'm not one of those "All natural" types. Hell, I'd shove some foam in there somewhere if the tungsten bead didn't make that counter-productive. I'll give ya a report this weekend. Gonna try it out on Saturday.

Haha. You know, I have no idea. I just tie what looks good to me. With this type of hackle, that length looks good wet. Ribbing? Not sure what you mean. The body's just pheasant tail (tan) with fine wire counter-wrap for durability.

Thanks fellas!

Star, Idaho. I can't belive there's only two other people from Idaho on this list!

A new addition to the fly pattern database has been submitted by The Goat: Soft hackle PT

This one? http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=32948

Because it hates me, and likes to see me get yelled at by my wife.

These are great, guys. Thanks! I really like that Triple Threat, and Nelson's looks like a serious floater!

What's the link to Radoslov's site?

Sounds like maybe your bobin is loose? I've had mine become loose before, but the thread never unraveled. When not in use, try storing your bobbins with the thread holders twisted together like they were when you bought them. Keeps 'em tight on the spool. They should look like this when there's not thread in them (Or close to it):

Thanks, flytire. I've been through those, and found some nice flies. I was kind of hoping for some favorite patterns that folks use. Not that I don't enjoy posts that hint of "Why don't you just get off your lazy rump and Google it yourself."... Sometimes it's just more fun to find out what other folks like.

I gotta admit, aside from learning and awesome new technique, I had my doubts about this fly...until I saw the picture of the wet fly next to the real bug. Dang that's nice! Thanks for the link!!

...for some new caddis patterns. I've decided to designate 1 or 2 boxes solely to caddis. Hell, they're the one fly that you can find and catch fish on practically anywhere! I've got some tried and true patterns in my box already; EHC, Henry's Fork Caddis, E/C Caddis, a larva that I like, and a PT cased caddis...but no emergers, no pupae. What are your favorites?

haha. I guess I posted a link somewhow after all. To be clear, I tie the wool in parallel with the hook with just a couple of tight wraps. Tie in a clump on top of the hook, and another on the bottom, and then pull back. Repeat. Of course you can tie it in on the right side and then the left, if this suits you. Just so you're covering the hook all the way around before you pull it back before the next clump. This also allows you to play with colors. One color on top, and a lighter color on the bottom...

Charlie (Of course!) has a good step-by-step in this woolhead sculpin tutorial: http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/flybox/de...cfm?parentID=69 Sorry, I can't figure out how to post a link in here. I tend to spin it where I can, and stack clumps around the hook when I don't have room to spin it. Just cram the wool on the hook any way you can, fold it back. Cram some more on, fold it back...

Can someone explain to me how this is done? I'm intersted in stacking CDC, but information on either way would be helpful.

This is a good point. Would cutting the front hook at the bend make it legal?

A little visual on the wire/ bead thing: Please disregard the sloppy head on the back fly. It won't be seen on the finished product.

I'd like to see a pic of this fly, or a link if you wouldn't mind. never heard of it. Some ideas, though: 1&2: I'm not sure it really matters. I mean, the beads are there mainly to help keep the fly from fouling on itself...and evidently for the rattle. This is why I'd like to see the picture. I use glass, because that's what I can find around here. Haven't had any breakage problems. And I use the smallest size I can fit craft wire through with some wiggle room. Wich brings me to... 3: I'm sure mono is fine depending on size, but I like craft wire a little better. I can leave slack between the hooks (Allowing the beads to move), and the wire's stiff enough to keep the back fly from fouling on the front. Also, with wire you can simply loop it through the back fly leaving it free to wiggle and shake all it wants. Also...it'll last longer. 4. I dunno. never seen it. I'm assuming if it's truly suppoesd to be a snake, and therefore a topwater fished fly, you trim the bottom. 5. If it's not to be fished on top, I reccomend a sinking or sink tip line. Spun deer hair heads make for a sloooow sinking (If at all, depending on how much you've wieghted the fly) fly. I tie large streamers with spun deer hair and large dumbel eyes that still won't sink without a sinking line of some sort. A friend of mine recently got me replacing the deer hair with spun wool. Wool soaks up water and sinks MUCH better. Hope at least a little bit of this helps. Without knowing the fly, I'm shooting blindfolded here. haha.

Thanks Philly. I'll be tying some of these this summer!

Are these foam bodies? How do you get them on the hook? Do they just slide over the hook eye, and you cement them in? I've never tied them, and want to try 'em on bass this summer. These look like a fun tie!

I love UV Knot Sense for this application. Much less messy than epoxy, too.

You're telling me. I thought "$20 a month to access this site? This must be one hell of a fly!". My wife is less than thrilled...