DaveG

Hey Nate: The Ausable is my home river and the Isonychia season (actually starting now) is one of the most exciting times on the river. As you know, it is a swimming nymph and very mobile. Vern-o's version is really top notch. I tend to tie nymph patterns with the same slim profile and like to throw in some purple and burgundy accents. I also lean towards patterns that have an active tail (filoplume etc). Try fishing these nymphs with a quartered downstream cast with erractic strips that move the fly towards the bank. Hits can be aggressive. As for dries, large patterns (10-12) with that telltale slate gray wing. Gray Wulffs in the quick/pocket waters tend to work well. Mahogany is a good body color Good luck to ya Daveg

God's speed my friend. DaveG

Great fleet of tube flies John. I would have difficulty picking the one I would throw first. Love the sparse W. Gunn....hmmm DaveG

Great lookin Dee Frank. My mind is on the fall also. Some good rainfall and a drop in temps would really get me dreamin.......... DaveG

Mike: If you and other casters encounter the same problem (with your Dad's outfit)...it could simply be line twist. If that is the case, let all the line (including some backing) out of the tip top and let it drift and straighten out downstream. Let it sit on the dangle for a few minutes (it's untwisting now). Reel it back on the spool and you should be good to go. Good luck DaveG

What a great dressing of a fine pattern Ray. I'll betcha the steelies would munch on it. Thanks for the super photo also DaveG

Hey Kevin: I sure can identify with what you said about looking at a pattern for the 100th time and out of nowhere...something clicks Love how you used the GP crests as body veilings. This is a very sharp tie that integrates some of the best characteristics of NW hairwings with traditional Spey and Dee DaveG

YG I love the sensibilites of tying fishing flies in the round. Some fish will crunch this one for sure. Wonderful design, very well tied, and great to look at. DG

Justin: Shaq speaks truthfully and accurately. Many of us (hopefully) transition from stages through, numbers of fish taken, to a point where how they are taken. Respect for ourselves, flyfishing, and the wonderful fish we seek is the answer. It is my hope that you will take the high road from the get go. I did not have such advice or knowledge when I started. DaveG Shaq: Give me a PM and maybe we can get together and swing some flies in Paradise as soon as the Upper open,....

Jan: Excellent step by step tutorial with clear photos. The Czech nymph design and fishing technique (although not for everyone) is deadly effective in pocket waters and riffles here in the USA. Thank you for your fine contribution. DaveG

Hey Mike: That's one classy dressing! Betcha our east coast Atlantic Salmon would jump all over it DaveG

Kevin: I like this dressing alot !! Makes me think and is pleasant to look at DaveG

Justin: After looking at my first response, there wasn't much substance to it. So....A simple black stone imitation seems to be the bread and butter fly for many. Although larger sizes are commonly used, egg patterns (peachy orange colors) and natural nymph colors are popular in smaller sizes 10-8, I know several angelrs who swear by a size 12 nymph for stealth reasons. Keep in mind that many of these fish have run through a guantlet and have been stung and broken off several flies before they reach you. A few simple dressings with chartreuse, pink, pearl and blue tones are sensible to have on hand. Bring plenty of shot or slinkies if dead drifting is your thing. You will loose plenty of terminal tackle if this method is your bag. If you fish the more traveled runs, your lines will take a beating. I currently use only a two-hander now. Traditional swinging only...no chucking and ducking. My hook-up rate has plummeted but my enjoyment has skyrocketed. Good luck amigo DaveG

Justin: At that time of year you will be in the middle of the salmon run, with decent numbers of browns and some steelies. Dead drifting nymph and egg patterns is the go to method for high percentage fishing. Swinging streamers, Spey flies etc is more pleasurable but yields way less hook ups for the majority. Then there are those who dead drift a bare hook, or next to it, and still manage more than their fair share. It has been my experience that regardless of your intention, mouth lining and foul hooking is responsible and almost unavoidable in certain runs, for most of the hook-ups for salmon. I guess my best advice is to keep your patterns simple, inexpensive, and tied on a stout hook in the size 6-2 range. For many it's simply a few wraps of the cheap chenille du jour wrapped on a hook shank. The Browns and Steelies will tend to move to a fly much better than the Kings or Cohos. In any event it's a circus that needs to be experienced to be believed. Once you zero in on your preferred method...it will drive where and when you make your way to the river. I go there every year and still find myself shaking my head in disbelief Daveg

A "right smart" dressing that would probably fare well on the Saranac River during the Emerald shiner run. Beautifully tied and adventurous DaveG

Don't spend a penny more...Lousy to great materials are in your possession,,, See if you like it. I tied with absolute crap to start with, but it was enough to know whether tying was right for me or not. Ask the same questions when you've made a decision. My .02. DaveG

R Wulff In addition to what Troutbum (Paul) mentioned Silk has unequaled color selections and provides a luster (dry and wet) that synthetics simply cannot provide It is a pain in the a** to work with during the learning stages...but with some practice...you will be pleased with your efforts DaveG

Hey Royalwulff: Properly tied gut/mono loops are mighty strong. Ronn Lucas makes an super quality blind-eye that is designed specifically for the Marbury flies. If however you are looking for a standard black japaned hook that has decent shank length, consider the Tiemco 700. Attached are three examples. all tied on the 700 BTW...they have all seen the water Good Luck....DaveG

Outstanding tying Hywel !!! If I might make one suggestion...under a strong flow/current your wings will collapse substantially which may obscure the fine body work and colors that you designed to be visible to your quarry...... perhaps you might accentuate the forebody to give the fish a point of reference (strike). Mighty fine tying my friend DaveG

Outstanding tying Hywel !!! If I might make one suggestion...under a strong flow/current your wings will collapse substantially which may obscure the fine body work and colors that you designed to be visible to your quarry...... perhaps you could accentuate the forebody to give the fish a point of reference (strike). Mighty fine tying my friend DaveG

Hi Tracy: I use the top of the line Revlon Scissors (that's right, Revlon) for all of my tying other than cutting wire, tinsel, kevlar, and thick antron. For $1.00 USD they will resharpen them and they are absolute quality metal and construction right out of the package. Give em a try........ DaveG

Damian That is one drop dead gorgeous fly !!!! DaveG

Wowsuh Ray...This fly not only looks like a fish getter, it's especially purty to boot. Great dressing DaveG

Clean and elegant. Wonderfully tied Gordeaux. Am surprised you didn't post it in the other board. DaveG

Oh yeah Flounder, you're gonna need that stout hook to pull the fish this fly will attract. Love it DaveG