Mike Boyer

It's plain to see you are a very good tyer. Nice job on all these traditional flies.

Great tying, Aaron. Glad to see you carrying on the Northwest traditions!!

Whether tying a Spey fly, an Atlantic Salmon fly, or a Wet fly, here is how I tie in Bronze Mallard: 1. Find a matching pair (left and right) of Bronze Mallard feathers (similar color, length of fibers, matching textures). 2. Select and cut left and right strips from the middle of the feather to nearer the bottom (a bit of the light grey showing). You'll have to experiment with the width of strips. 3. Match up the inside edges and 'marry' them, especially at the root. The straighter parts will be the inside edge so the pair of strips come to a sort of point. This will be the top of the roof/wing. 4. Grasp the married pair of strips with a thumb and forefinger at the root end and gently fold together till it resembles an 'upside down' boat. Make sure the strips stay tight and together on the top edge. To hump (curve) the 'boat', grasp it at both ends and move the ends closer together while moving each pair of fingers up and down. 5. With the thumb and forefinger still maintaining the boat shape, bring the strips to the top of the hook. A tiny bit of wax on the thread helps the next step. Bring the thread over the hook and carefully tighten the Bronze Mallard to the hook, making sure it stays centered and doesn't collapse. Rather, it should maintain it's shape on both sides, and stay together on top (a bit of saliva helps after tying in). This is by far one of the most challenging manuevers in fly tying. Thread control is the key. Practice is the advice. notes: - The inside edges shouldn't 'marry', but they do. - Vary the angle for a more 'upright' or 'flatter' wing/roof - An underwing (tippet, Turkey, etc.) makes for a nicer upright Bronze Mallard wing - Practice, practice, practice

Fine work, Paul. Thanks!

I may not comment on your flies all that often, but I sure appreciate your postings. Great work, sir!

Superb set of flies, Karsten. Fine examples for us all.

Nice!!

A definite winner, Ray.

Beautiful tie, Paul.

Excellent tying!!

I received my set of flies today and was duly impressed. I've always loved the Catskill dries, and now I have a beautiful collection of them to fish, admire, or use as examples. Great swap! Thanks to all the fine tyers!

Should fish well. Nice one!

On my way down a trail to go Steelhead fishing a few years ago, I found a couple as did John P, but they weren't lying on the ground. They were 'doing it' against a big Redwood tree. I wouldn't have known they were there if I hadn't heard them and took a quick look. :bugeyes:

Glad they didn't get lost or run over.

Sorry I'll be a bit late, but mine went in the mail today.