tightlines 0 Report post Posted April 24, 2004 Does anyone have a link to a tie that they feel is a good imitation of this aquatic insect? I have seen a coule that dont really look like it and rather than play around and make my own, I would like to see something that is already tied. Thanks in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sketch 0 Report post Posted April 24, 2004 I used to tie these back in the 70's when I first started tying and fly fishing. I don't remember catching much on them in the smaller sizes but did o.k. on big ones during high water periods. They consisted of a weighted body, a brown hackle tail, peacock herl body, brown hackle throat and a set of lead gray goose wings. Real simple. They might look buggier and be more effective with a pheasant tail throat or a wrap or two of soft hackle. I'm not so sure that they represent anything inparticular. I remember one high water day on the Brokenstraw Creek in PA when one of these big and ugly flys kept me from being skunked and produced a nice 17 inch rainbow. Edited to add that with a peacock herl body, you should add a wind of wire or something to add a little durability to the herl or be ready for a fly that will easily self destruct. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kschu 0 Report post Posted April 25, 2004 I just visited my local fly shop today to buy some materials so I could tie up some Leadwing Coachman nymphs. I found a pattern and instructions in a book I just bought. The store manager told me that this fly is something of a classic and said I would enjoy tying them and fishing them. The book described this (and other nymphs tied with peacock herl) as good searching patterns. This fly is on page 86-7 of Nymph Fly-Tying Techniques by Jim Schollmeyer, published by Frank Amato Publications. BTW, I find this to be an excellant book. I tied up a couple already, but I used different kinds of feathers than what they recommended, since I did not have the correct ones. I picked up brown hackle feathers and turkey feathers today. I've promised to tie these for a Coachman swap on another website that I hang out on. I will be typing up the pattern and instructions in the next couple days. I can send you a link to those instructions once I get them posted. Sketch mentioned tying something in with the herl to add some durability to the fly. The instructions that I have suggested simply making a thread loop (like you would for a dubbing loop) and then twisting this thread in with the herl. This forms the peacock herl into a sort of fuzzy chenille for wrapping the body of the fly. This thread loop also adds some strength to the herl, which does have a tendancy to break easily. Wrapping the body with a light gold ribbing would be another way to add some durability to the body, but I like the look of the twisted herl myself. More later, Ken S. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
breambuster 0 Report post Posted April 25, 2004 I have an old book, (but not nearly as old as me) that has a half a chapter on the Leadwing Coachman. The book is "How To Tie Freshwater Flies" by Kenneth E. Bay. The copyright date is 1974. Probably older than a lot of guys on this forum. Amazon says the book is no longer in print, but you might try checking your local library. In addition, Amazon lists a used book dealer that has a copy for a little over $2. The book gives step-by-step instructions and black & white photographs for bucktails & streamers, wet flies, dry flies, & nymphs. I have no monetary interest in this. YMMV. Randall Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
breambuster 0 Report post Posted April 25, 2004 I should have thought of it when I posted my previous reply, but I can give you the pattern, as listed in the book. It says to use a #10 or #12 Model Perfect wet fly hook. Tail: None Tag: Medium Gold Tinsel Body: 6 peacock herls. (These are tied in just ahead of the tag & then twisted together with a dubbing loop and wound around the shank.) Beard: Brown Hackle Fibers Wing: Mallard Quill Segments. Hope this helps. Randall Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Philly 0 Report post Posted April 26, 2004 Another thing with these nymphs(isonychia), is they have a distinct white stripe that runs down the middle of the back and are strong swimmers. You might also check for patterns under White Glove Howdy and Slate Drake. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dontheo 0 Report post Posted April 27, 2004 I just picked up a copy of the NY Conservationist and it had an article on flys from the 1880's. There she was the coahman and the leadwing coachman. Created by Tom Bosworth who was a coachman for the British Royal Sovereigns, Geprge IV, William the IV, etc. According to the article the only difference is that the lead wing was tied with dun colored wings. I think you can get the original picture and recipe from the Catskill Fly Tying Museum at www.cffcm.org Ted Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites