Fishin' Tale

'Nuff said.

Two More Colorado Oldies Patterns

Gray Ugly

Originator: Legendary Colorado “Unknown" Fly Tyer

Hook: Mustad 94838 (1XS) (Replacement TMC 921)

Size: 8 ~ 18

Thread: Gray

Tag: Embossed Silver Tinsel

Tail: Grizzly Hackle Fibers

Rear Hackle: Grizzly

Rib: Fine Silver Wire

Body: Peacock Herl

Front Hackle: Grizzly

Head: Thread

Optional Head Cement: Clear Hard Head
Source: Terry Hellekson, Popular Fly Patterns, Page 29, Publish Date, 1976
Originator: Legendary unknown tyer from Colorado

I favor this fly over most other dries. I have taken more fish with it over the past three or four seasons than any other fly, possibly because I use it so extensively. I picked this pattern up in Denver, Colorado, around 1970. Since then I have had the opportunity to fish it over a variety of waters in many areas. It is certainly one that is worth trying for any area.   ~ Terry Hellekson (1977)

Jonnie Come Lately (Cream Caddis Larvae)

Originator: Joe Nelson, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Hook: Mustad 3906/3906B

Size: 14 ~ 18

Thread: Black

Abdomen: Pale Yellow Wool Yarn or Rabbit Dubbing

Rib: Gold Wire

Thorax: Dubbed Muskrat Fur

Head: Tying Thread

Optional Head Cement: Hard as Hull or Black Hard Head

Source: Terry Hellekson, Popular Fly Patterns published 1977

Colorado Oldies Patterns Front Range Anglers Clinic 11/16/2013 (Part 7)

Western Bloody Butcher (1940s Pattern)

Originated By: See Note
Tied By: Larry O Jurgens
Hook: TMC 100, TMC 101
Size: 10 ~ 20
Thread: Black 6/0 Silk
Body: Red Floss
Hackle: Black Rooster
Head: Tying Thread
Note:
This pattern and was a popular fly in the 1940s & 1950s (and possibly earlier) in the Rocky Mountain area. In some places it was the referred to as the “Secret Fly.” Per George Mayer, owner of George Mayer's fly shop, located in north Denver at 38th Ave & Tennyson St., from the1950s to the mid-1970s." This fly was developed by fisherman who frequented the backcountry in search of Cutthroat Trout. The fly was called the “Bloody Butcher” because of the way you could slay Cutthroat trout with it. Remember these were the days when if you didn't bring home your limit it was not considered a successful day".

Colorado Oldies Patterns Front Range Anglers Clinic 11/16/2013 (Part 6)

South Platte Brassie Version 1

Originator: Gene Lynch, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Tied By: Larry O Jurgens

Hook: Mustad 3906

Size: 10 ~ 20

Thread: Black

Abdomen: Copper Wire From Lamp Cord

Head Tying Thread

Optional: Black Hard Head, Head Cement

South Platte Brassie Version 2

Originator: Gene Lynch, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Source: Popular Fly Patterns, by Terry Hellekson

Tied By: Larry O Jurgens

Hook: Mustad 3906

Size: 10 ~ 20

Thread: Black

Abdomen: Copper Wire From Lamp Cord

Thorax: Muskrat Fur Dubbing

Head Tying Thread

Notes:

There are innumerable variations of the venerable “South Platte Brassie” aka “Brassie.”  These are the two popular patterns that I remember from the 1960’s.     ~ Larry O Jurgens

For more information about this pattern in the following books:

“A Fly Fisherman’s Guide To The South Platte River” page 145 By Pat Dorsey.

 “Tying Small Flies” page 37 By Ed Engle.

”Good Flies: Favorite Trout Patterns and How They Got That Way” page 112 By John Gierach 

“Trout Country” page 30 By Bob Saile

Colorado Oldies Patterns Front Range Anglers Clinic 11/16/2013 (Part 5)

Poor Helgy

Originated By: Jim Poor Littleton, Colorado

Hook: Mustad 9672 (TMC 2302)

Size: 4 ~ 10

Thread: Black 3/0 Monocord

Tail: Dark Moose Body Hair (Divided)

Underbody: Lead Wire Under The Thorax

Rib: Black Monocord Over The Abdomen

Abdomen: Dark Moose Body Hair

Thorax: Tan Chenille

Hackle: Brown Rooster

Wingcase: Black Waterproof Magic Marker

Head: Thread

Optional Head Cement: Black Hard Head

Notes: Originator Jim Poor was the original owner of Anglers All Fly Shop on South Santa Fe Boulevard Littleton, Colorado
Reference, Jack Dennis’ Western Trout Fly Tying Manual Vol. II, Page 111.

This pattern is an effective hellgrammite imitation (Also  works as a stonefly nymph ~ LOJ).

Colorado Oldies Patterns Front Range Anglers Clinic 11/16/2013 (Part 4)

Colorado King, Dark Female

Source: Popular Fly Patterns 

Originator: George Bodmer, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hook: Mustad 94840 (TMC 100)

Size: 6 ~ 18

Thread: Black

Egg Sack: Yellow Rabbit Dubbing

Tail/Outriggers: 2 Peccary Or Moose BodyHairs

Body: Muskrat Dubbing

Hackle: Brown

Wing: Dark Deer/Elk Hair

Head: Tying Thread 

Optional Head Cement: Black Hard Head

Source: Terry Hellekson, Popular Fly Patterns, Published 1976,
Page 22. The Colorado Kings were developed in 1971 by George Bodmer of Colorado Springs, Colorado. They have become a universally effective dry fly. George reports that they sold over 6,000 of them during the 1975 season and he keeps getting glowing reports on them from all over the country and abroad. They have the ability to bring up lots of fish. They are not the final solution, no fly is, but they are suggestive enough of a variety of trout foods to be successful over a broad range of fishing conditions. Though developed primarily as attractor type patterns, these flies have an excellent caddis and stonefly silhouette, are close enough for many mayfly hatches and, as a bonus the light pattern is readily taken as a grasshopper. They are excellent floaters. Their open construction permits good drying on false casts and prevents water logging. George now ties the flies with elk hair rather than deer hair. This produces a more durable fly.  ~ T. Hellekson (1976)   

Credit: Popular Fly Patterns by T. Hellekson 

Colorado Oldies Patterns Front Range Anglers Clinic 11/16/2013 (Part 3)

Colorado Caddis

Originated By: Bob Good, Denver, Colorado

Source: Terry Hellekson, Popular Fly Patterns, Published 1977

Hook: Mustad 3906/3906B

Size: 8 ~ 16

Thread: Black 6/0

Shellback: Natural Gray Goose Quill Slip

Body: Pale Synthetic Fur Yellow Dubbing or Wool Yarn

Legs: Black Hen Hackle, Length Equals 1½ - 2 Hook Gapes 

Head: Thread

Optional Head Cement: Black Hard Head For The "Classic" Look

Colorado Oldies Patterns Front Range Anglers Clinic 11/16/2013 (Part 2)

Buckskin Nymph
Originator: George Bodmer, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hook: Mustad 3906 (TMC 3769)
    Or Mustad 3906B (TMC 3761)
Size: 12 ~ 16
Thread: Brown 6/0
Tail: Soft (Hen) Brown Hackle Fibers
Optional Under Body: Lead Wire and/or Tan Floss
Body: Natural Chamois Strip
Head: Tying Thread
Optional Head Cement: Black Hard Head

Notes:

The following comments excerpted from the books;

Popular Fly Patterns, Page 77 by Terry Hellekson, Publish Date 1977.

This pattern was sent to me by George Bodmer of Colorado Springs, Colorado. As you can see, George and his friends like their nymphs simple. They usually fish them weighted and deep. They do not like a pattern so complicated to tie that they get emotionally involved when they lose one.

Fish Flies, The Encyclopedia of the Fly Tier’s Art, Page 194, by Terry Hellekson, Publish Date 2005. George Bodmer of Colorado Springs, Colorado originated this pattern. As you can see, George keeps some of his patterns very simple. Natural chamois is a yellowish beige color and darkens well after it becomes wet.

Colorado Oldies Patterns Front Range Anglers Clinic 11/16/2013 (Part 1)

Betty McNall

Originated By: Betty McNall of Denver, Colorado

Source: "Popular Fly Patterns" by Terry Hellekson, 1977

Hook: (200R)

Size: 8 - 14

Thread: Black

Tails: Red Hackle Fibers

Butt: Peacock Herl

Body: Red Floss (Danville Flymaster +, 210)

Wing: White Calf Tail Trude Style And Extending To The End Of The Tail

Hackle: Brown

Head: Tying Thread

Herter's Inc. Fly Tying Tools From the Past Part 2

This tool is the Herter's 31W Winging Pliers. That I used and/or still sometimes use for mounting quill wings. In 1972 this tool sold for $.69. I can't remember how much it was in 1965 when I purchased it.

Herter's Inc. Fly Tying Tools From the Past

The first fly tying tools that I purchased were from the Herter's Inc., 1965 Catalog. For the younger generation out there Herter's was the premium mail order sporting goods in the world and was the precursor to Cabela's and many others. They were originally based in Waseca, Minnesota and were in business from 1893 until 1981. Their mail order business was started in 1937. 

I still have and use some of their tools. 

George Herter invented many of the tools that were of the convenience variety along with many other items that Herter's offered for sale. 

The amazing thing was they were well thought out, worked great and were inexpensive.

Here is an example, can you figure out what this fly tying tool is? This tool is in my copy of the 1972 catalog but disappeared from my copy of the 1978 catalog. Those two are the only catalogs that I still have. I still occasionally use this tool when my fingers are not working correctly and frustration has set in.

 

The answer will be in my next blog entry!

Getting Ready For 2014

Tan ACP (Another Caddis Pupa) 

Shown; Dai-Riki #280 Size 18 , Matte Chocolate 11/0 Glass Bead 

Material List;

Hook: Dai-Riki # 280

Size: 14 – 20

Thread: Dark Brown 8/0 UNI-Thread

Body: Tan Spanflex 

Rib: Brown Nature’s Spirit Bleached & Dyed Peacock Sticks

Thorax & Legs: Mahogany Brown Superfine Dubbing

Head: Matte Chocolate 11/0 (#02050) or 15/0(# 42038) Mill Hill Glass Seed Bead

Note:  I also use a Coffee MFC Lucent Tungsten Beads

Blast From The Past

NYMPHORM™

How many of you remember these fly tying aids from the past?

I found that these were very handy when tying Stonefly Nymphs. I still have a few left but only use them for a very special pattern that I use for a sample or gift.

Sure wish these were still available?

If anyone out there has access to these or have possession of any and are willing to part with them, send me an email ---   loj.bugstuff@gmail.com   --- with details!

The following picture is from "Fly Tyer Magazine", August 1981, Page 29

Pale Morning Dun

A simple tie and effective pattern.

By Larry Jurgens

Hook: TMC 100/101

Size: 14 ~ 20

Thread: Gray Brown UTC 70 Denier Ultra Thread

Tail: Light Pardo Coq de Leon Tailing Fibers

Abdomen: Tan Turkey Biot/Vane

Thorax: Pale Morning Dun Super Fine Dry Fly Dubbing

Parachute Post: FL Cerise McFly Foam

Hackle: Golden Olive (White Dyed) or Light Grizzly Whiting Saddle Hackle

For tying instructions email me; loj.bugstuff@gmail.com

Fisherman Quotation

Fly fisherman spend hours tying little clumps of fur and feathers on hooks,
trying to make a trout fly that looks like a real fly.
But nobody has ever seen a natural insect trying to mate with a
Fanwing Ginger Quill.
          ~ Ed Zern

Quotation from the book “HOOKED Funny Quotes from Serious Anglers” Edited by Raye Carrington

PMD Nymph

Pheasant Tail Bead Thorax Nymph V1

Source: Dave Student's “Stealth Cocktail”

Tied by: LO Jurgens

Email me for recipe and tying instructions.

Cyprinus Carpio Woggers

These patterns were originally designed to imitate “Pollywogs” for the wary Cyprinus Carpio. I have found that they work for Bass, Bluegills, etc, just as well. They also work for trout in early summer when trout, sucker and various other species "fry" are abundant.

Shown Daiichi #1640 Size 10

Wogger V1

By: Larry O Jurgens

Hook:  Daiichi 1640

Size: 4 ~ 10

Thread: Black 14/0 Gordon Griffiths

Tail Materials: Marabou (Under-tail) Ostrich Herl Tips (Over-tail)

Body Material: Ostrich Herl

Head: Tying Thread

Wogger V2

By: Larry O Jurgens

Hook:  Daiichi 1640

Size: 4 ~ 10

Thread: Black 14/0 Gordon Griffiths

Tail Materials: Marabou (Under-tail) Ostrich Herl Tips (Over-tail)

Body Material: Ostrich Herl

Head: Black Cyclops Bead, 5/64” for Size 10

Fisherman Quote

Fly equipment is so expensive that many think the Department of Defense has it contracted out.

          ~ Jack Ohman

Quotation from the book “HOOKED Funny Quotes from Serious Anglers” Edited by Raye Carrington

LoJ’s Golden Stonefly Nymph

By: Larry O Jurgens
Hook: Daiichi D1730 or Dai-Riki #700B
Size: 8 ~ 12
Thread: Tan 6/0 UNI-Thread
Tails & Antenna: 2# ~ 8# Monofilament Colored Brown With A Brown Magic Marker
Rib: Brown Copper UTC Ultra Wire
Under-body: Lead or Lead Free Wire Sized To Match Hook Shank
Abdomen Material: Dark Tan Superfine Dubbing
Wing-case: Brown Or Natural BustardThin Skin
Legs: Natural Whiting Brahma Hen Saddle
Thorax: Rusty Brown Ice Dub
Head: Gold Bead Sized Appropriately
Permanent Marker: Brown Sharpie
Optional: Super Glue and Water-based Head Cement

Attention Pike Pursuers

Esox Lucius T-Bone (See Notes)

Created & Tied By: LO Jurgens
Hook: Mustad 3366
Size: 4 ~ 2/0
Thread: Black Danville 210 Fly Master ++
Eyes: 3/8” or 7/16” Black Spirit River Deep See™ Aluminum Eyes
Deep See™ 
Eye Inserts: Pearl/White or Mirror Eye Spirit River 3-D Molded Stick-On Eyes
Wing: Tan Grizzly Schlappen Feathers
Flash: Pearl Krystal Flash or Flashabou
Under Collar: Red Schlappen Feather
Collar: Tan Grizzly Schlappen Feather(s)
Head: Black Flat Diamond Braid
Head Cement: 5 Minute Epoxy or Super Glue and Sally Hansen® Hard as Nails®

Notes:
The Target

Most predator fish species “target” the eyes on their prey. This is the reason I use the large Deep See™ aluminum eyes also their use makes the fly less of a “Chuck & Duck” pattern.

Deep See™ Aluminum Eyes Preparation

3-D Molded Stick-On Eyes sizes are 5.0 for 3/8” and 6.0 for 7/16”.

Using epoxy or super glue, glue the molded eyes into the Deep See™ Aluminum Eyes this helps preventing them from disappearing on an errant cast.

Rio Grande Sucker

The Rio Grande sucker was one of the native fish species that fell victim to predation from the northern pike. However, it is still present in many of Colorado's smaller freshwater streams that have gravelly bottoms. An adult Rio Grande sucker is 4 to 6 inches long and brown in color with a distinctive "blotchy" appearance. It serves as a bait fish for larger game like the pike.

This is the only picture I could find on the internet of a Rio Grande Sucker. Thanks to the Crestone Eagle (February 2006) and The Colorado Division of Wildlife. To read The article go to http://crestoneeagle.com/archives2006/headlineA2.feb06.html

A Throw Fly NOT A Show Fly

JAB (Just Another Baetis) Nymph
By: LO Jurgens

Hook: TMC 2488, TMC 2488H or TMC 2499

Size: 16 - 22

Thread: Olive Dun 6/0 or 8/0 UNI-Thread

Tail/Shuck: Mallard Flank Feathers

Abdomen: Tying Thread

Wingcase: Natural Bustard Thin Skin

Thorax: Gray Rabbit

Legs: Picked Out Thorax Dubbing

Head: Tying Thread

Syko Baetis Emerger

Hook: TMC 200R or Dai-Riki #280

Size: 16 ~ 22

Thread: Black 8/0 UNI-Thread

Head: Black 11/0 #02014 or 15/0 #42014 Mill Hill Glass Bead

Abdomen: Black Pearl Flashabou

Emergent Wing Bud: Black Hareline Sparkle Emerger Yarn

Thorax: Peacock Herl

Optional: Super Glue and/or Sally Hansen Hard as Nails®

Black Rainbow Chironomidge V1

Hook: TMC 200 or Dai-Riki #280 or #285

Size: 12 ~ 20

Thread: Iron Gray 8/0 UNI Thread

Body: Black Rainbow (Col. 71) Gϋtermann 40wt Machine Embroidery Thread

Head: Black11/0, #02014 or 15/0 #42014 Mill Hill Glass Bead

Optional: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails®

Fisherman Quote

There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process.
          ~ Paul O’Neill

Quotation from the book “HOOKED Funny Quotes from Serious Anglers” Edited by Raye Carrington

Midge Emerger Pattern

Black RGB Midge Emerger

Hook: TMC 200R or Dai-Riki #280

Sizes: 16 ~ 24

Thread: Black Gordon Griffiths 14/0

Rib & Bling: Single Strand Pearl Crystal Flash

Abdomen: Tying Thread

Thorax: Mini Black Ostrich Herl

Head: Red Silver Lined Glass Bead (Size Is Tyers Choice)

Wing & Gills: White Antron/Float-Vis  (Front & Rear Of Bead)

Optional Abdomen Finish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails® and/or UV Finish

A Favorite Oldie Pattern

Black Drake (Swimming Nymph)

Source: Popular Fly Patterns, by Terry Hellekson, Page 160 (publish date 1977)

Originator: Polly Rosborough, Chiloquin Oregon

Tied By: ???

Picture Source: http://montana-riverboats.com/index.php?page=Fly-Tying/Polly-Rosborough/Black-Drake-b.htm

Hook: Mustad 38941 3XL (I prefer a Mustad 9672 hook or equivalent, LoJ)

Size: 10

Thread: Gray 9041 Nymo (I use Gray or Iron Gray 6/0 UNI-Thread, LoJ)  

Tail: Speckled Guinea Fibers Tied Short

Body: Dubbed Beaver Belly E/W Guard Hairs

Legs: Speckled Guinea Fibers Tied In Each Side And Pointed Downward

Wing: Black Ostrich Small Bunch

Head: Tying Thread
This is one of my nymph patterns in Colorado's North Park, Lake John and Delaney Buttes.

Pale Morning Dun Pattern

Pale Morning Dun Crippled Emerger V1

Hook: TMC 100

Size: 16 - 18

Thread: Pale Yellow Gordon Griffith 14/0

Shuck: PMD Shuck Antron Yarn

Rib: Fine Copper Lagartun Wire

Abdomen: Pheasant Tail Fibers

Thorax: Pale Yellow Hareline Dubbin

Shellback & Wing: Tan 2mm Foam

Hackle: Grizzly Hackle

For a lower and more vertical drift I also tie this pattern using  a Brown Copper UTC Ultra Wire body using  size small or brassie (V2).

Another Oldie but Goodie

Carmichael Indispensable

Originated By: Bob Carmichael [1940s]

Hook: Mustad 94840

Size: 12 ~ 18

Thread: 8/0 Black UNI-Thread

Tail: Moose Mane

Abdomen: 8/0 Yellow UNI-Thread or floss

Thorax: Fine Pink Dubbing

Wings: Grizzly Hen

Hackle: Grizzly

Tied By: Jim LaFevers

Photograph: Hans Weilenmann

Source: http://www.danica.com/flytier/jlafevers/carmichael_indispensable.htm

Still a good 'un in the 21st Century  ~  LoJ

Reminder

This is a reminder:
 I WILL NO longer publish comments from anonymous sources.
If you want to remain anonymous please do not send comments to the blog and/or me via email.
THANK YOU
LoJ