Lefty on Ebay

There are lots of cool thing up for bid this week on EBay, but I’m only gonna tell you about this one, cause I sort of have my eye on the others. This is a rare find and would actually make a nice addition in my office, but alas, I have my eye on a few other gems. If you can’t get the framed, fly though and still want some Lefty memorabilia, try picking up on of Lefty’s signed sports cards from the 2008 Donruss Sports Legends series. Mine just came in a couple weeks ago (#706 / 1250).

Lefty Kreh Trading Card

Click here for the framed fly auction.

Framed Lefty Kreh Deceiver

Okay, one more. How about a Salmon fly tied by one of the modern masters, Mr. Poul Jorgensen.

Click here for the auction.

Poul Jorgensen Salmon Fly

Happy bidding.

JC’s Copperhead

John Collins from Rise Form Studio twists up an homage pattern to the late Russel Blessing called the JC’s Copperhead. John uses a couple materials on this pattern that I really like. The first is Finn Raccoon, a material that is going to provide a solid tail, but still allow it to swim in the water like marabou. It also keeps a bit more shape, as it doesn’t collapse quite as much as marabou. The second in the Nymph head bead. I can’t tell you how much these beads have changed my fishing this year. I’ve had great years before, but this year was spectacular on the water. Just having a few patterns tied up with the beads has opened up a few new spots that were difficult to get to using standard beads or shot. One other little note is the use of peacock in the body. I love peacock because it’s a natural material, and like polar bear or jungle cock, there is no substitute that works as well as the real thing.

Anyway, enjoy John’s demo of his Copperhead Woolly Bugger variation.

Russel Blessing 1935 – 2009

Woolly Bugger

Sad news to report as Russel Blessing, famed inventor of the Woolly Bugger has passed away at age 74.

The Woolly Bugger is likely the most well known fly out there. There are hundreds upon hundreds of variations to be found in angler’s fly boxes around the world. Please take a moment to read the following selection of links in honor of Mr. Blessing. RIP

http://www.examiner.com/x-19210-Fly-Fishing-Examiner~y2009m10d30-Woolly-Bugger-inventor-Russ-Blessing-passes-away
http://www.midcurrent.com/news/2009/11/russ-blessing-inventor-of-wool.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolly_Bugger
http://www.flyfishersrepublic.com/patterns/woolly-bugger/

Rangeleys Sesquicentennial

Thanks to Chris Del Plato from the Streamer List for this find. You may remember this fly plastered on the cover of Fly Tyer magazine a couple years back. The fly was designed and tied by Grey Wolf (Sam Claro) to commemorate the Rangeley’s 150th year, hence the name. A limited edition of 50 framed flies were produced, all dressed on hooks 50 years or older. It is mounted in a handmade wood framed and includes a Gold plate inscribed “Celebrating 150 Years 1855-2005″ along with Gray Wolf’s signature. You can find the auction here, but hurry as it is ending shortly. Happy bidding.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140352464157&ss

Rangeleys Sesquicentennial

Rangeleys Sesquicentennial
Hook:8X-long John Willis hook (You can substitute with the Gaelic Supreme Mike Martinek Rangeley Streamer hooks or the Heritage Allcock streamer hooks.)
Thread: 8/0 black
Tag: Silver tinsel
Body: Burnt orange silk floss
Rib: Embossed silver tinsel
Wing: Each side-2 purple hackles beneath 1 shorter orange hackle
Underwing: GP crest
Belly: Peacock herl, orange and purple bucktail
Throat: Orange hackle
Shoulder: Peacock breast
Eyes: Jungle cock nail

Claret Wulff

Episode 44 from Rise Form Studios has resident tyer John Collins tying the Claret Wulff. This is a great pattern for any piece of water that has a Slate Drake/Isonychia hatch. Wulff flies are great and they float like a plasticized cork and so work well as an indicator fly, connecting a little nymph trailer.

One component of my strategy is to target rising Trout in broken water and glides. First, this makes it harder for the Trout to see you or any mistakes you may make. The second advantage is that the Trout has less time to scrutinize your fly and presentation. The Wulff Style fly is ideally suited for this exact situation. I am always shocked at how many times a Trout I am unaware of will slash at my fly, above or below the Trout I am targeting. These are also fantastic for a dry dropper set up. The extra buoyancy will let you get away with a larger or heavier nymph without sinking the top fly. Twist up a few and cash in on the Iso hatch.

Enjoy.