hydropsyche

Yes. Its tan on the bottom. Thats the weave alright. I'll try to describe it in less words. Always pass the dark/top thread *over* the light/bottom thread and pinch it where it meets. While pinched, push on the dark thread so a loop is formed *under* the light thread. It just has to be big enough to slip it over the eye (making sure the light thread stays under). You don't need to grab it or anything, just slip it over the eye. Pull tight and repeat. Its just that easy.

Thanks, Lundvike. The weave is called an overhand knot weave (I think). Its pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it. And for some reason, the fish see to like flies that use it

Welcome aboard. Kingfisher: That moniker is a bit presumptuous, eh? (kidding - I like it)

Thats just cheating. I can see not reposting a fly you've posted in a previous contest but a lot of the times, I don't have the time to tie up a fresh pattern by the given deadline (this x-mas season is a good example). Right now, I'm currently tying some fishing flies to replenish my stock (when I get a minute here and there). Digging through my stuff to pull out different materials/hooks/treads/etc discourages me enough. I appreciate being able to pull out a previously tied fly. Thanks, DBT.

It would be a shame if you didn't. You obviously have display flies mastered. I've dabbled in them and know how hard it is to do what you did. Since DRT says we can post previously tied flies, I'll throw in one I haven't showed everyone yet just to add to the entry count. Now, how good are you at nymphs?

Now you tell me. I've broken that rule many times (as I'm sure most of us have). Sweet fly Cape. You're going to scare everyone away with that one.

I bet ya Shark Skin will just Zippppppp all that ice off with every cast!!!

Priceless.... Mind if I borrow it?

You forgot one, Silver. Go to church (or at least give thanks). It is called "Christ"mas, after all.

I saw that one coming.

He was an extremely talented dresser. I'm sure those will be cherished for a long, long time. Life can be taken on very short notice. Live, Love, Fish.

GGP for overall appeal and proportion. A great looking fly and would probably work. 126barnes for that married wing and great floss work. Also got points for colour balance. Kristofr. Creativity. Wow. I want to take that thing home and hug it. LoneFisher for superb shank work. If you would have put some "real" wings on it, it would have been hard to beat. Golden Pheasant Crest dyed green? Where did you find that? All flies are great and I wanted to vote for a lot of the others but I had to limit it. You guys put a lot of effort into this and you should all be proud. ps: Lunkvike. Every time I look at that fly, I want to eat it.

I'll let Don comment but I've heard Macrame is the best for making indicators. I don't know what the ones you buy are made of. Is Phentex a Macrame yarn? edit: I just did a quick google on Phentex. Its a soft yarn used to knit sweaters and slippers. Macrame is very stiff and is used in weaving. They are worlds apart. I visited many specialty knitting shops in Calgary looking for it but no one carries it anymore. Its a 70's trend thats no one does anymore.

I don't know why you wasted that on us. It should be published for $$$.

Wow. Tyer's are coming out of the woodwork on this one. Great to see. Its going to be tough trying to decide.

Excellent. Thanks Don. I think I'll be making up some of your yarn indicators with them as well (and your special fly), considering the Nymphing post. edit: These guys want a fortune to ship to canada. If anyone wants some yarn, I can take a list and we can split the costs. They come in 50 yard bundles. 10 yards will do me for a life time. They have glow in the dark. I'm wondering if they will make good nightime indicators.

This is a very hard tie. You definitely can't whip these out quick. Somewhere between the fishable fly and a display fly. Green Drake Special

Nice tie, Scotfly. Thanks for the step-by-step. We need more of that on this site (but I'm too lazy).

Micheal, do you know of anywhere in Calgary I can pick up some Macrame? I've looked hard.

Those are nice. My wife used to sell Stampin Up, so I know what the shaving cream method is. I'm assuming you have one of those card cutters (Paper trimmer). Have you ever tried using it to cut thin skin, etc.? It the only way I can get a nice straight cut when I want supper thin strips.

Jet lagged on Christmas day with a huge smile on your face and visions of brownies dancing in your head. Sweet.

Flytyer. Put me down for a Darren's Backswimmer. Even if this display is called off, its getting me to tie some flies out of this book. Can't be a bad thing.

The visual you paint is a bit disturbing. "I was on the Bow today when all of a sudden, there was a flesh hatch".

Haven't you heard? The rural crime rate, per capita, is higher then in the big cities. Rural Crime Rate At least in Calgary, when a body is thrown in the bow river, someone finds it. In the country, it becomes bear bait.

Even if you aren't fishing streamers, what about when you catch a bruiser and you're trying to control the run while you're getting it on your reel? I use finger pressure for that. And if it does that to your hand, its got to be harder on the guides. I don't buy SA's answer. Sandpaper has less surface contact area then plain paper.