hydropsyche

Thats the beauty (and the addiction) of fly tying. The next one will have better proportions. The one after that will use silver rib instead of gold. Maybe you will use biots for the tail in the next fly. Maybe make a prince hare's ear the one after. And when you catch fish on your modified creations, it will make the experience that much more enjoyable. Good fly. It *will* catch fish if you give it a good chance. ps. Try a smaller bead and a darker, spikier dub for the thorax.

Wow. Those are some really good looking mice from everyone. Has anyone seen the The Angler's Art episode where they tie up a mouse. He doesn't spin the hair, he just holds it on top and doesn't let it spin. He controls the shape of the mouse by the length of hair before he ties it down, therefore, he doesn't have to shape it at all (but he does pack it as he goes). I tied a few up myself, using his method, and they look pretty good. No ears or eyes, so they aren't as pretty as these, but I think those parts are superfluous anyway. Elastic is a great idea for a tail. It would move like crazy. Since you can't imitate madly kicking legs, a frantic tail is necessary. Do Browns on the Bow actually go for these? I tied mine up for pike.

Good plan.

That would have made you, what? 10 years old when you got it? You wouldn't be returning hand-me-downs? As to comments on Goods and Services, I think if neg. comments are banned, so should positive ones. There are a lot of consumer reports/product review sites (as well as forums) that don't filter neg comments. Ebay actually has a seller rating system to encourage ethical conduct on the seller's part. When you read negative comments, you can usually tell if its valid or petty. However, if that is the way SJW want to run his site, I'll oblige. I *try* to remember what my momma told me "If you can't say anything nice....."

That was a lot of fun, DrB. Thanks for putting it together. It sure helped pass the time during the blustery, dark winter. Glenbow was gracious enough to donate some awesome glasses for the winner and (Sorry, I forget who) offered some ice dubbing for second place. I still have the pics on Photobucket, so here they are. Nymph: Dry: Streamer: and Realistic: And the Grand Prize:

Sounds like a great spot. Heck, if this one ends up being down south, you could alway hold another for the northerns. If people can't make one, they might be able to make the other.

Hilarious about the blue sweaters and bono. You guys crack me up. Rocks, I'd love to get out with you some time. Maybe you can show me how to nail midging fish. The problem is, I'm usually a spur of the moment angler and a lot of time have to go out by myself. It hard to make arrangements most of the times.

The only two places I wouldn't want to go is the Bow or Bullshead (but would still go if that is where it ends up).

Count me in if: A.) Its during the week and I can get the time off (the more lead time, the better) B.) Its not on the Bow (Been there. Done that. Love it but....) C.) Its a group campsite (better to get to know each other) D.) I get to fish with and/or watch Hawgstoppa at least once (Ninja, if I have to). E.) I get to drink copious amounts with Lynn and Taco.

About 4 years. I'm the type of guy who likes to try everything, only to drop it later. Not fly fishing and dressing. I never get sick of either. Good thing too. It saves me a lot of $ and my friends get flies.

Sounds and looks like a blast.

Jim Slattery originated the fly (not kaufman). At least according to him. This is his tie. He said its supposed to imitate a fluttering stonefly. He makes specific notice of the bald head (no hackle)

A cane rod from Don Anderson. Any cane rod. Even one of his rejects. I really, really, really want one.......

I'd leave the left leg out and work on the right arm a bit more. Other the that, you're almost there, IMHO.

I'm green with envy. Keep the posts coming. I'm sure you'll learn how they do things different on that side of the world. Hopefully, it will benefit us Albertans. Did you bring some BAW's with you?

I remember reading an article (forget by who) about how he went fishing with a world champion distance caster. The caster couldn't catch a fish. The problem was, he laid his line out too straight, causing immediate drag. When it comes to nymphing, that sixth sense also plays a major role. Like hockey skills contests, but it doesn't alway expose the best players. Once you're on the ice, it a whole different story. I still like the idea of skills contests. It can be fun and striving to win will improve your catch rate, but nothing replaces time on the water and/or the sixth sense.

Sign me up for the Deiter's Ant. Mike Corigan is an active member of the hook and hackle (a great, informative, friendly guy). Actually, about 10 contributor's to this book are active members. Mike told me the Dieter's Ant was one of his most productive patterns. I tied up quite a few but haven't found the opportunity to try the yet. That is why I still have a few patterns in box. The display wouldn't be complete without one.

I actually like the original fish better. It fits the scene better and it doesn't have to be perfect. It's more artistic in a Picasso sort of way. This fish looks overlaid. Sorry, just some constructive criticism.

The Queen *and* Ralph. Okay. She's got us all beat. What a cutie.

Ralph Klien and I partied together. I guess I got you all beat.

Weedy1. I love it. That gets my vote! Or should I say "ewwdy. I lvoe ti. atht gtes ym ovet". Its either that or Brian's. Both are simple and have great impact. Clive. That looks great too (really, really good job. I love what you did with the counter-perspective of the words. Genius.) but it has a lot of detail. What is the smallest size that could be embroidered in? Would it fit on a hat? A sleeve? Brian's would make a great bumper sticker, Weedy's a nice T-shirt and Clives a hat/patch. I'll take one of each.

No. Its the BAW!!! Beautiful embroidery, Clive. And Pacres, I like the simplicity of that design to. As far as logos, its all been done before (stones, caddis, salmon flies, etc.). What can you do? Just pick one that looks good. An idea jumped into my head while looking at the F.F.C letters on the mayflies tail. Put mayflies (or caddis) clinging to the F's. Like they just hatched. The C could be a BAW. Anyway, just another idea someone can run with.

Thats just too cool. Those buggers are viscous.

Look again. Its a tie.

If you're like Birchy, you'll be out fishing tomorrow. Birchy. Apparently, {deleted because it may offend} because you're still full of it.