C. DEL LEE

HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES

HOW TO TIE

Salmon Flies

A TREATISE ON THE METHODS OF TYING
THE VARIOUS KINDS OF SALMON FLIES

With Illustrated Directions

AND CONTAINING
THE DRESSINGS OF FORTY FLIES

BY CAPTAIN; HALE

A /(

East Lancashire Regiment

^London

SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON & COMPANY, LIMITED

&t sDun0tan'0 $ou0e

FETTER LANE, FLEET STREET, E.G.

1892

PREFACE

ITHIN the last few years numerous
books have been written on all branches
of Fishing and Fishing Tackle, save
one. That one, Salmon Fly-tying, has not received
the attention it deserves, although many improve-
ments in methods of tying, and in materials used,
have been made. I have endeavoured to describe
these.

I am much indebted to Mr. C. O'Meara for his
assistance. He photographed all the Originals from
which the Illustrations were drawn. This entailed
more work than might be supposed ; for in many
cases the negatives were unsatisfactory, and fresh
photographs had to be taken. My thanks are also
due to Mr. R. B. Marston, Editor of The Fishing
Gazette, for his assistance and suggestions in con-
nection with the book.

J. H. HALE.

WOOLWICH.

a 2

M8I38949

CONTENTS

PAGE

INTRODUCTION, . ix

CHAPTER I.
HOOKS, ....... i

CHAPTER II.

MATERIALS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC., .... 6

CHAPTER III.
ON DYEING FURS AND FEATHERS, . . . .23

CHAPTER IV.
GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS AND TAILS, . . .28

CHAPTER V.
BUTTS, RIBBING, BODIES, AND HACKLES, . . -47

viii CONTENTS

CHAPTER VI.

PAGE

HACKLES, JOINTED BODIES, AND GRUBS, . . .63

CHAPTER VII.
WINGS, . . . . . . .78

APPENDIX.
DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES, . . . .95

INDEX, . .119

INTRODUCTION

'OW many fishermen one meets who
cannot tie their own flies many of
them not even being able to name
their different parts ; and of those
who do tie them, what a great proportion do so
indifferently !

I believe the reason lies in the facts that there
are no books entering thoroughly into all the
details of the subject, and that lessons can only
be obtained by paying a long price. It is cer-
tainly far cheaper to make one's own flies than
to buy them, putting aside the amusement and
satisfaction derived from doing so.

My object in writing these pages is to supply
such a book, in the hopes that those who have
the leisure and inclination to do so, will be
enabled by it, not only to learn to tie their own
flies, but also to increase their sport.

I have so often met ardent anglers throwing
flies of such wondrous deformity, that, no matter

x INTRODUCTION

what skill was exercised in handling the rod,
no fish with ordinary fishy brain would glance at,
much less leave his resting-place to examine. I
am rather inclined to believe that these mon-
strosities frighten the fish. A little knowledge
of the subject of fly -tying would save these
anglers days of disgust and disappointment.
Salmon fly-tying is a most fascinating subject :
partly because there is so much variety in it,
partly because (to those who strive for perfection)
of the difficulties. In nearly every fly that he
makes the beginner will find something new to
learn, some new fact to make a note of. Practice
there must be. Even those who can tie small
trout flies well, and can handle silk, etc., easily,
will find a salmon fly a very different thing at
first : there are so many more details to attend to,
and so many more difficulties to be overcome.
Perfection in fly-tying is not absolutely necessary
to ensure success ; but it will generally be found,
I think, that those who have well-tied flies are
more successful than those who have badly tied
ones.

Mechanical perfection alone, though, will not
ensure beauty in a fly ; for, however well a fly
may be tied, if harmony of colour is absent, half
the pleasure to the eye, or satisfaction to the

INTRODUCTION xi

mind, is wanting ; therefore the two should go
hand in hand.

There has been no attempt in these pages to
write anything more than the experiences and
ideas of an amateur fly-maker and fisherman, the
desire of the writer being to describe the details
of the art of salmon fly-making in such homely
language as would convey the several processes,
clearly, to the comprehension of all beginners
who care to approach it.

ERRATA

Page 15, line 3,/^r under read over.

26, for lines n to 17 read: Pour a tumblerful of cold water
into a basin, then add gradually a teaspoonful
of acid. Then pour in gradually water, in
which dye has already been dissolved ; add
the feathers and proceed as before. Do not
stand over the basin when mixing the acid
and water.

42, line 3, for right and left read two rights.

51, fig. 29, a strand of tying silk should be shown hanging
from the butt.

70, line 13, for ribbon read ribbing.

73, line 4, for jay read teg.

75, line \6 t for feather read pair of feathers.

CHAPTER I.

HOOKS.

HE numerous varieties of hooks
which are made and sold for
salmon flies can be divided, as
far as they affect fly-tyers, into
two kinds, viz. : First, the ordi-
nary straight - shanked hooks,
with gut loops tied on to them ; second, those
with metal eyes, or, as they are called, ' eyed
hooks.' The varieties of both kinds, single and
double, as regards bend, thickness of wire, shape
of points, make, shape and angle of the 'eye,'
are innumerable, but do not concern the fly-tyer.
Of the two kinds, I have no hesitation in re-
commending eyed hooks over the plain ones,
provided they fulfil the two following condi-
tions : First, that when fastened by a good
knot to the casting line, the ' pull ' is in the same
straight line with the hook shank ; second, that
the eye of the hook is perfectly smooth, so as to
prevent the gut from chafing as much as possible.
It is only when the eye is turned down that the
first condition can be fulfilled ; and when the ' eye'
is brazed on (as in No. 2, Fig. i) to the shank, or

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

(

Fig. i.

when the wire forming the eye is carried back
along the shank (as in No. i), that the second
condition can be fulfilled. If the wire is merely
bent into the shape of an eye
(as in No. 3), the rough end of
the wire must cut the gut, and
therefore an eye so made is
objectionable. Those with the
eye brazed on are preferable,
as they are neater ; besides
which, there is a flat surface on to which to tie the
wings, a great help to the beginner, as it is more
easy ; the wings too will be firmer. Many fisher-
men argue that metal eyes, however smooth they
may be, fray the gut cast more than hooks with
gut loops to them, but I have not found it so.

Now, if the above-mentioned conditions be ful-
filled, the advantages to be derived from the use
of eyed hooks are as follows : First, Flies tied
on them will last very much longer ; in fact, where
natural or undyed feathers are employed in their
manufacture, they will last for years ; whereas
those tied on hooks with gut loops last but a very
short time, and cannot be depended upon after
comparatively little use ; hence a great saving of
expense no small item when the price of some
flies is taken into consideration. Second, A great
saving of time in tying flies, as with the plain
hooks gut has to be looked out, soaked, twisted,
fitted, tapered, and then tied on, while with the

HOOKS. 3

eyed hook there is nothing but a layer of tying
silk down the shank. Third, The bodies of flies
can be made much thinner (for some rivers very
necessary) ; the heads, too, can be kept smaller,
one of the most important points in a salmon fly.
The chief thing that a salmon fly-tyer has to look
to is, that his flies, when made and attached to
the cast, will swim perfectly steadily, without
swaying to one side or the other ; but however
well they may be made, they will not swim

Fig. 2.

straightly unless attached to the cast by a good
knot properly tied. By a good knot, I mean one
that is perfectly secure, is small and neat, is easily
tied and untied, and, last but not least, one that
will hold the fly securely, and not allow it to be-
come loose, or swing about at the knot or junc-
tion with the cast. The best that I know of, both
for hooks with gut loops, and eyed hooks, is the
one figured in the illustration, and called the
' figure of 8 ' knot. Its advantages are, that when
complete, it is very small ; the gut has to be
passed only once through the loop or eye, and

4 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

can be undone in a moment. It is suited to all
sizes of flies, except when the eye is very large.
The illustrations show the method of tying the
knot so clearly, that it is unnecessary to give
written directions. But in all cases the gut must
be first passed down through the loop or eye, so
as to bring it as nearly as possible in line with the
shank, when the knot is pulled tight. To tighten
the knot, first the line A must be pulled, then
the end B the former is then cut off. To undo
the knot, simply push the line B steadily, when
the whole knot is loosened at once. For hooks
with large eyes, or with the eyes made of thick
wire, the above knot will not do, as it will not

Fig. 3-

grip the hook, and with such the best knot is
undoubtedly the slip knot, as shown ; but this
means that the gut has to be passed twice through
the eye, and is not easily undone when once
pulled tight. On the other hand, it is perfectly
safe, and grips the hook firmly. When it is
necessary to change a fly attached by this knot
the gut must either be cut off, or worked loose
with a pin or stiletto.

As to the sizes of salmon hooks, there are two
scales : the first, or old one, though still made use

HOOKS. 5

of, is the ' Redditch ; scale. The second is the
* New Scale.' A full-size illustration is given of
hooks up to 5/0 or 19. Hooks are made very
much larger, up to four inches in length ; but
the figures are sufficient to show the sizes and
different numberings. Although this is a book
on fly tying and not on fishing, it will not perhaps

Fig. 4.

be out of place here to advise the use of only
the best hooks. It is labour thrown away in
making flies either for your own use, or for that of
others, to tie flies on bad hooks. Sooner or later at
the river-side there will be loss of temper, disap-
pointment, and disgust. The same remarks apply
to all materials used in salmon fly manufacture.

CHAPTER II.

MATERIALS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC.

HE following materials, implements,
etc., are used for making salmon flies.
Tying silks, floss silks, seal's fur, pig's
wool, mohair, chenilles, tinsels, feathers,
scissors, hackle pliers, stiletto, penknife, cobbler's
wax, varnish, vice, methylated spirit, and gut.
To assist the beginner in his selection when
buying and collecting them, the following hints
are given on the above-mentioned items in turn.

Tying Silks. The best are those known as
' Pearsall's gossamer fly-tying silks.' They are
sold on reels in different colours, of which claret
and orange are stronger than any of the others,
the reason for this being, I fancy, that the dyes
used in colouring the others weaken them.
These silks are very fine, and should always be
used doubled. They are then stronger, but take
up less room when wound on the hook than the
ordinary fly-tying silk sold in the tackle-shops.
The beginner will probably break these pretty
often at first, but he should not blame them and
try some which are coarser : practice will soon
teach him how much strain the gossamer will bear.

MA TERIA LS, IMPLEMENTS, E TC. 7

Tying silks should not be kept a long time, but
should be bought fresh and fresh, as they lose
their strength.

Floss Silks. Always buy these from the tackle-
dealers, as they are specially made and dyed for
the purpose ; the colours are faster. They are
made of two thicknesses : the finer is best for tags,
and for the bodies of very small flies. The
beginner should provide himself with several
shades of all colours. The skeins should be care-
fully opened, the silks wound on to cards, and the
whole wrapped up in soft paper, care being taken
to prevent their fraying, as they cannot then be
wound neatly on the hook. The hands should be
perfectly clean when handling them, for they are
very easily soiled.

Seal's fur, pigs wool, and mohair, dyed all
colours, are used for the bodies of flies, and can
be bought at any of the tackle-shops; but if the
beginner intends to dye his own feathers, I advise
him to dye these also. The undyed material is
sold by the ounce. Of the- three, I prefer seal's
fur ; the pig's wool is too coarse, and the mohair
too fine and limp.

Chenilles of two kinds are used, namely, silk
chenilles and tinselled chenilles, or frosted threads.
The former are made of different thicknesses, in
all colours, which unfortunately wash out very
quickly : they should therefore always be soaked
in alum and water, or tartaric acid and water, for

8 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

some minutes. The finest only should be used.
The tinselled kind are very effective, but tarnish
quickly. Both kinds are used more for the bodies
of grubs than for winged flies.

Tinsels. Under this heading are the following
varieties : Flat tinsel, oval tinsel, thread, twist,
cord or lace, and embossed tinsels. All these are
made of gold or silver. Flat tinsel is very thin
sheet metal cut into strips of different widths : the
broader ones are used for forming bodies, the
narrower for ribbing bodies, but they are not so
strong or effective as the oval tinsels, which are
made up of a silk centre closely rolled over with
very narrow flat tinsel. They are oval in section,
and are made of different widths. Thread is very
fine wire. Twist is floss silk closely wound over
with the finest flat tinsel, and has the appearance
of a very fine thread. Cord or lace is two or
three threads of twist, twisted together so as to
form one thick strand. Embossed tinsels are flat,
with raised patterns, and made in different widths.
All tinsels should be kept on reels, wrapped up in
soft paper, to keep them from light and air as
much as possible. They are easily cleaned with
plate-powder if tarnished. It is most important
that only the best tinsels should be used. Cheap
tinsels tarnish and lose colour almost immediately.

Feathers. I begin with hackles, being, in my
opinion, the most important. These are obtained
from cock's necks or saddles. The following are

MATERIALS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 9

the kinds used. White, yellowish white, white
furnace, white coch-y-bonddhu, red furnace, and
coch-y-bonddhu of all shades; black, blue dun, blue
furnace, blue coch-y-bonddhu, cuckoo, and knee-
cap. A furnace hackle (No. 2, Fig. 5) is one with
black streak down the centre, and with red or
ginger tips; a coch-y-bonddhu hackle (No. i) is
one with a black streak down the centre, and black
tips, the remainder being red. A white furnace

Fig- 5-

has a black streak down the centre, the remainder

being white ; a white coch-y-bonddhu has black
streak and black tips, the remainder being white ;
a blue furnace has blue or grey centre, with red

io HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

or ginger edges, and a blue coch-y-bonddhu has
blue centre and tips, with red or ginger edges.
Many fly-tyers make no distinction between fur-
nace and coch-y-bonddhu hackles ; but as the
feathers are entirely different, and the coch-y-
bonddhu's are far more effective natural or dyed
than the furnace, I think a difference should be
made. A cuckoo hackle (No. 4) has black and
white bars alternately and diagonally across it.
Knee-cap hackles (No. 3) are exactly the same
in colouring as the coch-y-bonddhu's, the differ-
ence between the two being that the one is black
where the other is red, and vice versa.

Hackles should be glossy and evenly tapered,
and the fibres should be stiff and clear from stem
to points. Saddle hackles are much better, in my
opinion, than those from the neck, since they are
much longer, have greater lustre, are generally
better shaped ; there is less list, and the centre
rib is much finer, though quite as strong. It is
very difficult to obtain really good hackles, the
reason being that birds are killed long before
they are old enough for our purpose. Feathers
are not of much use from a bird under eighteen
months old, and only then if it is healthy and in
full plumage. They are best, I think, when taken
from a bird four years old ; of course it is an
advantage to keep birds of the right colour, so
that you can obtain feathers at the right time.

I strongly advise the amateur, who has the time

MA TE RIALS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC, 1 1

to spare, to dye his hackles. It is not only an
amusement, but a great saving of expense, since
dyed hackles are sold in the tackle-shops at three-
pence and fourpence a dozen ; and if the reader
follows my directions for dyeing, given in the next
chapter, he will find his hackles just as good, and
they will cost him a good deal less.

Besides hackles, feathers from the following
birds are extensively used : Golden pheasant,
blue and yellow macaw, scarlet macaw, blue and
red macaw, toucan, Indian crow, jungle cock,
green parrot, chatterer, bustard, florican, guinea-
fowl, mallard, teal, pintail, widgeon, summer duck,
jay, scarlet ibis, turkey, swan, peacock and ostrich.
Feathers from a great many other birds are used,
in fact, their name is legion ; but with those
mentioned any of the ordinary standard patterns
can be tied.

The Golden Pheasant's head and neck supply
us with gold toppings or crests, used for tails and
wings. Round the back of the neck or ruff are
the ' tippet ' feathers, used whole in wings or in
strands or strips for wings and tails, and occasion-
ally as hackles. The red breast feathers are used
for hackles ; the centre tail feathers for wings,
and the bright red ' spear ' or saddle feathers in
strands or whole in wings. All these are sold
separately. The fly-tyer should have an assort-
ment of all sizes of toppings and tippets. The
deeper in colour they are the better. The top-

12 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

pings should be kept in boxes, lying on their
sides, or they will soon lose their shape.

The blue and yellow, scarlet, and blue and
red Macaw s tail feathers are the best for making
the 'horns' of salmon flies with. The former
(Ara ararauna] is a native of Guiana. Its tail
feathers are blue ; the whole of the breast,
flanks, and throat are brilliant yellow ; useful for
hackles and wings. The back is covered with
blue feathers, good as hackles. On the wings are
darker blue feathers, used whole for wings.

The scarlet, and blue and red macaws are
much alike in general colouring. They are
natives of Guiana and the West Indies. The tail
of the * scarlet ' is red ; that of the ' blue and red'
is dark red. The heads and breasts of both are
red, these feathers being very good as hackles.
Along the back are light blue feathers ; those
from the blue and red being lighter in colour,
and called 'powdered blue' feathers. Strands of
the larger feathers that grow over the tail are
frequently used in wings. On the back of the
scarlet macaw are orange feathers ; these are
occasionally used whole in wings. With the ex-
ception of the tail feathers of the blue and yellow,
and of the scarlet macaw, and the powdered blue
feathers from the blue and red, none of the above-
mentioned feathers are actually necessary ; skins
of these birds are expensive, but natural hackles,
on the other hand, are, I think, far superior to
dyed ones.

MA TERIALS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 1 3

The Toucan (Ramphastos arid] is a common
bird in the West Indies and Guiana. Its orange,
canary-coloured, and dark red feathers from the
breast, and the dark red over and under the tail,
are used either as hackles, for small flies, or whole
in jointed bodies as the orange in ' Jock Scott.'
Skins can be bought at the tackle-shops.

The Red Breasted Crow (Pyroderus Grana-
densis], from New Granada, known to fly- makers
as the ' Indian crow,' supplies us with brilliant
scarlet feathers, used whole in wings, tails, and
jointed bodies ; these feathers are on the breast
of the bird only. The remainder is black. The
feathers on the back of the neck are used whole in
jointed bodies. Skins are sold in the tackle-shops.

The Jungle Cock (Gallus Sonneratii) is a
common bird in India. The neck feathers, which
are spotted black and white, are used whole in
wings, tails, and jointed bodies. The more black
and white the feathers are the better. Those
with sandy-coloured spots, instead of white ones,
are inferior. Necks sold in the tackle-shops.

The Green or Amazon Parrots, inhabitants of
the banks of the Amazon, supply us with green
and golden yellow feathers (tail) used in wings,
either in strips or strands. Another bird that
has green feathers useful for hackles is the green
or soldier macaw (Ara militaris), but they are
not often used, because difficult to obtain.

Chatterers feathers, of two species, are largely

i 4 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

used. The purple-breasted chatterer (Cotinga
c<zrulea\ a native of British Guiana, has medium
blue feathers on the head and back, which are
used as ' cheeks,' or in tails and for jointed bodies ;
the largest feathers being occasionally used as
hackles. The light-blue chatterer (Cotinga Cay-
ana) a native of Cayenne, has also blue feathers,
much lighter in shade ; they are used in the same
places as the last. The throat of this bird is
purple. Kingfisher's feathers are frequently sub-
stituted for light-blue chatterers ; but this is a
mistake, as they lose their colour after a short
immersion in water. Skins of both kinds of
chatterer are sold at the tackle-shops.

Bustard. There are several varieties of this
bird. The feathers from the Asiatic are perhaps
the best, being more distinctly marked. Strips
and strands from all the larger feathers are used
for wings ; some of the smaller feathers are occa-
sionally used for hackles. The feathers of these
birds lose their colour, fade quickly, and become
brittle with age, so should be obtained as fresh as
possible. The FLorican (Sypheotides Bengalensis]
is much the same in colour, and the same remarks
apply. Single feathers are sold at the tackle-
shops.

Guineafowl or Gallina. Back and breast
feathers are excellent as hackles, and strands or
strips of the tail feathers for wings. Those with
black ground and round white spots dye all colours

MA TE RIALS, IMPLEMENTS, E TC. 1 5

very well. There are white guineafowl feathers ;
they dye very well, but are not often used.

Mallard. On the sides of the body under the
wings of the wild duck are found the brown
mottled feathers called ' Brown Mallard,' which
are used in wings probably more than any other
feather. Select those in which the brown part
extends down to the shaft, or nearly so. The older
the bird the better. The grey mottled feathers
called * Grey Mallard/ found on the breast and
flanks, are also used in strips and strands for wings
and tails. The brown feathers are occasionally
found on tame ducks.

The Teal, Pintail, and Widgeon provide mottled
or barred black and white feathers, all something
alike, although those of the teal are more distinctly
marked than the others, and show best in wings.
The feathers of all three are used as hackles, and
dye very well. Feathers should only be taken from
these birds during the first three months of the
year. They are sold by the dozen in tackle-
shops.

The Slimmer or Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is
found in Canada. The black and white barred
feathers found on the flanks under the wings, and
the unbarred breast feathers, are used in wings
and tails. The Mandarin Duck, from China, has
similarly marked and coloured feathers.

Jay. The blue-barred wing feathers of this
English bird are used as hackles, and occasionally

16 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

those with blue on both sides of the shaft whole
in wings. Select feathers from old birds only, in
which the bars are most distinct. These feathers
should be obtained as fresh as possible, otherwise
they lose their brilliancy in the water. Wings
sold.

Strands of the Scarlet Ibis wing feathers are
used in wings. The hackles are useless, as they
are too limp, and have no life in the water.

Turkeys tail feathers are very useful for wings.
There are a great many varieties, all useful ; but
the two which are more generally used are the
brown, with black bar and white tip, and the grey,
with black bar and white tip. Feathers from old
birds only should be used, as those from young
ones are too limp. The feathers under the tail are
best for small flies. Feathers sold by the dozen.

Swan. Strands or strips of the feathers of this
bird, when dyed, are very useful for wings. They
dye all colours well.

Peacocks tail feathers, both the ' sword ' and
' eyed,' are much used for butts, heads, and wings.
The green breast feathers are sometimes used as
hackles. Strips and strands of the speckled wing
feathers are very useful for wings. The tail
feathers should always be fresh, as they become
brittle with age.

Ostrich Feathers dye all colours well, and pro-
vide material for the butts of nearly all salmon
flies.

MA TE RIALS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 17

A great many kinds of the feathers mentioned
can be obtained for next to nothing at the
poulterers' shops, such as mallard, teal, widgeon,
guineafowl, turkey, and hackles. This means
a great saving of expense ; for mallard, teal,
widgeon, and guineafowl cost 3d. to 6d. per dozen
in the tackle-shops ; turkey feathers 2d. each, and
undyed hackles 2d. per. dozen. Very often skins
of foreign birds, suitable for flies, can be bought
at naturalists' shops for much less than the prices
asked at the tackle-shops. I have in most cases
given the names of the countries in which the
birds are found, so that any of my readers who
have friends in those countries can possibly get
skins sent to them ; for skins that can be bought
for next to nothing in their own countries cost
a good deal in England. When buying a
skin, select the one the feathers of which have
the least quantity of fluff at the roots, are
the most glossy, and have the richest and deepest
hues, and in which the colour extends furthest
to the roots. There is the greatest difference
between feathers of old and young, moulting
and fully feathered, healthy and unhealthy birds.
See, too, that there is no sign of moth ; a feather
with the points of the fibres eaten away is
useless. Some feathers lose their colour after
being a short time in the water, regaining it when
dry. The kingfisher and blue jay (Indian)
especially, the green parrot, blue macaw, and

1 8 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

English jay all turn colour slightly. The more
recently feathers are taken from the latter bird
the less likely they are to turn. Many feathers,
dyed or natural, lose their colour when exposed
to the light. In fact, sun is the enemy of dyed
or natural feathers, fur, etc. ; for this reason,
flies should never be left exposed in the hat.
Feathers should be kept in boxes, in which there
is plenty of naphthaline crystal or albo-carbon.
There is no necessity for the box to be air-tight
(although, of course, it is preferable, to keep away
dust) ; no moth will ever come near the crystal ;
at least such is my experience. This crystal can
be obtained from naturalists or chemists. It
should be renewed from time to time, as it evapor-
ates. If moth is actually in any feathers or skins,
they should be immersed in benzoline for a few
minutes, and before they are put away should be
thoroughly dried in the open air. If feathers
of any kind, coarse or fine fibred, have lost their
shape, hold them in the steam of a boiling kettle
(the larger and stronger the jet the better) for a
minute or two, and carefully smooth the fibres
into their places. If you take a large feather,
say a golden pheasant's tail feather, and crunch
it up in your hand, and then steam it, it will come
out as if just taken from the bird. Feathers, too,
if dirty, can be washed in soap and boiling water,
and steamed afterwards.

Scissors. I advise the fly-tyer to have two

MA TERIA LS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 19

pairs of embroidery scissors, one of which should
have the points ground as fine, flat, and sharp as

Fig. 6.

possible : this pair is for cutting off feathers and
silks closely ; the other pair should be kept for
cutting tinsels, gut, etc.

Hackle Pliers. Of these, also, I advise the
fly-tyer to have two pair one light and one
heavier, as shown. The reason for this will
appear later on, when we come to the chapters
on tying. These pliers can very easily be made
at home with a file from a piece of brass wire,
care being taken that the whole of the nipping
part will grasp anything placed in it.

Picker. The best for this is a stiletto, as used
for embroidery, and as shown. It should not be
very sharp, or silk, etc., will be liable to be cut.

Cobblers wax is the best for fly- tying. It
should be obtained fresh frequently, for it rapidly
loses its strength, and then clogs on the silk. It

20 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

is nasty stuff to handle, until practice has taught
you when to let go of it. Keep it in water.

Varnish. The best receipt I know of for
making this is as follows : Half fill a bottl^
with orange shellac ; then fill up the bottle with
spirits of wine, then put in a small piece of white
resin, about the size of a nut to a 3 oz. bottle ;
cork the bottle, and leave it until the shellac and
resin are dissolved. This varnish dries quickly,
and will not chip or turn white. Should it at
any time be too thick, add a little more spirit,
and shake well. To apply the varnish use a
porcupine quill, or piece of wood. It is liable to
' run ' from a brush and spoil silk, feathers, etc.

A Vice is not necessary, but the use of one
afford many advantages : the work can be kept
cleaner ; no part of the fly need be crushed ; both
hands are free, and I find I can work more ac-
curately with one. There is generally a hook
attached to the pillar of the vice. The object
of this is to enable you to hook the silk on to it
when waxing. It is cheaper in the end to buy
a good vice and pay a little more for it, than to
get a cheap one which will wear out quickly.

Methylated Spirit. Always have a bottle of
this and a rag near you when fly-making. The
fingers can be cleaned of wax, etc., in a moment,
by pouring a few drops on to the rag and rubbing
them. Let me here impress on the beginner the
importance of keeping his fingers clean and free

MATERIALS, IMPLEMENTS, ETC. 21

from wax while fly-tying. It is impossible to tie
a good fly with waxy fingers, and you cannot get
wax off a floss silk body.

Gut. If you are going to tie your flies on
hooks with gut loops, have a good selection of
the best salmon gut, light, medium, and thick.
It should be kept from light and air as much
as possible. A bag made of wash leather is
perhaps the best thing to keep it in.

DEFINITIONS.

As the beginner will probably be puzzled to
know the meaning of terms used and the differ-
ent feathers spoken of in the descriptions of dress-
ing of flies, an illustration is given showing the
names of the different parts. The following will
also be useful : A * Topping or Crest ' means the
feather from the head of the golden pheasant ;
' tippet feather ' means the feather from the
throat of the same bird, and when written so,
means that a whole feather is used. ' Strands
of tippet ' means a few fibres only of the same ;
' Toucan ' means a whole feather from the breast
of that bird. ' Canary Toucan/ a whole canary-
coloured feather from the same bird. ' Indian
Crow ' means a whole red feather from the breast
of that bird. ' Chatterer' means a whole feather
from the back or breast ; ' Jungle Cock,' a whole
feather from the neck ; * Mallard ' means the
dark brown mottled flank feather; 'Grey Mallard,'

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

the speckled grey feathers on the breast and
flanks ; ' Summer or Wood Duck,' means the
black and white barred feather from the flanks ;
' Gallina, or Guineafowl,' means the speckled

Fig. 7.

grey and white feathers ; ' single spotted' Guinea-
fowl refers to the dark feathers with white spots
and no speckle.

NAMES OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF FLY

1. The Tag.

2. The Butt.

3. The Tail.

4. Joint.

5. Hackle.

6. Shoulder Hackle.

7. Wings.

8. Topping over.

9. Horns.

10. Cheeks.

11. Head.

12. Gut Loop, or Metal Eye.

CHAPTER III.

ON DYEING FURS AND FEATHERS.

HE materials required are few in
number. They are, a large kettle,
several glass stirring rods, several
small common basins, some carbonate
of potash, powdered alum, common yellow soap,
soda, sulphuric acid, vinegar, and the dyes.

There are several varieties of dyes to choose
from, such as Aniline, Crawshaw's, Judson's, and
the diamond dyes. They are all equally good, but
the shade, say of blue, made by one manufacturer,
differs from the shade of blue made by another.
It is only by trial, therefore, that the reader can
satisfy himself which shades will best answer his
purpose.

The preliminary treatment for all kinds of
feathers and furs is the same. They must be
thoroughly cleaned, and their natural grease ex-
tracted. If this is not done, the colour will not be
taken thoroughly into them, but will be super-
ficial, and in most cases will not strike at all.

How to Clean Feathers and Fur. There are
several ways of doing this. The first is by washing

24 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

with soap. Having selected the feathers, strip off
all the downy fluff that will not be wanted for the
fly. Many tie them up in bunches : it is a matter
of choice, though. Place the feathers or fur in a
basin ; then cut up, and put into it a piece of
yellow soap, about the size of a nut for a quart
of water. Pour boiling water into the basin, and
stir well with a glass rod until all the soap has dis-
solved. After a few minutes the feathers or fur
can be taken out and placed in clean cold water,
and well washed in it. Common washing soda
can be used instead of soap, but a very little of
it will suffice ; if you use too much the feathers
will be burnt.

Another way is to use carbonate of potash ;
about a teaspoonful to a quart of water is quite
enough ; but the feathers or fur in this case
should be left in for at least twelve hours, and
afterwards washed in clean cold water.

Another way is to use alum, about one ounce
to a quart of water ; the feathers or fur should
be left in for some hours. This is a good fixing
bath.

The next process is to place the feathers or
fur in a fixing bath ; alum dissolved in boiling
water is as good as any, about one ounce to a
quart of water. Of course this process will be un-
necessary if you adopt the last-mentioned method
of cleaning the feathers and fur. A quarter of
an hour will suffice, when the feathers or fur

ON DYEING FURS AND FEATHERS. 25

should be again washed in clean cold water,
unless you are going to dye them blue.

To dye the feathers or fur, put a small quantity
of the dye into a basin. It is impossible to state
the exact quantity, but it is better to err on the
safe side, so put in at first a few grains only ;
more can be added afterwards if necessary. Now
pour boiling water over the dye, stir until dis-
solved, add the feathers or fur, and keep up the
heat by placing the bowl in a saucepan containing
water, on the fire, for a few minutes, stirring
continually.

A small pair of scales, which will weigh grains
and half grains, is very useful for measuring out
the dyes. A record should be kept of the exact
quantity used, both of water and dye, and the
same written on the packet in which the feathers
are afterwards kept, so that at any time the same
shade can be obtained without any trouble. Ne-
glect of this means endless waste of time and
materials. Some colours, blues and reds espe-
cially, strike better if a little acid is added to the
dye bath. I use vinegar, or sulphuric acid, about
a teaspoonful to a quart of water. It should be
added after the feathers have been in the dye bath
a few minutes ; stir well while you add it. When
thoroughly dyed, take out the feathers or fur and
wash them in hot alum and water, or toilet-soap
and water. Finally, rinse in cold water.

Many people boil or simmer their feathers, etc.,

26 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

over the fire, or a spirit lamp, during each process
of cleaning, fixing, and dyeing. It is not necessary,
except in one or two cases, and without great
care feathers are liable to be burnt. The dyes,
too, will not last longer for boiling. Sulphuric
acid must be used for blues. Great care,
though, is necessary, as it will burn anything
with which it comes in contact. Should any
get on to the hands or clothes, apply ammonia,
not water. When using it proceed as follows :
Pour a teaspoonful into an empty basin, then
pour in half a tumblerful of cold water. The
acid will heat the water. Next pour in some
boiling water, in which dye has already been
dissolved, put the feathers in, and proceed as
before. When pouring the cold water over
the acid, do not stand over the basin.

To dry feathers, take them out of the cold
water one by one, and place them on a plate before
the fire not too close, though, for they scorch
easily. Several shades and varieties of colour
can be obtained by dyeing (in the same bath) the
following kinds of hackles : white, white furnace,
and coch-y-bonddhu ; red furnace and coch-y-
bonddhu, and black. They all take the dye well.
Put in also guineafowl's feathers, teal, turkey,
swan, tippet feathers, etc. They are sure to
come in useful. Blue is the only colour that
must have a white ground that is, if you want
a pure blue ; for, supposing that you dyed a

ON DYEING FURS AND FEATHERS. 27

yellowish hackle blue, the feather would have a
green tinge when held up to the light.

The colour of a hackle can only be judged cor-
rectly when held up to the light, in such a position
that the colour can be seen through the fibres.
If you look down on, say, a black hackle, it would
be impossible to tell whether it was dyed or not.
The only colour which I believe cannot be ob-
tained from any of the kinds of dyes mentioned
at the commencement of the chapter is a golden
olive. To obtain it, boil an ounce of turmeric in
a quart of water for a quarter of an hour, strain
off the liquid, and dye the feathers in it. The tur-
meric must be fresh. It can be obtained from
chemists.

Many other colours can be obtained by dyeing
feathers and fur, first one colour, then another, or
by mixing two or more colours together.

To kill or sadden any colour, place the feathers
after they are dyed in hot water in which copperas
has been dissolved. A piece the size of a hazel
nut in a quart of water will be sufficient ; but you
must watch the feathers, and immediately they
have obtained the shade required, wash them
well in clean cold water.

CHAPTER IV.

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS AND TAILS.

N order that his flies, when made, may
be efficient, and not objects to look at
merely, the beginner is strongly ad-
vised not to be in too great a hurry
to see what he can do, but to begin methodically,
slowly, and carefully, and try to master each part
or process before going on to the next. In the
following pages I have endeavoured to write
down every little detail that is likely to assist the
beginner. However trivial they may appear at
first sight, I venture to hope that, by follow-
ing them closely, he will find each one will give
him a fraction of assistance towards overcoming
his difficulties. The general rules to be borne
in mind throughout the tying of a fly are as
follows : The tag should taper slightly towards
the head ; the tail should be perfectly straight
with the body, which should taper from tail to
shoulder; the hackle should be tightly wound,
the wings perfectly straight on top of the hook,
even, and firmly tied ; the head firm, small, and
tapering ; and when the fly is finished, at no part

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 29

should the tying silk be visible, except the
head. If most of these details were not attended
to, in all probability the fly would not swim
straight in the water, and a salmon fly that
1 wobbles' or swims crookedly is useless.

Now, the first thing to do is to lay out on a
table (which should be placed in a good light)
everything that will be required, except the
feathers for the wings, which can be left for the
present. Fix the vice firmly to the right-hand
corner of the table, and secure the bend of the
hook in it shank to the right, barb downwards.
Learn to tie on a good-sized hook, not smaller
than a No. 2/0. You will find it easier than if
you began on a smaller one say a No. 3 or 4.
We will begin with an ordinary hook, to which
a gut loop must be attached. Take a piece of
gossamer silk about two feet long, double it,
place it so doubled over the hook attached to
the pillar of the vice, holding the four strands in
your left hand, and rub some cobbler's wax along
it a few times above and below. Take the silk
off the hook, pass it once or twice between finger
and thumb to get the twist out. Next, select
three strands of good sound gut (which should
have been previously well soaked in water), twist
these tightly and evenly together for about two
inches, double this treble piece so as to form a
loop. If the gut has been properly soaked, the
strands will not untwist when laid down. Hold-

HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

ing the six ends together, with a sharp knife or
pair of scissors cut them so as to form a taper,
each strand being of different length ; but the
longest should nearly reach to a spot above the
point of the hook when the loop is placed in
position under the shank, the loop projecting
about one-fifth of an inch beyond the hook to the
right. Some fly-makers use two strands of gut
only, doubled but not twisted. The ends should
be tapered in the same way. For very small
flies, single salmon gut only should be used,
the stouter and stronger the better, the ends
being tapered as before. The method of tying
them on is the same for all, and is as follows :
Holding one end of the doubled tying silk be-
tween forefinger and thumb of the left hand, close
to the hook (the right hand holding the silk eight
or nine inches higher up), and commencing about
one-third of an inch from the end of the shank,
wind four or five spiral turns of the silk tightly

round the bare hook
towards the head; take
care not to go within
one-eighth of an inch
of the end of the shank,
which must be left bare
Fig 8. until the wings are tied

on. Cut off the short

end held in the left hand (the wax prevents the
coils from untwisting). Now pick up the gut loop,

Fig. 9.

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 31

and placing it under the shank, hold it there be-
tween the forefinger and thumb of the left hand,
while you wind the tying silk closely and tightly
round both hook and gut, towards the bend of the
hook. Be very careful to
keep the gut straight under
the hook, and do not let the
silk twist, or one coil ride
over another. The more
evenly this is done the
more easy will it be to
form the body correctly
afterwards. Wind on un-
til all the gut is covered,
then pressing the fore-
finger of the left hand against the last coil of silk,
on the far side of the hook (to prevent it getting
loose), form a half hitch as shown, pull it tight, and
cut off the end close. With the nails of the fore-
finger and thumb of left hand, pinch the
gut tightly at the head, while you push
the stilletto up through the loop from
below, to shape it as shown. Now var-
nish all the tying lightly. If all has been
correctly done, the fastening will be per-
fectly smooth and evenly tapered, and
the loop will appear as shown.
With eyed hooks gut is of course unnecessary,
but to prevent the work slipping it is advisable
to wind a smooth, tight layer of the doubled tying

32 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

silk up the shank, commencing, though, close to
the eye, but finishing off as for the gut loop.
With very small flies there is no need to finish
off the silk ; one piece will be sufficient for the
whole fly, and can be carried on without any half
hitch ; the layer of silk should be varnished. It
is of the greatest importance that the silk during
these operations, and throughout the whole pro-
cess of making the fly, should be kept tight.

If a vice is not used, the hook must be held in
all cases between the forefinger and thumb of the
left hand, pressing the middle finger against the
hook to prevent the silk unwinding or becoming
loose, while you finish off.

TAGS.

Nearly all salmon flies have what is called a
' tag.' It is usually formed with gold or silver twist
or wire and floss silk or fur, or twist or wire only.
We will begin with the first mentioned. In this
case the twist should commence at a spot imme-
diately above the point of the barb. Take a fresh
piece of tying silk, doubled and waxed as before,
and, commencing close to where you left off tying
on the gut, wind a turn of the tying silk (the short
end of which should be to the left) round the bare
hook, tying down at the same time the short end.
After three or four more turns cut off the short
end close, and wind on another turn or two. Now
take the heavy pair of pliers, attach them to the

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 33

tying silk, a few inches below the hook, and leave
them hanging, they will prevent the silk untwist-
ing, and keep it tight. This is a very useful plan
when tying on eyed hooks, as the fly can be left
at any stage without fear of any part becoming

Fig. ii.

loose ; of course the heavier the pliers are in
reason, the better. When tying' flies on hooks
with gut loops, fly-tyers generally wedge the silk
between the hook shank and gut loop. I don't
like this method, as it tends to loosen and displace
the tying silk there, especially if done several
times. Another way is to wind on a few turns of
tying silk roughly, and then a few turns back over
them.

Take a piece of gold or silver twist, about three
inches long : holding it tightly between the nails
of the forefinger and thumb of the left hand, so
that about one-eighth of an inch is projecting to
the right, pull off with the nails of right hand the
twist, from the projecting end, when the inside
silk or core will be exposed. With the thumb of
the left hand hold the twist against the side of

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

the hook (the exposed core to the right) so that
the commencement of the twist is exactly above

Fi?. 12.

the point of the barb ; wind the tying silk over the
exposed core closely, tightly, and evenly until you
reach the twist, then wind back four or five turns
evenly as before, and leave the pliers hanging to
the silk. Next take hold of the twist between the
forefinger and thumb of the right hand, and wind
three or four tight close turns, the first coil being
round the bare hook, the remainder over the coils
of tying silk ; then, still keeping the twist tightly
pulled towards you, take one turn of the tying
silk over it : let go of the twist, cut it off about

Fig. 13-
one-eighth of an inch from the hook (keeping the

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 35

tying silk tight though), and with the nails remove
the twist as before, leaving the core exposed ; take
two or three more turns of the tying silk, and let
go of the pliers.

Now, take five or six inches of fine floss silk,
smooth it carefully between thumb and forefinger,
so as to get any twist out. The fingers must be
perfectly clean and free from wax, so don't forget
the methylated spirit. Place the floss against the
side of the hook, diagonally as shown, and wind

Fig. 14.

three or four turns of the tying silk over it, the
coils being close, even, and to the right of the last
coils. Cut off the end of the floss closely. If the
floss was not tied in diagonally, there would be a
ridge there. The floss must now be wound to
the left as far as the twist, then start back again
to the right. There should be a slight taper from
the twist, so you must wind the coils closer as
you go. The floss should nearly reach to a spot

36 HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

above the point of the hook. The great secret
in winding the floss is to keep it flat, and not

Fig. 15-

allow it to twist ; so after each turn, pass the fore-
finger and thumb down it.

Fasten off the floss under the hook with one
or two turns of the tying silk, cut off the end
closely, varnish the two turns of tying silk, taking
care that none runs on to the floss : the tag is
now complete.

In some flies, instead of floss silk, seal's fur, pig's
wool, or mohair is used ; after winding on and
fastening off the twist, wax the tying silk well,

Fig. 1 6.

take a small quantity of fur between the fore-
finger and thumb of the right hand, holding the

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 37

tying silk taut with the left hand, twist the fur on
to the tying silk, and keep on twisting until the
fur is thoroughly round the silk and conceals it.
Now wind it straight round the hook. The be-
ginner generally twists on too much fur a very
little will suffice, as shown. As soon as you have
wound far enough, pull off with the nails any
excess there may be, wax the silk again, and take
one turn.

Fig. 17.

Be careful that no tying silk shows between the
twist and floss or fur, before you go further, as it
is unsightly.

When there is to be twist only for the tag, the
first coil should begin at a point immediately
above the root of the barb, but end in the same
place as floss or fur.

If the tag is to be ribbed with twist, the latter
should be tied in (stripped at one end as before)
with the floss. The floss is then wound on,
finished off, and then the ribbing twist is wound
on and finished off.

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

TAILS.

The feather used for this part of the fly, more
than any other, is the topping from the golden
pheasant's head, so we will begin with that. Be-
ginners will find it rather a troublesome feather
to tie in correctly, i.e. on the top of the hook and
the shaft in a direct line with the shank, and not
leaning over to one side. Select a feather suit-
able to the size of the hook, and pull off all the
fluffy fibres. An examination will show that the
centre rib of the outside of the feather is curved,
and of the inside, pointed. Consequently, when
placed on the hook, and the silk wound round,
the latter pulls the feather over to one side. To
obviate this, the quill must either be held inclining

Fig. 1 8.

towards you whilst being tied on, or the shaft
must be flattened where the silk will pass. I
recommend the latter. The way to hold the
feather is shown in the illustration. The thumb
nail should be pressed tightly on to the quill,

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 39

close up to the fibres, while the feather is drawn
to the left, with the left hand. Take great care,
though, that the feather does not incline to one
side. To tie it on hold it between the forefinger
and thumb of the left hand on top of the hook,

Fig. 19.

while you wind two turns of the tying silk round,
the first turn being close up to the fibres, but not
over them. Cut off the projecting end quite
close, wind one more turn of the tying silk,
then varnish.

If the fly is to have two toppings, they should
be placed side by side and tied on together. The
same number of turns of tying silk will be suffi-
cient. Another kind of tail is composed of fibres
or strips of different feathers, curved upwards like
a topping ; but before describing how to tie them
on, I must direct the reader's attention to a few
important facts about feathers, on the knowledge
and application of which neat work greatly

40 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

depends. If you look at a feather, you will see
that the fibres on both sides of the shaft curve
naturally towards the point of the feather. As an
example, take the two mallard feathers shown ; the

Fig. 20.

curve is more denned in these feathers (which
are taken from the flanks) than in others, although
it is there more or less in all feathers.

The feather on the right of the illustration is
taken from the right side of the bird, the other
from the left. Now, when using strips or strands
for wings or tails, the fly-tyer must always be
careful to put them on their proper side of the
hook. As an illustration of this, suppose that you
want to tie on a tail consisting of strips of summer
duck, curved up like a topping, cut off a narrow
strip from a right side feather and from a left,
place them back to back, the one exactly covering
the other, the best side of both outwards. They
will coincide, which is what they should do.
Suppose, now, that instead of taking a right and
left strip, you had taken two rights or two lefts,

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 41

placed them back to back, best sides outwards as
before, then one would turn up and the other
down, so that symmetry would be lost.

Another fact, a very useful one too ; the edges
of every fibre in a feather are covered with fluff,
by means of which single fibres or strips of
different feathers can be united, so as to form one
broad strip, but you can only unite a * right ' to a

* right ' and a * left ' to a ' left.' The curves of the
fibres going in opposite directions prevent a
1 right ' and ' left ' uniting.

Take a strip, say, of bustard and of swan, both
' right ' ; hold both by the butts between the fore-
finger and thumb of the right hand, one above the
other, best side of both towards you ; pass the
left thumb and forefinger along them, from right
to left, two or three times ; you will find that the
two strips will unite, forming one broad strip.

One more useful fact is, that the centre shafts
of all feathers curve more or less in exactly the
same way as fibres do. There are *' rights ' and

* lefts ' ; and whenever whole feathers are tied in
for tails, or wings, these feathers must be placed
on their proper side of the hook. For example,
take a ' right ' and * left ' blue chatterer
feather, both the same size, one from

the right shoulder of a bird, the other

from the left shoulder. Strip off all

the fluff; place them back to back, i.e. Fig. 21.

the best side of both outwards. They will then

42 HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

coincide, because the curves of both feathers are
in the same direction, whereas if you placed a
' right ' and a ' left ' back to back, one would curve
up and the other down.

We will now proceed with the directions for
tying on tails. In addition to a topping, some
flies have small whole feathers of chatterer, Indian
crow, or jungle cock, tied in upright back to back,
or one tied in flat. As an example, select a ' right'
and * left ' chatterer, strip off all the fluff, place
them back to back. Hold them so, vertically,
between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand,
with the stems projecting beyond the thumb and
finger to the right With the thumb of the right

Fig. 22.

hand make a dent in the two shafts in exactly the
same way that you did the topping. Still hold-
ing them between the thumb and forefinger of
the left hand, place them on top of the hook, over
the topping, separate the two stems slightly so

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 43

that they will lie one on each side of the stem of
the topping, and wind two turns of the tying silk
over those turns which tied in the topping.
Cut off the shafts close, take one more turn of
silk, and varnish.

When a whole feather (such as Indian crow) is
to be tied on flat, the dent in the shaft is made in
the same manner ; but the feather is held in a
horizontal instead of a vertical position. It should
be tied on over the stem of the topping.

In tying on a tail composed of strips and
strands, the method of holding the feathers is
different. We will suppose that you want to tie
on a tail composed of strips of summer duck and
of yellow macaw. Cut off a ' right' and * left' strip

Fig- 23.

(three or four strands only) of each. Unite the
1 right ' summer duck and ' right ' macaw ; do the
same with the two lefts ; place them back to back.
Hold them on the top of the hook in the position

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

shown in fig. 23 (the finger and thumb are
grasping the hook and feather at the same time) ;
take hold of the tying silk, and, keeping it tight,
just move the thumb sufficiently to admit the silk
to pass upwards between it and the hook ; then
close it to the hook again, wind on, move the
forefinger momentarily to let the silk pass down
between it and the hook ; then squeeze the thumb
and finger gently to the hook, while you pull the
tying silk down tight. Repeat this once more,
remove the left hand, and if correctly done, the

Fig. 24.

fibres will appear as shown, straight on the top of
the hook. Cut the stumps off as close as pos-
sible, holding the scissors along the hook shank,
not across it ; now, wind one more turn of the
tying silk, and varnish.

Instead of strips of two feathers, single strands
from any number of different feathers can be tied
on in the same way ; always taking care to keep

GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS, AND TAILS. 45

the * rights ' and * lefts ' on their own side of the
hook.

One more variety in tails is composed of single
strands of different feathers, 'rights' and 'lefts'
being mixed together anyhow. To tie them on,
place them flat on the top of the hook, spread

Fig. 25.

them slightly, and press them there with the
thumb or forefinger while you wind the usual two
turns of tying silk : the stumps are cut off as
before, and varnished.

Be very careful when tying on tails of any kind
to cut off the stumps as close as possible, so that
when the butt is tied on there will be no lump or
ridge to the right of it.

When the beginner has had a little practice,
and can handle the tying silk easily, instead of
fastening off the floss of the tag with one or two
turns of tying silk, and then tying on the tail with
two or three more turns over them, he can tie on
the tail, and fasten off the floss together. This

46 HO W TO TJE SALMON FLIES.

is a neater method, as the ridge formed is not so
great. Not that it matters very much where there
is to be a butt, as the ridge is then concealed ;
but where there is no butt, the floss should be
fastened off, and the tail tied on, together.

CHAPTER V.

BUTTS, RIBBING, BODIES, AND HACKLES.

BUTTS.

HE materials used for this part of the
fly are either ostrich herl dyed differ-
ent colours, or peacock's herl, or wool.
The latter are the stronger, although

not so effective.

Herl Biitts. For the size of hook illustrated,

select a herl of

medium length,

and holding it

between fore-
finger andthumb

of the left hand

against the side

of the hook, the

fibres to the left

as shown, tie the

end in with two

turns of silk : cut

off the end close

Fig. 26.

up. The fluffy edges or fibres should always

4 8

HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

point towards the tail ; not only because it con-
ceals the tying silk which fastens off the tag
and ties on the tail, but because it looks so
much neater, and the fibres will work better in
the water. Attach the pliers to the end of the
herl, and wind it carefully round the hook at

Fig. 27.

right angles to it, the first coil passing over the
first coil of the tying silk which secures the tail.
Three or four turns of the herl, close to one
another, will be sufficient. Fasten the herl in by
one turn of the tying silk, and cut off the end
close.

BUTTS.

Many fly-tyers tie in the other end of the herl
first, but it is not nearly so strong ; on the other
hand, it is neater, as there is less quill.

Wool Butts. To form these with, take a short
piece of wool of the colour required, and with the
nails tear a quarter of an inch to pieces, pick it
up, and spin it on to the tying silk (in exactly the
same way you did the fur for the tag), and wind
three or four turns. You should endeavour to
make the outline of the butt oval, not flat, as

Fig. 28.

shown. The mistake generally made is that
these butts are made too large, and without shape,
owing to the wool being spun too thickly on to
the tying silk. There is another way, certainly
a quicker one, but not so neat, and that is, to tie
in a short length of very fine wool, just as you
would a herl, and then to wind it very tightly
round the hook, finishing off under the hook as
before.

50 HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

RIBBING.

The same turn of the tying silk that fastens
off the butt should tie in the tinsel for ribbing
the body. This should be stripped at one end
previously, in the manner described for tags : it
should be placed against the side of the hook,
and the turn of tying silk over it should be close
up to the butt. Don't cut off the exposed core
of floss at present. If tinsel and twist are to rib
the fly, both should be tied in together ; which-
ever of the two is to lead up the body should be
tied in below the other. It is better for the tinsel
to lead, as the twist which follows will then pro-
tect the hackle, as will be seen later on when we
come to hackles. As the body has to be formed
before the ribbing can be rolled on and finished,
we will leave this part for the present, and go on
to describe how bodies are formed.

BODIES.

This part of the fly is formed either of seal's
fur, mohair, pig's wool, floss silk, tinsel, twist,
chenille, or herl. In all cases the body should
taper slightly from the butt to the shoulder.
With some of the above materials this taper
can be formed as you proceed ; with others the
taper must be formed before the material is
wound on.

FUR BODY WITHOUT HACKLE. 51

Fur body without hackle. In this case you can
either make the taper before you wind on the fur,
or you can increase the quantity of fur on the
tying silk, and wind it more closely as you pro-
gress. If you choose the first, take a well waxed
doubled piece of tying silk, and tie it in close to
the butt ; wind the original tying silk closely
and evenly up the body, and tie in a piece of floss
silk as shown. Cut off the end of the floss silk,

Fig. 29.

wind one more turn of the tying silk towards
the head, and leave it hanging with the pliers
attached. Now, wind the floss evenly down
to the butt, and back again up the body, forming
a taper as you do so : wind a turn or two of the
tying silk over to fasten the floss off, cut the end
of the latter off, and leave the silk hanging, pliers
attached. Now, take some fur, spin it on to the

5 2

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

tying silk, which you fastened in at the butt, and
wind it round the hook as evenly as possible.
You cannot spin enough on for the whole body
at once, so spin on an inch or two, wind that on,
and repeat the same until you come to the end of
the padding. Remove any superfluous fur from
the tying silk with the nails, and fasten off with
the original tying silk which was left hanging
here. The ribbing tinsel is now wound on in

Fig. 30.

tight parallel coils. To fasten it off, wind two
turns of the tying silk over the end, cut off the
end to within about one-eighth of an inch from
the hook. Strip this end of the tinsel, keeping
the tying silk tight while you do so ; give the
exposed end a strong pull, cut off closely, wind
one more turn of the tying silk, then varnish.

It is very important with fur bodies that the
ribbing be tightly wound, as the fur is liable to
gradually fall out, and thereby leave the ribbing
loose.

THE HACKLE ON A FUR BODY.

It will be noticed in these illustrations that the
bodies, instead of ending abruptly, are rapidly
tapered to a level with the hook. This is done
with the object of giving a sound surface for the
hackle to be wound upon, to admit of the fibres
playing properly, to prevent the set of the wings
being interfered with, and to enable the fly to
swim properly, without making a furr in the water.
With fur bodies it is a very good plan to com-
mence at the butt with a turn or two of floss silk
of the same colour as the fur ; the butt then stands
out more distinctly. The floss can be tied in,
wound on, and finished off before the remainder
of the body is formed.

The hackle on a fur body should be tied in a
short distance from the butt ; where the second

Fig. 31.
turn of the ribbing will pass is the best place, or,

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

if you begin the body with a turn or two of floss
silk as described above, the junction of the floss
and fur is the best place.

The point of the hackle should be tied in on
the top of the hook, as shown, with a couple of
turns of tying silk, the fur is then completed up

Fig. 3 2 -

the body ; but in doing so, care must be taken not
to tie in any of the fibres. The hackle, before
being tied in, must be ' doubled.' Directions for
' doubling ' hackles are given in the next chapter.
Floss silk bodies. After tying in the ribbing
tinsel at the butt, wind the tying silk as evenly as
possible up the body, and tie in the floss, as shown
in the illustration for padding fur bodies ; then
form the body, tapering it as shown (Fig. 33),
fastening off the floss at the shoulder and var-
nishing. If a hackle is required up the body, it

FLOSS SILK BODIES.

should be tied in as you wind the tying silk up
from the butt ; but care must be taken, in winding

Fig- 33-

the floss afterwards, that no fibres are caught in.
The ribbing, as before, must pass immediately in
front of the hackle.

In some flies there is no butt at all; but floss
silk, which forms part of the body, is wound close

Fig. 34.

up to the tail and floss of the tag. You must be
careful to avoid a lump or ridge where the tail is
tied in ; so, after tying in the tail and the ribbing

56 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

(the ends of which should not in this case be cut
off) wind the tying silk closely and evenly for a
short distance up the body, then tie in the floss,
and proceed as for an ordinary floss or fur body.

If one half of the body is to be, say orange floss,
the other half black floss, the best plan is to com-
plete the formation and tapering of the orange
half first, and then the same with the black, com-
pleting the taper as you go. Be careful to have
no lump or unevenness at the junction. It may
be as well to remind the reader that floss silk
must be smoothed before being wound ; that it
must be kept as flat as possible, and not allowed
to twist when being wound on ; also, that the hands
must be clean.

Tinsel bodies. There are several ways of tying

Fig. 35-
on the tinsels for these bodies.

I will describe

TINSEL BODIES.

the two which I think the best. The first of them
is as follows : After the butt is completed, the
ribbing tinsel and body tinsel are tied in with the
same turn of silk. Before tying in the body tinsel,
cut one end to a taper, then with the taper down-
wards, and to the left, tie in at the side of the
hook just the point with the one turn of silk.
With a knife lift up this point and turn it back
over the tying silk, and press it slightly with the
nail ; leave the tinsel hanging there, and wind the
tying silk evenly up the body, then tie in the floss
for padding the body. This padding must now

Fig. 36.

be most carefully done, and, when finished, with
the stiletto scratch the surface of the floss all
over, then varnish it ; while it is drying, smooth
it with the blade of a penknife. If this is properly

58 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

done, the body will, when the varnish is dry, be
quite smooth all over. Now wind the tinsel

Fig- 37-

round the hook, the first turn close up to the butt.
Don't let one coil overlap another, but press the
tinsel against the last turn as you wind. When

Fig. 38.

you have covered the whole body, wind three
tight turns of the tying silk over the tinsel, at right

TINSEL BODIES. 59

angles to the hook ; cut off the end as close as
you can, and then, with the nails, press the edge,
so cut, down, and wind a turn or two more of
the tying silk. The ribbing is then wound as
before. When there is to be a hackle down the
body, it is tied in by the body tinsel only, which,
if tightly wound, will hold it firmly enough ; but
in this case the ribbing must pass actually pass
over the stem of the hackle, otherwise it would
be easily cut by the edge of the tinsel when you
were about to wind the hackle.

For jointed bodies, or for small flies, use the
tinsel of medium width.

The second way of tying in the tinsels involves
their being tied in with the tag, and is as follows :
After the floss for the tag is tied in, tie in a piece
of ribbing tinsel, stripped as usual at the side of
the hook; but in this case the ribbing tinsel, when
tied in, must lie to the right : wind on the floss
for the tag, finish it off, and tie in the tail with
two turns. Take the body tinsel, cut to a taper
at one end, as in the first method, and with the
taper to the left, the tinsel inclining to the right,
tie it in with one turn of tying silk, close to the
point immediately above the ribbing ; turn the
point back over the tying silk as before ; tie in
the herl or wool for the butt, wind it on, and finish
it off under the hook ; but in doing so, don't tie
down the tinsels, but pull them back out of the
way so that the tying silk can pass close up to

HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

the butt. From this point the method of com-
pleting the body is the same as the last. I
should say that, in tying in the ribbing, you must
judge the distance, so that the stripped part will
just come to the last turn of the butt. Tied in

Fig. 39-

as I have described, there cannot possibly be any
lump or ridge on the body close to the butt, and
there is nothing to show how or where the tinsel
is tied in. If the exposed internal silk of the
ribbing tinsel is cut to a point, it helps to taper
the tag.

Chenille bodies. Before fastening these in, strip
off with the nails about a quarter of an inch of
the fluff which forms the chenille, leaving the
internal threads bare. Tie in these threads at
the side of the hook, and wind the tying silk
up the hook as usual. Little or no padding is
required. If the body is to have chenilles of

LENG TH OF B ODIES. 6 1

two different colours, they should be tied in
together at the side of the hook, one above the
other, and rolled round together.

Tinselled chenilles are tied in in the same
way ; but while winding them with the right
hand, work the tinsel down the thread with the
left, or you will find that the act of pulling will
spread out the tinsel, and leave the internal thread
exposed.

Herts. For bodies these should be tied in two
at a time in the same way as for butts, and rolled
on their sides up the hook. If not long enough
for the whole body, finish them off, and tie in
fresh ones with the same turn of tying silk ; with
care there will be no perceptible difference in the
thickness of the body at the junction. Another
way, much stronger, but not nearly so neat, is to
tie in the herls with two turns, twist them round
the tying silk, and roll all round the hook to-
gether.

Length of bodies. So far, I have not said how
far up the hook the body should extend. This
will depend upon how many turns of, and how
many hackles there are to be at the shoulder.
As these vary considerably, and in some cases
there are no hackles (whole feathers, which take
up no room, being used instead), some difference
must be made ; but no rule can be laid down,
and practice only will tell you how far to go.

Ribbing contimied. In all cases ribbing should

62 nOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

be tightly wound, or it will soon get out of place.
As to the number of turns down the body, you
must be guided chiefly by the pattern and quan-
tity of hackle you want on the fly, because the
more closely the ribbing is wound the more fibres
of hackles there must be. To fasten it off, wind
two tight turns of the tying silk, then give the
tinsel a pull, cut off the end to within about one-
eighth of an inch, strip it, wind one more turn,
cut off close, and varnish.

Ribbing should always be wound on in front of
the hackle, because the stem of the latter follow-
ing close up behind is then protected.

CHAPTER VI.

HACKLES, JOINTED BODIES, AND GRUBS.

OW to double hackles. Before being
tied in, cock's hackles, whether dyed
or natural, should be what is called
* doubled.' The illustration shows

the same hackle before and after being doubled.

The object of shaping the

feather so, is to enable you to

roll it down the body with all

the fibres pointing towards the

tail. If the feather were not

doubled, you could not wind

it properly. The old way of

putting on the hackle was to

strip off one side entirely of 1

two hackles, and roll them

both together ; this is done

now with feathers which have

curved fibres, and when two

different coloured hackles are

required up the body. There

Fig. 40.

are several ways of doubling hackles. The first,

64 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

and perhaps the easiest, is to hold the feather
(previously stripped of fluff) as shown in the
illustration. The wrong, or under side of the
feather must be upwards. After getting the
feather into the position shown, with the thumb
and forefinger of the right hand draw the fibres

Fig. 41.

upwards, and towards the root of the feather,
or, in other words, against the grain of the fibres,
which is the secret of success. In the illustration
this has already been done, leaving the fibres in
the doubled position. If you prefer it, the root
end of the feather can be held in the nippers,
and the point between the forefinger and thumb.
The second method, not so easy at first, is to
hold one pair of nippers, which grasp the root end
of the hackle, in the palm of the left hand, as
shown, leaving the forefinger and thumb free.
The second pair of pliers, grasping the point of
the hackle, is held in the right hand ; in this case
the best or out side of the hackle is uppermost.
To double the fibres, press the forefinger and

HACKLES, JOINTED BODIES, AND GRUBS, 65

thumb of the left hand down on to the feather,
against the grain of the fibres. With large
feathers there is no need to use the pliers, as
the butt can be held in the first joint of the
middle or third finger, and the point can be held
between the forefinger and thumb of the right
hand. If you want to double such feathers as

Fig. 42.

the tippet feathers of the golden pheasant, wet
them first. The fibres bend more readily then.
How to strip hackles. Some feathers used as
hackles have a very thick rib or stem, which, if
wound on, would not only stand out, but would
spoil the play of the fly ; so this rib must be got
rid of. The barred feather from the wing of the
English jay is the best example. You can either
strip off the quill from the point, downwards, or
cut it off. I prefer the latter way, as, unless the
feathers are pretty fresh, nine times out of ten
you lose half the fibres with the first method, as
the stem near the point is so thin. The follow-
ing is the best way to cut it off. After stripping

66 HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

off the black fibres on one side, hold the feather
by the point, between the forefinger and thumb
of the left hand, the wrong side uppermost, and
with a pair of scissors cut horizontally from the
butt, to as near the point as possible (taking care,
though, not to cut right through the rib), taking
off as much of the rib as you can. Now, lay
the feather down on its back, and, with the point
of a knife, scrape away the pith very gradually ;
if this is carefully done, nothing but the quill will
be left, except of course near the point. If
the quill towards the butt end is too broad,
a little can easily be cut off with the scissors or
knife.

Winding on and fastening off hackles. After
the body and ribbing have been finished, the
hackle must be wound on. So fix the pliers to
the root end, and wind the hackle down, close up
to, and immediately behind the ribbing, twisting
the hackle, if necessary, to make the fibres point
towards the tail. Hackles must always be wound
tightly, otherwise they will soon lose their position
close behind the tinsel, and spoil the play of the
fly in the water.

When you corne to the end of the ribbing, wind
the hackle at right angles to the hook, covering
and concealing the tying silk underneath. Each
coil of the hackle should be close against the last,
but never overlapping it, or the fibres of the last
turn would be tied down, and prevented from

HACKLES, JOINTED BODIES, AND GRUBS. 67

playing ; press back each coil against the last
with the nails of the forefinger and thumb.

All hackles should be fastened off under the
hook. The figure shows how to ensure your
doing so. Wind two turns of the tying silk over,

Fig. 43-

pull the hackle hard, press the last coil well back
against the others, cut off the end close, and take
one more turn. The scissors should be held along
the shaft in cutting off the stump, so as to taper
it slightly. In the illustration the shaft of the
hackle is pulled a little more to the right than it
should be, but this was done to show the position
more clearly. If the hackle is not long enough
to go further than the tinsel, it should be fastened

HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

off there under the hook, and another one, pre-
viously doubled, tied in with two turns of silk, as

Fig. 44.

shown. The end should then be cut off close,
and the hackle wound on and finished off as

Fig. 45-

before. This, also, is the method adopted for
tying in hackles at the shoulder when there is

HACKLES, JOINTED BODIES, AND GRUBS. 69

none down the body. You can tie in as many
hackles as you want in the same way. As I said
in the last chapter, the last turn of the last hackle
should come to the spot where the wings are to
be tied in. This will depend upon the size of
the fly. The distance shown in the illustration
is about right for that size of fly. On a hook
with gut loop the hackle should reach to the
lapping of silk which ties on the gut loop.

Before tying in thick, stemmed hackles, soak
them in warm water ; they then wind more easily,
and are not so liable to split. With very fine
fibred feathers, such as toucans, tie in two or
three of the same size together, and wind them
on together.

Hackles with curved fibres. Feathers with
curved fibres, to be used as hackles, should not
be doubled. As examples, take jay, teal, or
guineafowl's feathers. If these were doubled,
the fibres would appear curved, in
opposite directions, when wound on
the hook, and spoil its appearance.
To obviate this, one side must be
stripped off. The illustration shows
a 'right' and 'left' jay's feather,
with one side of each stripped off.
If you tied in the feather on the
right, as before, and wound it up the
body, the fibres would all point to Fl S- 46.
the tail, and the blue side of the fibres be on the
head end of the fly, as they should be ; but if you

70 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

did the same with the left hand feather, the fibres
would point towards the head end, and the blue
side of the fibres to the tail, which is wrong.
To prevent this, the ribbing tinsel must be wound
the reverse way, or towards, instead of from,
you ; then, when the hackle is wound behind it,
the fibres will be in their proper position.

Fig. 47-

The illustration shows a guineafowl's feather
(of which the right side was stripped off) wound
on. The reader will see from the above that if
the left side of a hackle is stripped off, the ribbing
and hackle must be wound from him, and if the
right side is stripped off, the ribbon and hackle
must be wound towards him.

Feathers with curved fibres, used as shoulder
or throat hackles, are treated in the same way :
( rights ' being tied in on the side of the hook
nearest you, ' lefts' on the far side.

HACKLES, JOINTED BODIES, AND GRUBS. 71

When stiff and thick-stemmed feathers, such
as golden pheasant tippets, are required as throat
hackles, it is a good plan to tie a bunch of fibres
in under the hook, as shown. They should be
spread slightly, and tied on with a couple of turns

Fig. 48.

of tying silk. The nearer these turns of silk are
to the last hackle, the more the fibres will stand
out from the hook, and the further away they
are the flatter will the fibres lie.

Length of fibres and quantity of hackle at the
throat. On the first of these there is a great
difference of opinion. Some fishermen prefer
very short fibred hackles, others very long.
With the first I do not agree at all. The part of
a hackle on the hook is to give the appearance
of life to a fly by the movement of its fibres in
the water. The shorter the fibres the more stiff
they appear, and consequently they show less

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

life. Surely, therefore, the longer they are (in
proportion, of course, to the size of the fly) the
better will they play. I therefore prefer hackle
fibres to reach almost to the barb of the hook.

As to the quantity of hackle at the shoulder,
you must bear in mind the following : First, Too
much hackle will cause the fly to swim crookedly.
Second, Some flies have three or more different
coloured hackles, therefore you must remember,
the more hackles, the fewer coils of each. Third,
The coarser the fibres, the fewer coils are re-
quired. Take jay or guineafowl. Three or four
coils as throat hackles are quite sufficient. Foitrth,
For some rivers very little hackle is preferable
to a lot, and vice versa.

JOINTED BODIES.
There are several varieties of these.

We will

Fig. 49.

begin with those which have whole feathers of
Indian crow, chatterer, jay, etc., at each joint ;

JOINTED BODIES. 73

when so placed they represent hackles. We will
suppose that you want to tie a body with three
joints ; Indian crow to be at the top and bottom
of each joint. Tie in the jay and tail, form the
first joint, and wind on the ribbing as shown.
Now take a 'right' and 'left' feather from the

Fig. 50.

breast of the Indian crow, both exactly the same
size ; place them back to back, and holding them
so between the forefinger and thumb of the left
hand, make a dent with the right thumb nail, at
right angles to their stems, close up to the fibres ;
tie these in with two turns of the silk, on top of
the hook, as shown. They should be perfectly
upright, on top of the hook, and pointing straight
along the shank. They should also close, one
against the other. Now take the fly out of the

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

vice, turn it upside down, and place it so in the
vice ; be careful not to let the tying silk get
loose while you turn the fly over. Tie in two
more feathers, a ' right' and a ' left,' exactly the
same size as the last, in the same way, with two
turns of tying silk. Take the hook out of the
vice again, and replace it in its original position.
Tie in and wind on a herl as butt. The other
two joints are now made in the same way ; but
the feathers must gradually increase in size
from the joint nearest the tail to the head end.
All the feathers on the top of the hook should be
in one straight line, and the same on the under-
side of the hook. It is most important in a fly

of this kind that rights and lefts should be on
their own sides of the hook, with the curves of
their stems towards the body ; otherwise the tips
of the feathers will be at different angles, and the
symmetry destroyed.

JOINTED BODIES.

Again, if in tying the feathers in, the silk does
not pass close up to the fibres, the fly would
have a very ragged appearance. On the other
hand, if any fibres were actually tied in, the
mistake would be as great. Flies of this kind
appear at first very difficult to the beginner ;
but really, the great thing needed is patience in
matching the feathers. If the dents are made, as
described, in the shafts, and the tying silk tightly
wound, the position of the feathers can easily be
obtained. A variety of the above is shown.
The stems cross one another at the side of
the hook. This method is sometimes adopted
for very small flies, or if the
whole body is to be covered
with feathers. Each feather
is tied separately rights and
lefts on their proper sides ;
there are four feathers, but
only two show two rights at
the top and two lefts below.
By turning the pillar of the Fig. 52.

vice round, four more, i.e. two above and two
below, can be tied in on the other side of the
hook, making altogether eight feathers in the
joint. If there were only four feathers at each
joint, the appearance of the fly would be thin,
and in the water these feathers would make
very little show. The remaining joints of the
body are formed as before, but the feathers in

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

each successive joint should be longer than the
last.

The next variety is that shown in the illustra-
tion. Hackles are tied in and wound on at each

Fig. 53-

joint in the same way as throat hackles. The
fibres should be longer in fibre at each successive
joint. No butts are needed at the joints with
this kind of fly, as the hackles take their place

and conceal tying silk, etc.
Similar in construction to
the last are * Grubs.' They
are wingless flies. There
may be hackles of two or
three different colours at
each joint, but there should
not be more than six turns
of hackle altogether at any
Fig. 54. joint, except the head one.

Here there is no need to make allowance for

JOINTED BODIES.

wings, so the last hackle should be wound on
pretty close up to the end of the hook, just leav-
ing room for finishing off. When tying these
grubs on hooks larger than 3/0 or 4/0, three
joints or four sets of hackles should be tied.

With very small flies there are no joints at all ;
but the hackle, body ma-
terial, and ribbing, are tied
in together after the tag (if
any) is formed. The body
is then formed and the
hackle wound on. If very
little hackle is required,
one side of it can be
stripped off. If the hackle

is not Ions: enough, an-

Fig. s c v
other can be added, care

being taken to match the length of fibre.

CHAPTER VII.

WINGS.

E now come to the most difficult part
of fly-tying. So far, every process
described is mere child's-play com-
pared to it, and nothing but con-
tinual practice can make the beginner really
efficient. The most important points to be
attained are as follows : Both wings must be
equal in size, upright, straight with the hook,
and quite firm ; every strip or fibre must be on
its own side of the hook none sticking out in
the slightest ; they must be arched or curved, and
the head as small as possible. Now, with refer-
ence to their being arched or curved, it is essential
that feathers suited to the size of the hook be
used. To illustrate this, cut a strip from a large
and from a small mallard feather. Cut off from
the large strip a piece equal in length to the strip
from the small feather. You will then see that
the natural curve in the fibres of the small feather
is most distinct, but that in the piece from the
large feather the fibres are almost straight. If
the strip from the small feather was tied on

WINGS. 79

properly to a hook of the right size, it would arch
naturally ; but if you tied the piece cut off the
strip from the large feather on to the same sized
hook, the fibres could not arch, because they are
naturally straight. The above should be borne
in mind when you are tying any kind of wing,
whether with strips or strands, or whole feathers.

The tying silk should be well waxed before
any part of the wings is tied on, and every turn
of it should be as tight as possible ; otherwise
when the fly was finished, you would be able to
twist the wings to one side or other of the hook.
In attempting to do this you will probably break
the silk frequently at first, especially with * mixed '
wings, but don't let this discourage you.

If you are tying a fly on an eyed hook, there
should be nothing to the right of the throat hackle
except the even close coils of tying silk which
were wound on first of all, With a fly tied on a
hook with gut loop, there should only be the bare
hook to the right of the throat hackle ; so, before
tying on the wing, wind the tying silk tightly and
evenly round the gut and hook, up to the end of
the shank, then start back again, still winding as
tightly and evenly as possible ; by this means
the gut at the head of the fly, where the most
strength is needed, has two layers of silk over it.
Varnish this tying all over. The gut, of course,
must be kept perfectly straight under the hook.

Single strip wings. For this kind of wing you

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

require a right and a left strip from some feather.
Coarse fibred feathers, such as bustard or turkey,
are the easiest to tie on : finer ones, such as teal
or mallard, the most difficult. The strip from the
right side of the feather (supposing you are look-
ing at the best side, hilt towards you) is for the
wing nearest to you. So cut off a strip, but leave
the quill on, as it helps to keep the fibres from

Fig- 5 6 -

* breaking/ To tie it on, place it against the side
of the hook, but rather high up, and hold it there
with the thumb of the left hand, close down to,
but not over, the place where the tying silk will
pass, while you wind a turn of the tying silk very
carefully, so as to draw all the fibres close to-
gether, at the side, and near the top of the hook,
as shown. There should not be the slightest
scoup, split, or projection of any one fibre, so you
must look closely before pulling the silk tight. If
there was any ' break ' in the fibres, the wing

WINGS. 8 1

would split in the water. You must be careful,
too, to keep the wing on its own side of the hook,
or there will not be room for the other wing ; and
you must not get it too low on the hook, or it
will not arch properly. Two turns of tying silk
are sufficient. The wing on the far side of the
hook is placed in position, and held there with
the forefinger or second finger of the left hand,
and tied on like the other. If properly done, the
two wings will meet along the top, and when
looked at from the tail end of the fly, appear in-
clined slightly outwards. The length of the wings
should be such, that they will nearly reach the
point of the tail, or a little longer than the hook.

I said that the strip from the right side of the
feather was for the side of the hook nearest you,
and for all kinds of wings, except those with single
strips, it must always be so ; but with these wings

Fig. 57-

you get just as good a set, and a better appear-
ance, if you place the left strip on the side nearest

82 HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

you, and the right strip on the far side, as in the
illustration (fig. 5 7) ; but before tying them on,
the fibres must be bent back in the opposite direc-
tion to the natural curve ; you then get the longest
fibres on the top of the hook. The shortest or
lower fibres should be about the length of the hook.
The illustration (fig. 58), shows an easy way of
drawing all the fibres together, without a break.
The silk is waxed, and one end held between the
teeth. The quill end of the fibres is put through
a loop in the silk ; the latter is then pulled tight,
carefully. The wing is then placed in position
at the side of the hook, and tied on with a couple
of turns. I do not recommend this method to
those who have time to practise and master the

Fig. 58.

first and more difficult method ; of course you
must measure the length of the wing against the
hook before pulling the silk tight.

Under Wings. Many flies have what are called
underwings. They may be of whole feathers, or
of strips. Tippet feathers are frequently used
here. Select a * right ' and ' left ' ; those in which

WINGS. 83

the stems are curved look best on the hook, as
you then get the black tips or bars nearly per-
pendicular to the hook shank ; but this applies
equally to all kinds of feathers when tied in whole.
Feathers with straight stems give the fly a very
stiff appearance.

They are tied in on top of the hook, both to-
gether, in the same way as feathers for a jointed
body; they should extend at least to the tag. Two
or three turns of silk will be sufficient. If the
stems of the feathers are thick, taper them slightly
on the underside with a sharp knife. The taper
should be a long one. The wings are then tied
on at the side as before.

Fig- 59-

If you wanted strands of tippet as underwings,
they also would be tied on the top of the hook,
the latter being held as in figure 23, in the chapter
on tails.

8 4

HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

MIXED WINGS.

These are made up of single strands from dif-
ferent feathers. They are, to a beginner, the
easiest of all kinds of wings to tie on ; but they
are at first troublesome to * make up.' We will
suppose that you want to tie on a mixed wing,
composed of bustard, golden pheasant tail, mal-
lard, summer duck, dark brown turkey, swan-
dyed yellow, red, and blue. For the wing nearest
you, cut a strip off each feather from the right
side. Split these strips up into single strands.
Take any strand, place it on its back on the table ;
then take another strand, place it also on its back
alongside, or on, the last ; then another, and so
on, some being on top, others alongside, until you
have formed a strip as shown. Of course you

Fig. 60.

must try not to place any two fibres of the same
kind next to one another. The points should all
be of the same length. Never mind about the
fibres crossing one another ; as long as they are
on their backs, and all from the right side of the
feather, they will be in their proper position.

WINGS. 85

Make up two or three more strips in the same
way. These two or three strips must now be
formed into one broad strip (by the method
explained in chapter iv., on tails) ; but each strip
should be placed so that the points of the fibres
in it will be a little longer than those of the strip
below it, or, in other words, that the fibres on top
of the wing will be the longest. If properly done,
there will not be a single fibre sticking out ; but
if there should be one, it must be removed before
the wings are tied on. The stiletto will be found
very useful when laying down the strands and
picking up the strips from the table.

The left wing is now made up in the same
way, as nearly as possible of the same size as the
right wing. The latter is then picked up, and
placed on the left wing (best side of both out-

Fig. 61.

wards) so that they coincide, and form one double
wing. The wing must now be tied on top of the

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

hook in the manner described for tails in chapter
iv. ; the tying silk round the head of the hook
having been varnished immediately beforehand.

After you have wound four or five turns of silk,
remove the left hand, and pinch the root ends of
the fibres on to the top of the hook. Then wind
a turn or two more. The wings should then be
perfectly upright, and not a single fibre standing
out.

These mixed wings generally have two strips
(one on each side) from some feather tied on over

Fig. 62.

them, to keep the fibres together in the water.
The illustration shows two strips of golden
pheasant tail tied on.

BUILT WINGS.

These are made up of strips, or strips and
strands, from different feathers. We will take as

WINGS. 87

an example ( Jock Scott's 7 wings, the description
of which is as follows : Strips of black turkey
with white tips below ; strips of grey mallard
and bustard, strands of golden pheasant tail,
green peacock harl, swan-dyed yellow, red and
blue over, strips of mallard on top.

The first to be tied on are the strips of turkey.
It is a very common practice to tie these on the
top of the hook, as shown in the illustration. I

Fig. 63.

prefer them at the side, because they are then
lower on the hook, and consequently more of
them will show when the rest of the wing is tied
on, as they should do. Besides that, the head of
the fly will be smaller. A turn or two of tying
silk for each wing will be sufficient. The strips
should not be nearly as broad as those for a
single-strip wing ; neither should there be any
break.

Now take a right strip from both a grey mal-

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

lard and a bustard feather, a few strands of each,
unite them, as previously described, into one
strip. As grey mallard feathers would not be long
enough for a fly of this size, some other feather

Fig. 64.

must be substituted ; I have used light turkey.
Silver pheasant tail would do.

Place the strip against the side of the hook ;
wind a turn of silk ; but, before pulling it tight,
press the thumb tightly on to the strips and silk,
and don't remove the pressure until the silk is
tight ; two turns of silk are sufficient. The left
strips are tied on in the same way, the second
finger being pressed down on to the silk and
strips before the former is pulled tight The
strips should lie flat to the turkey strips without
any break. Now mix a few strands of swan,
golden pheasant tail, and green peacock's herl
(two or three strands of each will be enough) ;

WINGS.

place these also against the side of the hook, and
tie them in as before. They should be placed

Fig. 65.

fairly high up, almost on the top of the hook, so
that they will not cover the turkey strips.

Finally, on the top of the wings tie in two
strips of mallard, as you would for mixed wings.

As with other wings, so with these, no strand
or strip should stand out or project ; but all
should lie flat, and the wings should be perfectly
straight on the hook.

Cheeks should be tied in next, by placing
them diagonally against the sides of the wings,
and pressing them there with the nail. A turn
of silk for each side will be sufficient. They
must lie flat to the wings.

Topping over. Select a topping of such a size
that it will just reach to the end of the wings.

Make a dent with the thumb nail across, and

9 o

HO W TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

at right angles to, the stem, and while doing so,
bend the feather up into the position shown.
Then, on the under side cut the stem to a good
long taper with a knife. Place the feather on

Fig. 66.

the top of the hook, and wind two turns of tying
silk over ; but take care that it is straight along
the wings, and not pointing to one side.

For the horns, take a right and a left strand
from a macaw's tail feather. An examination

Fig. 67.
will show that there is a broad yellow quill to

HEADS. 91

each strand. This quill must be flat on the hook.
Place the fibre at the side of, and close up to the
stem of, the topping, and wind one turn of silk
over. Do the same to the other, after making
sure they will be of the same length. It will be
easier to the beginner if he makes a dent across
the quills where the tying silk is to pass.

HEADS.

All the roots of the wing feathers should now
be cut off at an angle, so that when bound over
with tying silk the head will be tapered and
pointed, as shown. To do this, hold the scissors
along the hook. When this has been done,
varnish the stumps, and wind the tying silk as
closely and tightly as possible to the end of the
shank ; wind back three or four turns, and finish
off in the manner shown in the illustration. The
end A of the tying silk is turned towards the
bend of the hook, and held against the head,
while the side of the loop B is wound over it,
three or four times ; A is then pulled tight. Cut
off the end closely, varnish the whole head well,
and when quite dry, give it another coat.

The beginner will probably find that the head
of his fly is twice the size of
that shown. This will be
because he has used too many
turns of silk probably, and Fig. 68.

has not pulled them tight enough. With practice

92 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

he will soon learn to remedy this. If the fly is
to have a ' herl' head, a strand must be tied in,
wound on and fastened off, as if for a butt, after
the stumps of the wings have been cut off.

A head of wool should also be formed as for a
wool ' butt.'

If the wings have been firmly tied on, you
should not be able to twist them over to one side
or the other when the head is held between the
forefinger and thumb.

GOLDEN PHEASANT TOPPINGS.

These feathers are troublesome to manage
when the wings are composed of them. Each
one should be exactly on top of the last, and they
should increase in length from the lowest one.

Fig. 69.

The best way is to cut the stems underneath to
a taper, to dent and bend them in turn, and to tie

PEACOCK HERL WINGS.

on two or three together, taking care that the
stems are straight along the hook. If the taper-
ing has been properly done, the stems can be cut
straight off across the hook.

PEACOCK HERL WINGS.

Before making up wings composed of these
fibres, it is a good plan to strip off the flue on
both sides of the quill, for a short distance from
the butt end. They are then much more easy to
manage.

To strip them, pass each in turn between the
thumb nail and forefinger of the right hand gently.
Take an equal quantity of rights and lefts.
Begin by placing a right along the left forefinger,

Fig. 70.

then on that place a left, keeping the quills flat ;
the left should be inclined a little outwards from
the * right.' Proceed in this way until you have

94 HOW TO TIE SALMON FLIES.

built enough. You should then have a right and
left wing in one. Keeping the lefts at a slight
angle from, or rather crossing, the rights, facili-
tates matters ; before being tied on, they can be
brought back to a parallel position with the
rights, by gently squeezing with the fingers.
The wing should now be placed on the top of
the hook, with the quills quite flat, and tied on
with three or four turns of silk. All the herls
should lie flat to the wings, and not stick out.
The head can then be finished as before.

APPENDIX.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES.

HE dressings of the following flies
have (with a few exceptions) been
selected from many others described
in the Fishing Gazette by Mr.
G. M. Kelson, Mr. W. Murdoch, Mr. P. D.
Malloch, Mr. D. O'Fee, and Mr. W. Brown.
When compiling the list, I had two objects in
view. The first was, that it should contain
patterns of every style of fly, and the second,
that a few dressings could be selected from it
which would suit any river.

The beginner will find plenty of variety here.
He should commence with the easiest patterns,
such as grubs, and flies with plain wings ; and
gradually work up to the more difficult.

i. AJAX GRUB. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and red silk.

No. i hackle. A small coch-y-bonddhu, and two
very small jungle, one on either side of the
hook, pointing towards the tag, and in line
with the shank.

96 APPENDIX.

Body. Alternate coils of yellow and black che-
nille.

No. 2 hackle. A larger coch-y-bonddhu ; jungle as
before.

No. 3 hackle. A full-sized coch-y-bonddhu, and a
couple of turns of gallina, dyed red, jungle as
before.

Head. Black.

2. BAKER.

Tag. Gold twist and light blue floss.

Butt. Black herl.

Tail. A topping.

Ribbing. Oval gold tinsel.

Body. Three turns of gold floss : then equal por-
tions of dark orange, light blue, and red seal's
fur.

Hackle. Red claret, gallina at shoulder, then
light blue.

Wings. Two tippet feathers back to back,
covered with strips of golden pheasant's tail,
bustard, peacock's wing, and strands of red,
green, blue, and yellow dyed swan.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

3. BLACK DOG. (Mr. Malloch.)

Tag. Silver twist and yellow floss.

Tail. A topping and a few fibres of scarlet ibis.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES. 97

Butt. Black ostrich herl.

Body. Black floss silk, ribbed with gold and

silver oval tinsel ; orange floss between the

two tinsels.

Hackle. Black heron at shoulder only.
Wings. Mixed bronze peacock herl, silver grey

turkey, bustard, pintail, teal, summer duck,

mallard, and swan, dyed red, yellow, and blue ;

topping over.
Cheeks. Jungle cock.
Horns. Blue macaw.
Head. Black.

4. BLACK JAY. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and dark yellow silk.

Tail. A topping.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Two turns of black floss, remainder black
seal's fur.

Ribbed. Silver tinsel, preceded by silver lace on
large patterns.

Hackle. Natural black from floss silk.

Throat. Jay.

Wings. Mixed tippet, scarlet ibis, and gallina,
golden pheasant tail, bustard, teal, black
cockatoo's tail, and swan dyed green and dark
yellow ; two strips of mallard above.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

98 APPENDIX.

5. BLUEBELL. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and blue silk, same shade as

hackle.

Tail. A topping.
Butt. Black herl.
Body. Orange silk first half, and remainder blue,

same shade as hackle.
Ribbing. Silver lace and tinsel.
Hackle. Blue macaw from blue silk.
Throat. Yellow macaw.

Wings. Red macaw in strands ; topping over.
Cheeks. Jungle cock.
Horns. Blue macaw.
Head. Black.

6. BLUE BOYNE. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and claret silk.

Tail. A topping.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Silver twist, in three sections, each butted
with black herl. At each joint are chatterer's
feathers sideways two or three on either side
near the top and bottom. The feathers
gradually increase in length from the first
joint towards the head.

Wings. Five toppings.

Head. Black herl.

Hook. No. 7.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES. 99

7. BLUE DOCTOR.

Tag. Silver twist and light orange floss.

Tail. Topping and chatterer.

Butt. Scarlet wool.

Body. Light blue floss.

Ribbed. Silver oval.

Hackle. Light blue.

Throat. Gallina.

Wings. Mixed tippet, golden pheasant tail,
bustard, summer duck, yellow, red, and blue
dyed swan ; two strips ot mallard above,
topping over.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Scarlet wool.

8. BUTCHER. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag, Silver twist and yellow silk.

Tail. A topping, teal and powdered blue macaw.

Butt. Black herl

Body. In four equal divisions, beginning with

light red-claret, and continuing with light blue,

dark red-claret, and dark blue seal's fur.
Ribbed. Silver tinsel, preceded on large hooks by

silver lace.
Hackle. Natural black, from light red- claret

seal's fur.
Throat. Yellow hackle, followed by gallina.

ioo APPENDIX.

Wings. A tippet feather and red breast feather
from a golden pheasant, back to back, the
latter extending to the length of the wing.
Both are well covered on the side with slight
strips of teal, golden pheasant tail ; gallina,
bustard, and peacock's wing, and strands of
parrot and swan dyed yellow ; two strips of
mallard on top.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Head. Black.

9. CARRON. (Mr. Brown.)

Body. Orange wool.

Ribbed. Silver tinsel.

Hackle. Black heron down the whole body.

Wings. Mallard.

10. CLARET JAY. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and light yellow floss.

Tail. Topping, scarlet ibis and gallina.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Two turns, light red-claret silk, remainder

claret seal's fur.
Ribbed. Oval silver tinsel.
Hackle. Claret.
Throat. Jay.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES. 101

Wings. Mixed teal, tippet, florican, light
mottled turkey, parrot, golden pheasant tail,
gallina, and dark bustard, swan dyed yellow,
yellow-green, light yellow, and claret ; two
strips of mallard above.

Sides. Yellow macaw and scarlet ibis in married
strips.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

ii. CHILDERS. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist, and light blue silk.

Tail. Topping, with strands of red macaw, pin-
tail, and powdered blue macaw.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Two turns of light yellow silk, continuing
with light yellow seal's fur, leaving one-fifth at
the shoulder for scarlet seal's fur.

Ribbed. Silver lace and tinsel.

Hackle. A white furnace dyed light yellow.

Throat. A scarlet hackle and light widgeon.

Wings. Mixed golden pheasant tippet and tail,
turkey, silver pheasant, pintail, summer duck,
bustard, powdered blue macaw, parrot, red
macaw, and gallina ; two strips of mallard
above and a topping.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Head. Black.

T02 APPENDIX.

12. DUNKELD.

Tag. Silver twist and orange floss.

Tail. Topping and jungle cock.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Gold tinsel, ribbed at each turn with silver

twist.

Hackle. Golden olive, jay at shoulder.
Wings. Mixed tippet, ibis, bustard, peacock

wing, and mallard ; two toppings over.
Horns. Blue macaw.
Head. Black.

13. DUNT. (Mr. Murdoch.)

Tag. Silver twist and light blue floss.

Tail. A topping and pintail.

Body. Orange shaded into fiery brown mohair.

Ribbed. Gold twist and silver tinsel.

Hackle. From centre of body long black heron.

Throat. Teal.

Wings. Two strips of dark brown turkey, with
black bar and white tips ; to extend flatwise
outward from the top of the hook, at about
an angle of twenty degrees ; on top, between
the wings, a narrow strip of pintail.

Cheeks. Jungle.

Head. Black.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES. 103

14. DURHAM RANGER. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and light yellow floss.

Tail. A topping and Indian crow, flat.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Two turns of orange silk, two turns of
dark orange seal's fur ; the rest, about half,
black seal's fur.

Ribbed. Silver lace and tinsel.

Hackle. From orange fur, a white coch-y-bonddhu
dyed orange.

Throat. Light blue hackle.

Wings. Four golden pheasant tippets, back to
back, two on each side, enveloping two pro-
jecting jungle cock back to back ; topping over.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

15. DUSTY MILLER. (Mr. Murdoch.)

Tag. Silver twist and yellow floss.
Tail. Topping.
Butt. Black herl.
Body. Embossed silver tinsel.
Ribbed. Silver oval.

Hackle. Gallina ; only at shoulder in small
patterns.

io 4 APPENDIX.

Wings. Mixed white tipped turkey, golden
pheasant tail, pintail, bustard, summer duck,
swan dyed yellow, red, and blue ; topping
over.

Cheeks. Jungle cock.

Head. Black.

1 6. EVENING STAR. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and tippet coloured silk.

Tail. Topping.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. In four equal sections : the first three of
silver tinsel, each having two jungle cock back
to back above and below, and butted with
black herl ; the last division of blue floss, the
only one ribbed with silver tinsel, oval.

Throat. Jungle as before. These feathers slightly
increase in length from the opposite end of
the body.

Wings. Four Amherst pheasant tippets, back to
back ; topping over.

Cheeks. The tip of a summer duck feather, and
an Indian crow feather on each side, the
former in advance.

Horns. Red macaw.

Head. Black her!.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES. 105

17. FIERY BROWN. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Gold twist and light orange floss.

Tail. A topping.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Fiery brown seal's fur.

Ribbed. Oval gold tinsel.

Hackle. From first turn of tinsel, fiery brown.

Wings. Tippet strands, between broad strips of

mallard.

Horns. Blue macaw.
Head. Black.

1 8. GITANA. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and red floss, same shade as

Indian crow.
Tail. Two toppings ; a jungle and chatterer on

each side.
Butt. Black herl.
Body. One-third silver tinsel, butted with black

herl, and having four Indian crow, two at

top and two at bottom, back to back ; the

remainder black floss.

Hackle. Black from the floss.
Ribbed. Silver tinsel and gold lace.
Throat. Green macaw.

io6 APPENDIX.

Wings. Two dark blue macaw feathers, a jungle
on either side extending beyond the tag, and
five tippet feathers on either side, the longest
reaching to the butt ; three or four toppings
over.

Cheeks. Enamelled thrush.

Head. Black herl.

19. GLOW-WORM (GRUB). (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Gold twist.

Tail. Scarlet ibis.

No. i hackle. A small coch-y-bonddhu.

Body. Copper-coloured tinselled chenille.

No. 2 hackle. A larger coch-y-bonddhu.

No. 3 hackle. A full-sized coch-y-bonddhu.

20. GORDON. (Mr. Murdoch.)

Tag. Silver twist, and medium orange floss.

Tail. A topping and Indian crow, flat.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Four turns medium orange floss, remainder
medium claret floss.

Ribbed. Silver tinsel and twist.

Hackle. Claret to match body.

Throat. Greenish blue hackle.

Wings. Two tippets back to back, reaching to
the butt, with red spear feather between and
projecting beyond them. These are covered

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES. 107

on the sides with strips of bustard, golden
pheasant tail, peacock wing, mallard, and
strands of swan dyed blue, red, and yellow,
and peacock herl ; topping over.

Cheeks. Jungle cock.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

21. GREY EAGLE. (Mr. Murdoch.)

Tag. Silver twist.

Tail. Golden pheasant rump feather.

Body. Black mohair well picked out.

Ribbed. Broad silver tinsel.

Hackle. Grey eagle.

Throat. Teal.

Wings. Brown mottled turkey strips.

Head. Black.

22. GREY HERON. (Mr. Murdoch.)

Tag. Gold tinsel.

Tail. Topping and small tippet feather.

Body. Orange fur well picked out.

Ribbed. Gold tinsel.

Hackle. Grey heron.

Throat. Teal.

Wings. Brown mottled turkey strips.

Head. Black.

io8 APPENDIX.

23. JOCK SCOTT. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and light yellow floss.

Tail. A topping and Indian crow.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. In two equal sections : the first, light
yellow floss, ribbed with fine silver tinsel ;
above and below are placed three or more
toucan, according to size of hook, extending
slightly beyond the butt, and followed by
three or more turns of black herl ; the
second half black silk, with a natural black
hackle down it, and ribbed with silver lace
and silver tinsel.

Throat. Gallina.

Wings. Two strips of black turkey, with white
tips below ; two strips of bustard and grey
mallard, with strands of golden pheasant tail,
peacock sword feather, red macaw, and blue
and yellow dyed swan over, with two strips of
mallard, and a topping above.

Sides. Jungle cock.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

24. JUDGE. (Mr. O'Fee.)

Tag. Gold twist and orange floss.
Tail. Topping and two chatterer.
Butt. Green peacock herl.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES.

109

Body. Silver tinsel ribbed with gold lace.

Hackle. Rich golden olive.

Throat. Bright fiery brown, then jay.

Wings. Strips of bustard, and swan dyed deep
yellow, strands of tippet, powdered blue
macaw, green and red parrot ; two toppings
over.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Peacock herl.

25. KNEECAP. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Gold twist and light blue floss.

Tail. Tippet, florican, teal, scarlet ibis, yellow

macaw, and powdered blue macaw.
Butt. Black herl.
Body. Two turns bright red-claret seal's fur,

remainder dirty orange seal's fur.
Ribbed. Gold tinsel.
Hackle. Kneecap, from orange fur.
Wings. Dark mottled turkey, pintail, golden

pheasant tail, peacock, powdered blue macaw,

black cockatoo's tail, and parrot, all in strands ;

two strips black turkey with white tips, over.
Horns. Blue macaw.
Head. Black.

26. LADY CAROLINE. (Mr. Brown.)

Tail. Strands of red feather from golden pheasant.
Body. Reddish brown wool.

no APPENDIX.

Ribbed. Silver tinsel, between gold and silver

twist.

Hackle. Long grey heron down the whole body.
Throat. Red hackle from golden pheasant.
Wings. Mallard.

27. LEMON GREY.

Tag. Silver twist and yellow floss.

Tail. Topping.

Body. Grey monkey fur.

Ribbed. Silver tinsel.

Hackle. Green olive.

Throat. Yellow hackle.

Wings. Mallard, tippet, golden pheasant tail,

bustard, gallina, and green parrot.
Horns. Blue macaw.
Head. Black.

28. MAC!NTYRE. (Mr. Murdoch.)

Tag. Silver twist and light yellow floss.

Tail. Topping and Indian crow, flat.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Three turns light orange floss, three turns

scarlet seal's fur, remainder blue fur, picked

out.

Ribbed. Broad silver tinsel and silver lace.
Hackle. Magenta from scarlet fur.
Throat. Greenish- blue hackle, and then long

black heron.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLJES.

Wings. Under, two tippets back to back, extend-
ing to butt, two long jungle cock over them ;
at the sides, strips of bustard, golden pheasant
tail, peacock's wing, swan dyed red, green,
and blue ; two strips of mallard above ; two
toppings over.

Cheeks. Light chatterer.

Horns. Blue, red, and yellow macaw.

Head. Black.

29. PARSON.

Tag. Silver twist.

Tail. Topping and chatterers sideways.

Body. Three turns gold floss, three turns gold

seal's fur, remainder orange seal's fur.
Ribbed. Silver twist.
Hackle. Golden olive.
Throat. Orange hackle, then jay.
Wings. Toppings.
Cheeks. Chatterer.
Horns. Blue macaw.
Head. Black.

30. PENPERGWM PET. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and bright yellow seal's fur.
Tail. Indian crow, summer duck, and scarlet ibis.
Butt. Black herl.
Body. Bright yellow, crimson-magenta, mouse, and

rich plum-claret seal's fur, in equal sections.
Ribbed. Silver tinsel.

ii2 APPENDIX.

Hackle. A coch-y-bonddhu dyed in Bismarck
brown from yellow seal's fur.

Wings. Double white turkey, ginger speckled
turkey, bustard, black cockatoo's tail, red ma-
caw, powdered blue macaw, parrot, and teal,
all in strands, two strips brown turkey, with
black bar and white tip over.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Head. Black.

31. POPHAM. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Gold twist.

Tail. Topping and Indian crow, flat.

Bttit. Black herl.

Body. In three equal sections, butted with black
herl : the first dark red-orange silk, ribbed
with fine oval gold tinsel, having Indian crow
flat, above and below ; the second joint, yellow
silk, with similar ribbing and Indian crow ; the
third, light blue silk, with silver ribbing and
Indian crow.

Hackle. At throat only, jay.

Wings. Tippet, teal, gallina, golden pheasant tail,
parrot, light brown mottled turkey, bustard,
red- macaw, yellow macaw (or swan dyed
yellow for large hooks) ; two strips of mallard
above and a topping.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

DXXSS/JYGS OF SALMON FLIES. 113

32. POYNDER OR CAPTAIN. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and light blue floss.

Tail. Topping, and two chatterers sideways.

Body. Two turns light orange floss, two turns
dark orange seal's fur, two turns dark red-
claret seal's fur, remainder dark blue seal's fur.

Ribbed. Oval silver tinsel.

Hackle. A white coch-y-bonddhu dyed light red-
claret from the orange silk.

Throat. Blue hackle and gallina.

Wings. Pintail, teal, gallina, peacock wing, Am-
herst pheasant, bustard, and golden pheasant
tail, swan dyed light orange, dark orange,
dark claret, and dark blue ; two strips of
mallard above and a topping.

Sides. Jungle cock.

Cheeks. Chatterer.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

33. PURPLE KING. (Mr. Brown.)

Body. Light purple wool, ribbed by flat silver
tinsel, and two strands of twist, one gold,
the other silver.

Hackle. Brownish black feather from side of
cock's tail, wound in the opposite direction to
the tinsels, and crossed by one of them,
H

1 14 APPENDIX

Throat. Teal.

Wing. Double strips of mallard, short, and apart

to allow hackle to appear between them.
N.B. The hackle fibres are reversed, and the
butt end tied in first at tail end.

34. RED PIRATE. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and blue floss.

Tail. Topping.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Silver twist, in three sections, each butted
with black herl. At each joint are Indian
crow's feathers, sideways, two or three on
either side near the top and bottom ; the
feathers gradually increase in size from the
first joint towards the head.

Wings. Five toppings.

Horns. Amherst pheasant.

Head. Black herl.

Hook. No. 7.

35. SILVER GREY. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and yellow silk.

Tail. Topping and unbarred summer duck.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Silver tinsel.

Ribbed. Oval silver tinsel.

Hackle. A silver furnace, down body.

DRESSINGS OF SALMON FLIES. 1 1 5

Throat. Widgeon.

Wings. Mixed golden pheasant tippet and tail,
bustard, mallard, grey mallard, swan dyed
yellow and blue ; two strips of mallard and a
topping over.

Sides. Jungle cock.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

36. SILVER DOCTOR. (Mr. Malloch.)

Tag. Silver twist and golden yellow floss.

Tail. A topping and chatterers sideways.

Butt. Scarlet wool.

Body. Silver tinsel.

Ribbed. Oval silver tinsel.

Hackle. Blue.

Throat. Gallina.

Wings. Mixed golden pheasant tippet and tail,
silver grey turkey, bustard, summer duck, and
swan dyed yellow, red, and blue ; topping
over.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Scarlet wool.

37. SPRING GRUB. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and light blue floss.
Tail. Scarlet ibis and blue macaw in married
strips.

u6 APPENDIX.

Body. In two sections, having three hackles ; at
the tail, a furnace hackle dyed orange ; first half
of body yellow silk ribbed with black chenille ;
in the centre a natural blue hackle ; second
half of body black silk ribbed with silver
tinsel ; head hackles, a natural coch-y-bond-
dhu ; and last, a gallina dyed dark orange.

38. THUNDER AND LIGHTNING. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Gold twist and yellow floss.

Tail. A topping.

Butt. Black herl.

Body. Black silk.

Ribbed. Oval gold tinsel.

Hackle. Orange from first turn of tinsel.

Throat. Jay.

Wings. Mallard ; topping over.

Sides. Jungle cock.

Horns. Blue macaw.

Head. Black.

39. TIPPET GRUB. (Mr. Kelson.)

Tag. Silver twist and scarlet fur.

No. i hackle. Two turns of small tippet feather,

and two turns natural black hackle ; butted

with two turns of silver twist.
Body. Light green oline chenille.

DRESSfA ? GS OF SALMON FLIES. 1 1 7

No. 2 hackle. Same as No. i, but slightly larger.
No. 3 hackle. Same as before, but larger still.
Head. Silver twist.

40. YELLOW CATERPILLAR.

Tag. Silver twist.

Body. Yellow and dirty orange seal's fur mixed.
Ribbed. Oval silver tinsel.

Hackle. Down the whole body a blue dun hackle,
with another of same kind at the head.

INDEX

PAGE

FIG.

AJAX GRUB, dressing of, .

BAKER, dressing of,

Black Dog, dressing of, .

Jay, dressing of, ....

Bluebell, dressing of, ....

Blue Boyne, dressing of,

Doctor, dressing of, .

Bodies, floss silk, .....

CA. CC

fur, commencing with floss, .

J J

fur, with hackle, ....

53, 54

3 1 , 32

fur, without hackle,

5i,52

29,30

herl,

jointed, formation of,

72-76

49-53

length of,

materials for,

tinsel for jointed, ....

tinsel, hackles on, .

tinsel, without hackle, .

. 56-58

35-37

with floss of two colours,

without butts, . . .

Butcher dressing of,

Butts herl, to tie on, ....

. 47, 48

26, 27

materials for,

wool, shape of, ....

CARRON, dressing of, 100

Captain, dressing of, 113

Cheeks, 89

Chenille bodies, . . 61

Chenilles, ........ 7

Childers, dressing of, .... 101

Claret Jay, dressing of, 100

i2o INDEX.

PAGE FIG.

Colour of hackles, 26

Copperas, 8

DEFINITIONS, 21, 22

Dunkeld, dressing of, 102

Dunt, dressing of, 102

Durham Ranger, dressing of, . . . . 103

Dusty Miller, dressing of, 103

Dye, to, feathers or fur, 25, 26

Dyeing, materials for, ..... 23

Dyes, acids for, . . . 25

varieties of, 23

EVENING STAR, dressing of, . . . 104

Eyed Hooks, advantages of, .... 2

brazed eyes preferable, . . 2

knots for, . 3, 4 2, 3

,, to prevent work slipping on, 31 i

varieties of eye, .... 2

FEATHERS, Bustard, 14

Chatterer, 13, 14

fixing bath before dyeing, . . 23, 24

Golden Pheasant, .... 11

Guinea Fowl, 14

Ibis, 16

Indian Crow, 13

Jay, 15

Jungle Cock, ... 13

loss of colour of, . . . . 17, 1 8

Macaws, 12

Mallard, 15

Ostrich, 1 6

Parrot, ...... 13

Peacock, 16

Pintail, 15

Red-breasted Crow, ... 13

,, Summer Duck, .... 15

Swan, ...... 16

Teal, 15

to clean before dyeing, . . .23, 24

,, to destroy moth in, ... 18

to restore shape to, 18

Turkeys, 16

whole, rights and lefts, ... 41

11\JJLA .

121

PAGE

FIG.

Feathers, Widgeon,

Fibres, length of, at Throat,

Fiery brown, dressing of, .

105

Floss for tag, to fasten off,

Fur, seal's,

to spin, on tying silk, ....

Gitana, dressing of, . . . .

105

Glow-worm, dressing of, .

1 06

Golden olive, to dye,

Gordon, dressing of, . . .

1 06

Grey Eagle, dressing of, .

107

Grey Heron, dressing of, .

107

Grubs, small,

,, to tie,

76, 77

54, 55

Gut,

Gut loops, to make,

. 129, 30

to shape, .

to tie on,

30, 31

8,9

HACKLES, different kinds of,

9, 10

fastening off,

fine-fibred, ....

lefts, curved, ....

length of, .

quantity at throat,

saddle, preferable, .

thick stemmed,

Throat, thick stemmed, .

70, 71

to double, ....

. 63-65

40-42

tying on, throat,

44,45

with curved fibres, .

69, 70

46,47

winding on, ....

Heads, finishing off,

9i, 92

forming, .

9i, 92

wool, ......

Herl for bodies,

wings,

93, 94

Hooks, sizes of,

varieties of, . .

Horns,

JOCK SCOTT, dressing of, .

108

Judge, dressing of,

108

KNEECAP, dressing of,

109

122 INDEX.

PAGE

LADY CAROLINE, dressing of, . . . . 109

Lemon Grey, dressing of, no

MAClNTYRE, dressing of, 1 10

Mixed wings, 84

Mohair, 7

Moth, preserving feathers and furs from, . . 18

NAMES of parts of fly, 22

PARSON, dressing of, 1 1 1

Penpergwm Pet, dressing of, . . . in

Picker, 19

Pliers, . 19

Popham, dressing of, 112

Poynder, dressing of, 113

Purple King, dressing of, . . . . . 113

RED PIRATE, dressing of, 114

Ribbing, number of turns of, . . . 62

to fasten off, 62

to tie in for bodies, .... 50

SCISSORS, 1 8, 19

Silk floss, . .. . . . . . . 7

to wax, 29

Silks, tying, 6

Silver Doctor, dressing of, . . . . 115

Silver Grey, dressing of, 114

Skins, selecting, 17

Spirit, methylated, 20

Spring Grub, dressing of, 115

Strands, right and left, 40

Strips, right and left, 40

TAGS, commencement of, 32 1 1

fur for, .... . 36, 37 16, 17

ribbed with twist, 37

twist only, 37

tying on floss for, . 35 14, 15

tying on twist for, . . . 33, 34 12

Tails, preparing toppings for, .... 38 18

right and left strands for, . . . 39-4 1 20

tying on strands for, .... 45 25

tying on strips for, 43, 44 23, 24

11VJJKX.

123

PACK

FIG.

Tails, tying on toppings for,

tying on whole feathers for,

whole feathers for, .

Thunder and Lightning, dressing of,

116

Tinsels, different kinds of, .

Tippet Grub, dressing of, .

116

Topping over,

. 89, 90

66,6 7

Twist, to strip, ... . .

VARNISH,

Vice, . ....

WAX, .

I 9

Whole feathers in bodies, .

72, 73

Whole feathers in tails,

Wings, built, .....

8? 8q

6l-6q

,, curves in, ....

- 78, 79

U J "3

golden pheasant toppings,

6 9

herl, peacock,

Important points in,

. . 78, 79

length of, ....

mixed,

84-86

6O-62

single strip, ....

. 79-82

56-58

,, under,

. 83

whole feathers used in, .

. . 83

Wool butts, shape of, .

heads,

YELLOW CATERPILLAR, dressing of, . . . 117

EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY PRESS

T. AND A. CONSTABLE

Printers to Her Majesty

MDCCCXCII

Thirty years' experience as an all-round Angler.

FRANCIS M. WALBRAN,

practical Bugler, Hrttetic ffls Bresser,

and Manufacturer of every Description of Rods, Reels, Lines, and
General Fishing Tackle of the best quality only.

THE NORTHERN ANGLERS' DEPOT,
19 NEW STATION STREET, LEEDS.

Salmon and Sea Trout Flies, in great variety, and also dressed to any
pattern, including the whole of the ones mentioned in this book.

Trout and Grayling 1 Flies, more than 250 varieties always in stock,
both on gut or eyed hooks, also dressed to any patterns upon the shortest
notice by our own dressers, and from the very best of materials.

Having correspondents in all parts of the world, F. M. W. is able to give
advice, and supply flies and tackle suitable for any river, no matter where
situated. All Mr. Halford's patterns of floating flies dressed accurately
according to his directions.

Salmon Casts, 3 yards, made from carefully selected Gut, the best quality
ones being tested up to 7 Ibs. Prices, from is. 6d. to 75. 6d. each.

Walbran's Celebrated Greenheart Salmon and Sea Trout Rods

are noted for their superior quality and balance. Trices, from i6s. to 505.

Walbran's ' Wharfedale ' Fly Rod. Stained dull black to prevent
flashing, snake rings, two tops, one for fly and one for spinning, bronze
ferrules and winch fittings, brazed stoppers, in partition bag, Q|, io,
and ii ft., IGS. 6d. each ; 12 ft., us. 6d. each. Superior quality, three
tops, double brazed, solid winch fittings, etc., 2 is.

Walbran's ' Wensleydale ' Fly Rod, made entirely from well-seasoned
greenheart, stained olive green to prevent flashing, snake rings, ring to
hitch fly into, fully fitted in bag complete. 9$, ic4, and n ft., los. 6d.
each. 12 ft., us. 6d. each.

The above two rods are the wonder of every one who has tried them, being
made for use, not show.

Split Cane. Rods, in endless variety, prices from 245. to 4, 45., the

latter being guaranteed for two years.

Walbran's Whole Cane Fly Rod, made from choice selected canes, is
double brazed, solid winch fittings, two tops, II ft. in partition bag, 305.

A Copy Of ' Piscatorial Hints,' containing original articles by R. B.
Marscon (Editor of the Fishing Gazette), E. M. Tod, Andrew Murray,
Alfred Jardine, W. Murdoch, and F. M. Walbran. Crown quarto, 180
pages, 200 illustrations sent to any address on receipt of three penny
stamps (to pay postage only). Both the Field and Pishing Gazette pro-
nounce the above to be beyond doubt the most handsome, complete, and
practical catalogue of Angler's requisites published in Great Britain.

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS-' WALBRAN, LEEDS.'

All Letters and Business Communications to be addressed as above.

Hardy's Celebrated Fishing Rod and Tackle

Only Makers of the following Cane Built and Cane Built Steel Centre Rods.

The 'KELSON,' The 'HI REGAN,' and ' PENNELL ' CELEBRATED SALMON RODS.

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191 STRAND, LONDON, W.C.
MANUFACTURERS OF FIRST CLASS RODS AND TACKLE.

SALMON FLIES A SPECIALITY.

Every description of Material for making Salmon Flies kept in Stock.
Illustrated Catalogue for 1892 Gratis.

CHAS, FARLOW & CO., W Strand, London, W.C.
TO SALMON ANGLERS IN IRELAND

Inventors and Sole Manufacturers of 'Flexible Grip' Salmon and Trout Rods (as used
by R. B. Marston, Esq., Editor Fishing Gazette, and leading anglers throughout the
Kingdom); the 'Ulster' Silk Lines; the 'Semper Flexilis' brand of Waterproof Fishing
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IMPORTERS OF SILKWORM GUT.

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The Fa rater's Gazette says : 'Messrs. Braddell are the largest fishing |tackle makers in
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ESTABLISHED 1811.

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