Bob’s Olive A simple but very effective (well, I would say that…I invented it!) fly that isn’t just restricted to use when olives are about. Originally developed for use at Coniston Hall where olive patterns can excel, I quickly found that this pattern was a ‘must have’ in my fly box. For stillwaters fish it [...]
Olive Buzzer Originally developed for fishing Coniston Hall (see review here) . During much of the season olive flies can do well at Coniston Hall, both buzzer and olive upwing type patterns. I have also had a couple of storming sessions there with sedge pupae representations on curved hooks so I just decided the throw [...]
This is my own variation of the popular stillwater pattern. Designed to imitate a buzzer in the final stages of hatching the shipmans buzzer is an excellent choice when chironomids are coming off the water. Fish it ginked up and static on a long degreased leader but make sure you keep in touch with your [...]
This fly, and its many variants, has to be one of my favourite river patterns and also works well on stillwaters. Fish it on its own or as part of a team where it should be on the point. Materials used: Hook: Size 14 Drennan Carbon Nymph Head: Size 1/8” Gold plated bead Thread: Brown [...]
In my own, albeit limited experience, this dry fly has few equals. Either leave the fly to its own devices or give it the occasional twitch and then wait for something to nail it. Even if no fish are showing I fish this fly with real confidence as it will usually rise a fish or [...]
More new content added to the main site in the fly tying section. Have a read of Bob’s guide to tying his Swinsty Special Lure.
Well I’m geting into the swing of things with this blogging! I’ve decided to upload some pics I took last year which may be of interest to those who tie their own flies (particularly members of Yorkshire Anglers who fish Beaverdyke reservoir!) I brought a rainbow trout home from the reservoir last summer, something I rarely [...]