Jim Holmes – Master Fly Tyer

The Tying Jam is at the GBF clubhouse,
3rd Tue. of each month at 6:30 PM.

Subscribe to the Tying Jam message board forum to receive Jim’s monthly notice on the featured flies and materials list for the upcoming session.

Granite Bay Flycasters Monthly Fly-tying Jam is held at the GBF Clubhouse (Folsom Lake Activity Center) at 6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month (December excluded).

Each month Jim Holmes, with an assist from John Peterson, will be tying seasonal patterns and others that will work for upcoming GBF fishouts.

As always, the Fly Tying Jam is a FREE monthly event. All you need to do is bring a vise, tools and your own materials, plus lots of enthusiasm!  Heck, you can even come to just watch and ask questions if you want.

Free use of the Club’s fly tying vises and tools are also available.  If you think you want to learn to tie flies, but don’t want to spend a lot of money to find out, click here for more information on loaner tying gear and rods/reels too.

Questions about the Fly Tying Jam? Contact Jim Holmes at (916) 967-6709

A Few Educational Links on Fly Tying:

What’s the difference between cape (neck) and saddle hackles.

Kelly Galloup on correcting common tying mistakes.

About different types of Dubbing.

More on dubbing here (from the UK).

About feathers. And here too.

Some good info explaining soft hackles here.

Tying better wing cases, by Skip Morris.

Trout-Fly Proportions, by Skip Morris.

Note: No jam for December.  See you in January!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 19,  2024, 6:30 PM 

Friday November 19, 2024 will be the last Jam of the year. We take the holiday season off to refresh, get presents, and dream of the new year.
Our Jam starts at about 6:30 although we get there a little early if you have any questions or need a little help with a fly tying problem. All levels are welcome, all you need to do is bring your tools and some of the materials…we always have plenty to share so don’t worry if you are missing some items or all of them! This is a free event for members.
Two of the flies this month are interesting because of the materials and the way we tie them. One is a fly that everyone should know how to tie but we are going to use the rotary function of our expensive vises to tie it. It is a great way to tie this fly quickly and it really improves the quality and appearance.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to message me!
WOLLY BUGGER TIED WITH ROTARY VISE
Hook: Mustad 9672 or similar size 4 – 14 (8) 3x long, 2x strong
Thread: Black Uni 6/0 or similar
Tail: Black Marabou with a bit of mirage Flashabou
Rib: Copper wire size med
Body: small or med black chenille or with dubbing loop black buggy nymph
Hackle: Black or grizzly saddle hackle to fit
BLOWTORCH
Hook: 60 degree jig hook 10 – 16 (12)
Bead: 3mm copper slotted tungsten/ some .015 lead
Thread: Fluorescent orange 6/0
Tail: Glo brite Orange #5 or floss
Rib: mirage flashabou with 5x tippet for strength
Body: UV Peacock Ice dub
Collar: CDC Natural
Head: Thread
KLINKHAMMER SPECIAL
Hook: Klinkhammer hook 12 – 24 substitute TMC 2487 (12)
Thread: Uni olive 8/0 or 10/0
Post: White para post
Rib: Ultra wire chartruse size small
Abdomen: Olive super fine or similar
Thorax: Peacock herl
Hackle: dry fly hackle med dun, brown, or similar
Note: This is a fly of many colors. you can use to imitate what is hatching be it mayfly or caddis.

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 15,  2024, 6:30 PM 

The cool October (?) Fly tying Jam wille be held at the GBF Clubhouse October 15th starting at about 6:30. All levels of tiers are welcome as long as you are a GBF Club member. All you need to bring is your tools, some of the materials for the flies as follows and a smile. everything is FREE! If you do not have all of the materials, we always have plenty to share. If you need some equipment, please call and arrangements can be made. This is open to all even if your don’t tie. We often have observers who want to know what tieing is all about.
I have selected three flies that are relatively easy and very fishable now at Crowley, Pyramid, Davis and Frenchman as the water cools in a coupla weeks. Two of the flies are straight from Tom Loe an well known guide from the Mammoth Lakes area and guide flies are often to best. You can make up your own mind.
OLIVE ASSASSIN (TOM LOE)
(Note: this similar to a birds nest!)
Hook: TMC 2302 or Daiichi 1760 12 -18 2x long curved
Bead: To fit silver tungsten if you have it
Thread: 8/0 Olive or 70 Denir
Tail: Marabou overlaid with olive, black and brown
Rib: Chartreuse small wire
Abdomen: Olive Hares ear
Hackle: Mallard flank gold
Thorax: Darker hares ear
BLANACED PUNK PERCH
Hook: Jig Hook size 10
Bead: silver or gold to balance Tungsten is best
Note: I will be providing the pins.
Thread: white 6/0 or 140 Denir
Tail: Marabou Burnt orange with krinkle or flat flashabou 2 strips
Body Base: Holo med Opal
Body: Arizona Simi Seal “Perch” or similar
Eyes (Optional): 4 mm gold jurasic
Head: Resin
TWIST LEECH
Hook: Jig Hook size 8
Bead: 4.0 Tungsten or similar
Tail: Mixture of Dark green Marabou and black dubbing with a bit of flash
Body: dark green crystal chenille and rust crystal chenille

Veil: Opal uv white dubbing

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 17,  2024, 6:30 PM 

Finally it looks like we have a sustained cooler weather this year for our fishing pleasure. I noticed the Truckee is in the 30’s which means that the natural lakes will be cooling bring the fish out of the depths to where we can efficiently fish for them.
Our September Jam will be on the 17th at the GBF Clubhouse. All members are welcome and all levels of tiers are also welcome. We have enjoyed having some new folks at the jam and others who have just come to watch. This is a great way to meet fellow members and learn something, also! All you need to do is bring your equipment and the materials that you may have, we always have plenty to share and enjoy!
The flies this month are flies for everywhere but have been particularly well received by the fish at Heenan. These are general flies that should probably be in most fly boxes. I would rate them “easy” to tie.
If you have any questions or comments or requests, please contact me. John Peterson and I will be at FFS BBQ tying from about 11 to 1 on Saturday. Come on in and say hello!

LANCE’S SWIMMING AP BLACK

(This is one of the AP series of flies with changes)

Hook: Mustad 3906B, TMC 5262, Daiichi 1560, 1x long, 1x strong nymph hook size 12 – 8 (10 for us)
Wt. : .015 lead free wire
Thread: 6/0 0r 100 denir UTC black
Tail: Deer hair died black
Rib: Copper wire, size BR
Abdomen: Buggy Nymph dubbing, black (very fuzzy)
Wingcase: Deer hair, black
Thorax: Buggy Nymph Black
Legs: Deer hair, black
Head: Black thread
HALF BACK (HOT SPOT) PHIL ROWLEY
Hook: TMC 5262, or similar (See above) 6 – 14  (10)
Thread: Black or Hot Orange (prefered) or other bright color 6/0 or 100 denir
Tail: Pheasant tail
Body: Peacock herl spun in wire. (Silver or gold sm or x-sm)
Wingcase: Pheasant tail
Thorax: Peacock herl
Legs: Pheasant tail
ZEBRA MIDGE LARVA AND PUPA VARIANT
1. Hook: TMC 200R 14 or similar
Thread: Black 8/0 UTC
Rib: Silver or gold wire small
Body: Thread
Head: Black Ice dub
2. Hook: same or 2487 size 14 – 22
Bead: gold or silver or white to fit
Thread: same
Rib: same
Body: Same
Gills: orange antron
Head: Same

3. No Sink E-Merger

Hook: TMC 2487 16 – 10 (12)
Thread: Black 8/0 or 70 Denir
Abdomen: Tying thread
Rib: .5 mm Ultra rib or similar
Wing buds: 1/16 foam cylinders or foam white
Thorax: UV Ice Dub, black
Bottom half of wing buds can be colored with orange or red marker.

See you there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 20,  2024, 6:30 PM ~~~ More Denny Rickards plus midges and ants.

I’m sorry about the cancelation of July’s Jam but I ended up on the Umpqua with a very successful fishing trip and rest.
Our next Jam will be on Tuesday, August 20 starting at about 6:30. All levels are invited! At our last session we had two newbs and had a great time getting them started but didn’t get all the flies tied so we are going to finish the slate this time. Most of these flies I would rate as easy but they are all easy if you have the basics.
I have another easy ant that is a good floater, another of Denny’s great flies and I want to continue our discussion of midges and different forms that are deadly starting in the fall.UTC
If you you have any questions, feel free to call or leave a message.
Remember, if you don’t have a material or hook, I always have plenty to share!
SUPER ANT
Hook: 3x dryfly hook like a TMC 5212 or similar 8 – 10
Thread: 6/0 Black UTC
Body: Raineys foam cylinder small or med black or white
Hackle: Black rooster
DENNY’S A.P. EMERGER
Hook: 2xl long nymph hook 10 – 14 (12)
Thread: 6/0 Fl Yellow or similar UTC
Tail: Mallard flak feather dyed yellow/gold
Rib: Chartreuse wire Small
Body: Mixed tan and golden Hare’s ear
Thorax: Peacock Ice Dub
Collar/hackle: Partridge
ZEBRA MIDGE LARVA AND PUPA VARIANT
1. Hook: TMC 200R 14 or similar
Thread: Black 8/0 UTC
Rib: Silver or gold wire small
Body: Thread
Head: Black Ice dub
2. Hook: same or 2487 size 14 – 22
Bead: gold or silver or white to fit
Thread: same
Rib: same
Body: Same
Gills: orange antron
Head: Same
3. Hook: same
Bead: white and red
Thread: Red 8/0 UTC
Rib: Copper wire
Body: Red Thread
Head: red thread

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, July 16,  2024, Cancelled.

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 18,  2024, 6:30 PM ~~~ Denny Rickards Nymphs

Happy summer weather!
It feels like summer has arrived with warmer weather and mosquitos at my house. I was at a mid level lake and it is already a little warm for sucessful trout fishing but the bass and bluegill were accommodating.
The June fly tying jam will be held on Tuesday, June 18 starting at about 6:30. I realize that many of you may be going to Manzanita Lake but the Ja, goes on. All levels of tyers are invited to this free (members only) event. The materials list follows for the flies that we will be tying several that would be great for your box at Manzanita. Take a look at the General Meeting. If you don’t have some items I bring plenty to share!
DENNY’S CALIBEATIS NYMPH
Hook: 2 xl long nymph 10 – 14  (12)
Thread: tan or black 8/0 or 70 Denir
Tail: Mallard flank feather dyed yellow
Rib: Copper wire small
Qverbody: Mallard flank feather dyed yellow
Body: Hare’s ear with guard hairs
Hackle: Grizzly
DENNY’S A.P. EMERGER
Hook: 2xl long nymph hook 10 – 14 (12)
Thread: 6/0 Fl Yellow or similar UTC
Tail: Mallard flak feather dyed yellow/gold
Rib: Chartreuse wire Small
Body: Mixed tan and golden Hare’s ear
Thorax: Peacock Ice Dub
Collar/hackle: Partridge
ZEBRA MIDGE LARVA AND PUPA VARIANT
1. Hook: TMC 200R 14 or similar
Thread: Black 8/0 UTC
Rib: Silver or gold wire small
Body: Thread
Head: Black Ice dub
2. Hook: same or 2487 size 14 – 22
Bead: gold or silver or white to fit
Thread: same
Rib: same
Body: Same
Gills: orange antron
Head: Same
3. Hook: same
Bead: white and red
Thread: Red 8/0 UTC
Rib: Copper wire
Body: Red Thread
Head: red thread

Tying Jam for Tuesday, May21,  2024, 6:30 PM ~~~ Tenkara Flies!

Just a Reminder that John Pellegrin is our guest tier for May and he will be tying Tenkara flies. The following is his list of materials.

These flies have been selected to represent three different hackle styles used, as per Yoshikazu Fujioka’s notebook of kebari types. See my notes on the different styles and what they are good for. All the flies use only 2-3 materials, and are easy to tie. They use different tying procedures than Western flies.

These flies are intended to be fished in the entire water column, using tenkara equipment and techniques, although each one is designed to be particularly good at fishing in certain flow conditions. They are all typically tied on hook sizes 10, 12, or 14, although 12 is the most common.

Upright, stiff, short hackle

Hook: TMC 900BL, #10-14; or any similar straight-shanked dry-fly hook
Thread: black
Hackle: long black saddle feathers, short hackles (ex. Whiting 100’s – #12 size)
Body: black thread
Head: red thread
We will use the Ishigaki quick method for tying.

Reverse soft hackle (sakasa kebari)

Hook: TMC 900BL, #10-14; or any similar straight-shanked dry-fly hook
Thread: black
Hackle: hen pheasant – desirable for its fluidity
Body: ‘condor’ feather barbs (reality is turkey vulture feather barbs)- I will provide

Long, soft, back hackle

Hook: TMC 900BL, #10-14; or any similar straight-shanked dry-fly hook
Thread: black
Hackle: long, soft hen hackle, tan or brown (I will use & provide Greenwell hen feathers)
Body: peacock herl

Don’t worry too much about getting all the exact materials; anything close will do. The hen pheasant hackles for this sakasa kebari is preferred, though.

All of these can be tied in different sizes and colors. The point of doing these flies is really to experience a different tying approach from the typical Western fly approach. Note that with some tenkara flies, the final whip-finish is easier behind the hackle.

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, APR 16,  2024, 6:30 PM

Welcome to Spring Time! With decreasing rain and warming weather it is time to go fishing! Lots of fishouts this month that are fairly local so time to dust off the waders and get too it.
Our April Fly Tying Jam will be held on Tuesday, April 16 starting at about 6:30 at the GBF Clubhouse. All levels are invited even non tiers who just want to see about fly tying. This FREE event requires no invitation, just bring your tools and what materials you have and we can tie at least three flies. Don’t worry about the materials, we always have plenty to share and if you like the flies and can get the materials later.
The flies this month are easy to medium two of which are bugs coming up soon. One is an oldie but good with a neat twist that I found very effective on smallies if they are near the surface.
If you have any suggestions or questions please feel free to communicate!
SPANT
Hook: TMC 100 or 900 0r 102 or similar standard dry fly hook 12-20  (14)
Thread: Black Uni 8/0 or 70 Denir
Gaster: Black Superfine dubbing or similar dry fly dubbing
Wing: Nat deer hair  Note: if you have hock or belly hair it floats a bit better
Hackle: Brown Dry Rooster hackle to fit
Head: Black Superfine same as gaster
Note: You can change the color of gaster/head depending on the “ants” or termites in your area.
GOLD BEAD POSSIE NYMPH  (FLYMPH STYLE FLY)
Hook: Mustad 9671 1x long nymph  hook or similar 10- 14  (12)
Thread: Grey uni 8/0
Bead: 2.8 or similar to fit hook gold  Opt-Use tungsten
Weight: .015 lead (substitute) wire
Tail: Opossum guard hairs or other long hair
Rib: Copper wire size B
Body: Awesome Possum grey or similar  long and scraggly
Hackle: Hair to match body  Note: be sure to have your clip for hair hackle
Note: any long soft hair can be used such as muskrat, rabbit, etc
MOP GURGLER
Hook: TMC 5273, TMC 200 R, TMC 2302 etc any 3x long hook  4 – 8  (6)
Thread: To match body 6/0
Tail: mop
Foam: 3mm closed cell to match body or white
Body: Polar chenille, estaz, or similar that is full of sparkle to represent the belly of bug
Hope to see you there!

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Mar 19, 2024, 6:30 PM

HUMBUG  ( Similar to Bully Bluegill tied last year)
Hook: Mustad 3609B or similar size 10 1xlong, 1xstrong
Thread: Black 6/0 Uni
Body: Black and yellow chenille size medium
Legs: Round rubber white or your choice of color size medium
ERIC’S MIDGE (ERIC PETTINE)
Hook: TMC 100 or 101 or similar dry fly hook 1x fine 18 – 26! (That is not a misprint) We can do 16 to show pattern
Thread: 8/0 Uni grey or black or smaller i.e. 10/0 black
Shuck (tail): Grey antron/ brown antron
Shellback: 1mm Black or Grey razor foam
Body: Thread
Hackle: Blue Dun dry fly hackle
Sighter or Hot Spot: Hot Pink/Orange Antron or similar
QUIGLEY’S FILM CRITIC
Hook: TMC 2487 14 – 18 1x fine 2x short curved hook or similar
Thread: Dk Brown 8/0 Uni
Tail: Dyed gold mallard flank feather
Tail: Brown Antron
Rib: Copper wire size Fine
Body: Grey-olive Superfine dubbing or similar fine dubbing
Wing: Dun Poly (Antron) Yarn (Used as post)
Hackle: Dun Dry fly

Throax: same as body

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Feb 20,  2024, 6:30 PM

IDAHO NYMPH
Hook: Mustad 9671 TMC 3969, or similar 2x long  8 – 12
Thread: UTC Black 6/0
Wt (Opt): .020 lead (substitute) wire
Tail: Black marabou (substitute Black saddle hackle)
Body: A. Black marabou with small copper wire rib
         B. Black wool, ostrich herl and silver wire
Wing case: White wool or poly or goose wing
Thorax: Peacock Herl with black saddle hackle palmered or tied as beard
Head: Peacock herl
GENERIC FURLED SPINNER
Hook: Dahiichi 1130, TMC 2457, or similar 2x short, lx fine wire 10 – 20  (14)
Thread: 8/0 White UTC
Abdomen: Gray or Tan Antron, furled
Wings: Same color
Throax: Same color Antron dubbing
Float: 2 or 3 mm white foam
SKWALAFIED  (KEN HANLEY)
Hook: Daiichi 1270 or TMC 200R 6 – 12 3x long curved straight eye (8)
Thread: 6/0 or 8/0 Dark Brown UTC
Eyes (Opt): Small or X sm black plastic
Abdomen: Combo Dk brn, tan, gold furled
Thorax: Gold or Golden stone dubbing
Underwing: Raffia or Swiss straw trimmed
Overwing: Golden brown or rusty brown or natural deer hair
Float: 2 or 3 mm fly foam white or brown
Head: lt hare’s ear dubbing
Legs: Med yellow rubber or similar

Any questions, give me a call!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Jan 16,  2024, 6:30 PM

THE USUAL    (FRAN BETTERS) 
Hook: TMC 100  12 – 22  (I am using 14 to show)
Thread: Flor red or orange 6/0 or 140 Denir
Tail: Snowshoe foot hair – White or your choice
Wing: Same
Body: Same (use underfur from wing for dubbing)
Note: this is a take off on the Haystack also by Fran but with deer hair. this one floats better!
HOGAN’S WINTER LEECH
Hook: Mustad 9672, TMC 5263, TMC 2302 or other 3x long hook size 10-6  (8)
Bead: Brass to fit hook 1/8 or so
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Your choice of mohair yarn I have a lot of samples to share.  Claret, black, grey, olive, etc will work.
Body: Same
Legs: small or medium to match body
Veil: UV Ice Dub or similar in light color
Note: I have samples of a mohair leech so you can compare and contrast which you may prefer.
DECEIVER  (LEFTY KREH)
Note: Although envisioned as a salt water fly, this works great anywhere there are minnows    !
Hook: TMC 200 S size 2 or 4
Thread: White 3/0 or flat waxed nylon
Tail: Saddle hackle feathers white
Flash: Silver Flasabou
Body: Diamond Braid Pearl
Collar: 1. White bucktail
          2.  Misc color bucktail such as green, grey, yellow, chart
          3.  Peacock herl
Throat: Red marabou
Eyes(opt): stick on with resin head

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 14,  2023, 6:30 PM

SLUMPBUSTER (JIG STYLE – SMALL)
Hook: Jig hook 8 – 12 Long shank Choice of Brands
Thread: Black 8/0 or 6/0
Bead: Slotted Brass or colored Tungsten if possible 4.2 mm or so
Wire: Silver or gold size BR
Body: Sparkle Braid your choice or color white/silver/gold/etc
Tail/overbody: Pine Squirrel or rabbit olive or black
Collar: Same as body
AIR HEAD CADDIS (GARY LAFONTAIN)
Hook: TMC 100 10 – 12 or similar
Thread: UTC 10/0 or 8/0 Tan or olive
Tail/egg sack: Antron Yarn Olive or yellow
Body: Dry fly dubbing tan or your choice of color
Wing: bleached Elk or deer hair  ok to sub nat color
Head: thin packing foam
Thorax; CDC feathers
Note: bring along your clips
CORN FED CADDIS EMERGER  (EGAN)
Hook: TMC 100 Dry fly hook 12 – 16  (12)
Thread: UTC 8/0 or 6/0 tan
Tail: Antron tan
Body: Tan Superfine or your choice (olive grey black, etc)
Underwing: CDC Feathers dun or Nat
Over wing/sighter: White Para post or poly yarn
Head: CDC feathers
Hope to see you there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 17,  2023, 6:30 PM

CK NYMPH (CHUCK KRAFT)
Hook: Mustad 9672, TMC 5263, or similar 3x long hook 12 – 14
Weight: .020 lead (sustitute)
Tail: Wood Duck died yellow or gold
Body: Peacock herl
Body: palmered grizzly soft rooster (you can use some unusable feathers here!)

BEAD HEAD EMERGING CADDIS PUPA similar to Gary LaFontaine

Hook: Orvis Czeck nynph, TMC 2457 or 2488, or similar 1x or 2x shork wide gap 12 – 18
Thread: Black 12/0 or 8/0
Bead: 3/32 gold or tungsten for size 12 or to fit
Weight: .015 lead
Overbody: carded brown Antron or to match color of bug
Rib: to contrast with body-dark brown here
Body: Here, orange dubbing or to match bug such as olive, black, brown, etc
Hackle: Partridge
Collar/head: peacock herl

AIRY CADDIS PUPA

Hook: TMC 2488 or similar 14 – 10
Thread: brown or black 8/0
Bead: copper or black 3/32 for 12
Weight: .020 lead
Overbody: Antron (prepared off hook)
Body: orange dubbing
Legs: CDC feather natural
Wing stub: Swiss straw black
Throax: Sparkle dubbing such as Tri-global or similar dark

If you have any questions, please give me a shout!!!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 19,  2023, 6:30 PM

THE BLOB (TEQULIA COLORS)

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 8 – 12
Thread: To match body color
Tail: (Optional) Minnow flash or bright marabou to match or contrast with body
Body: Back-chartreuse Jelly front – orange sunburst jelly  (we will discuss this material- FFS has a limited supply)
Note: other colors that are especially effective are Daphnia Fritz -Zest, Rutland snail, Safety orange

BALANCED LEECH – THIN MINT (Balanced leech without an extension)

Hook: 60 degree Jig Hook 10 – 12 such as XC 400 BL
Bead: Tungsten Insta Jig 1/8 (Main feature of this fly)
Thread: 6/0 Black or 140 Denir
Tail: two tone white/brown or black cranberry marabou
Body: Pheasant tail
Collar/hot spot: Ice chartreuse

X-CADDIS (Emerger similar to Elk Hair caddis but easier)

Hook: TMC 9300 12 – 16 (14 for us) or similar
Thread: 8/0 Black or 70 Denir or tan
Shuck (Tail): Z-lon or Sparkle yarn tan
Body: Fine natural dubbing to match hatch grey, tan, black, etc
Wing: Natural cow elk (stacked)

Hope to see you there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 15,  2023, 6:30 PM

It’s August already and although the waters are warm they will soon be cooling. It is also time for hoppers and other terrestrials before we get into the fall bite. the featured times for our jam just fit the bill!
The Jam will be held on Tuesday, August 15 at the GBF Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. The air conditioning works fine in the building so it is nice and cool for your fly tying enjoyment. This is a free event and all GBF members are invited no matter their fly tying skill level. The following material list is for to flies we will be tying but if you don’t have something we always have plenty to share.
This is also a great time to come and talk about flies in general if you have special questions. Any questions, give me a shout!

RICKARDS SILVER MINNOW (TWO WAYS)
Number 1
Hook: TMC 2457 6 or 8 or similar
Thread: Black 6/0
Wing: 1.  White Marabou
2.  Crystal Flash
3.  Gray Marabou
4.  Polar Ice mixed colors
Number 2
Hook: TMC 9672 or similar 3x long
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: White marabou
Body: White or crystal chenille or straggle
Wing: as above
Note: The marabou that Denny uses is long and thin…….

FOAM CRICKET (MORMON CRICKET)

Hook: TMC 100 or TMC 900 10 – 14 or similar Std dry fly hook
Thread: Black UTC 6/0 or 140 Denir
Body: 2mm black foam
Legs: Black round rubber small or medium
Wing: Deer hair
Sighter: orange/yellow foam
Note: You will need super glue or similar for the body

GYSPY KING

Hook: Daichii 1280 or TMC 5212 or similar 6 – 8 2x long 1x fine
Thread: Black 6/0 or 140 Denir UTC
Rib: Sm or Fine Copper wire
Body: Peacock herl
Foam wing: Brown 2mm foam
Flash: Crystal Flash
Wing: Stacked elk hair
Legs: Medium brown rubber round
Hackle: Grizzly saddle

Hope to see ‘ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, July 18,  2023, 6:30 PM

SHEEP CREEK SPECIAL

Hook: TMC 2302, TMC 200R, or any 3x long hook 6 – 12
Thread: Black 8/0 or 6/0
Hackle: Brown (Dry fly quality)
Rib(opt): copper wire BR size
Body: Peacock herl or olive vernille or your choice
Wing: Mallard flank feather nat or dyed yellow

BLACK BEETLE FROM SON TAO

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar size 12 – 16 2x short, 2x strong
Thread: UNI Black 6/0 or 8/0
Body: 2 mm black or gray foam with peacock herl
Slighter foam: Yellow 2 mm
Legs: Midge crystal flash

BALLON CADDIS ALSO SPELLED BALOON CADDIS

Hook: TMC 900 BL 12 – 16 or similar
Thread: 70 Denir or 8/0 Tan
Hot spot (opt): chartreuse floss or dubbing
Body: spikey dubbing like squirrel in gray or ginger
Foam: 2mm Orange or yellow foam
Wings: Nat elk hair or deer hair
Thorax: same as body.

Any questions, give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 20,  2023, 6:30 PM

TIMBERLINE EMERGER,  RANDALL KAUFMAN
Hook: TMC 9671, Mustad 3906B, Tmc 5212, any 1x long, 1x strong hook 10-16
Thread: Gray 8/0 or 70 Denir
Tail: Gray Marabou/ Grizzly marabou
Rib: Copper fire sm
Body: Gray fuzzy dubbing
Wings: Grizzly hackle tips
Hackle: Brown hen feather
MEGA PRICE
Hook: TMC 5262 or similar (Think wooly bugger hook) 6 – 10 (8 for sample)
Bead: Gold or Copper to fit  2.8 mm or 5/32 should fit
WT: lead wire .015
Thread: Black UTC or Vevus 8/0 opf 70 Denir
Trail: Brown/olive Grizzly marabou
Legs: Olive/Green flake crazy legs or silli legs
Body: Peacock Herl
Rib: Copper or silver size BR wire
Collar #1: Brown Hen hackle
Collar #2: Peacock ice dub
Wings: White goose biots
PHEASANT RUMP BAITFISH  –  BRAMMER
Hook: Ahrex or TMC 811 – S size six (Saltwater style hook, very sturdy maybe in you bass hook section)
Thread: .006 mono 100 denir Danville. Note: this is clear tying thread which a lot of folks are using!
Tail: PT Rump feather
Body: PT Rump + gray marabou
Wing: PT Rump
Eyes: 3/16 Sticker eyes pearl
Any questions, message me!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, May 16,  2023, 6:30 PM

Our fly tying jam will be held Tuesday, May 16 at the GBF Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. All members are welcome whether or not you tie flies. Also, all levels are welcome. All you need to bring is your equipment; we always have plenty of materials to share. If you like the flies you can buy more materials.
On Tuesday we have a guest tier, John Pelligren, our resident Tenkara expert. He has prepared the following materials list and comments. These are very easy flies to tie so they are great for a beginner. They are also very effective as I can attest personally.

These flies have been selected to represent three different hackle styles used, as per Yoshikazu Fujioka’s notebook of kebari types. See my notes on the different styles and what they are good for. All the flies use only 2-3 materials and are easy to tie. They use different tying procedures than Western flies.

These flies are intended to be fished in the entire water column using tenkara equipment and techniques although each one is designed to be particularly good at fishing in certain flow conditions. They are all typically tied on hook sizes 10,12, or 14, although 12 is the most common.

UPRIGHT, STIFF, SHORT HACKLE
Hook: TMC 100, TMC 900 BL, TMC 9300, or similar 10 – 14 dry fly hook
Thread: Black 8/0 or 6/0 (Ed note: 8/0 gives and skinnier but 6/0 is faster to tie)
Hackle: Black saddle hackle to fit hook
Body: peacock herl

REVERSE SOFT HACKLE (SAKASA KEBARI)

Hook: Short curved hook like a TMC 2457 or TMC 2487 2x short, 2x strong
Thread: Black 8/0 or 6/0
Hackle: Hen pheasant or partridge
Body: Black dubbing with antron

LONG, SOFT, BLACK HACKLE

Hook: TMC 100, TMC 900Bl, as above
Thread: Black
Hackle: long, soft hen hackle tan or brown
Body: Black dubbing or peacock herl

Don’t worry too much about getting all the exact materials; anything close will do. The hen pheasant hackles for this sakasa kebari is prefered, though.
All of these can be tied in different sizes and colors. The point of doing these flies is really to experience a different tying approach form the typical Western fly approach. Note that with some tenkara flies, the final whip finish is behind the hackle!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, April 18,  2023, 6:30 PM

BULLY’S BLUEGILL SPIDER

Hook: TMC 100 or similar 8 – 12 ok to use any standard length hook.
Wt: .020 lead (substitute) wire
Thread: 6/0 to match body
Body: small or med vernille or similar
Wing/legs: round legging material to match body or bright colors

Possible colors: black, brown, white, chartreuse, yellow, olive, hot pink

CALLIBAETIS CRUNCHER (Phil Rowley)

Hook: Mustad 3906, Daichii 1550, TMC 3967 or similar 12 – 14
Thread: Olive 8/0 UTC
Tail: Pheasant tail or neck hackle
Rib: Gold wire small or Krinckle flash or gold holographic
Body: Pheasant tail
Throax: Straggle brown or UV ice dubbing
Hackle: Brown hen neck hackle or similar

TIM’S WATER BOATMAN

Hook: TMC 3769 or similar
Wt: .015 wire lead
Bead: Black metallic “killer caddis” or similar
Thread: 8/0 Olive UTC
Backshell: Thin Skin with lateral scale stripe
Body: Lt olive UV ice dub
Legs: Sexifloss olive or sililar
Head: same as body

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Mar 21,  2023, 6:30 PM

Our March Jam will be held on the 21st at the GBF clubhouse in Granite Bay starting ab out 6:30. All members and skill levels are welcome! The only thing that you really need to bring is your fly tying equipment and a lot of enthusiasm. If you can, you can bring the following materials but if you don’t have something, we always have plenty to share. This is a great time to talk about fly tying and if you have any problems or questions with your flies this is a great place to fine the answers.
Our flies this month are a lot of fun to tie including one that is made mostly from the skin of a ringneck pheasant. if you happen to have one of those, bring it along! Another is from a material new to me which I am sharing to see what you think. The Skawala is an older pattern that is published this month in the leader and predates the Unit Skawala by John Biaochi which can be found at the top the the message board. I am going to make a few suggestions that make it even better than the original.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions for for flies please give me a shout!

BALANCED WATER WORM

Hook: Matsu L2 short jig hook size 8 or similar 3x wide, 2x short
Thread: Black 6/0 UTC or similar
Bead: 4 mm Brite or gold
Tail: Puesdo Worm (like squirmy wormy) various colors
Body: UV Chenille to match the tail like Straggle. Colors include black, brown, red, olive

“THE BUG” – BRAMMER GUNNAR

Hook: Ahrex NS 118 6 – 8 or similar or TMC 300 8 4x long
Thread: 6/0 UTC Black or brown or similar
Eyes: silver bead chain large/x-large
Tail: Pheasant Tail Marabou
Body: Simi seal Black with red or similar ((Any long dubbing material will do)
Collar: PT rump (like on a spey fly)
Head: PT stem + dubbing mixed

SKWALA STONEFLY ADULT BILL CARNAZZ0 – JIM COLEMAN

Hook: Daiichi 1260, size 8 – 12 We will use a 10. or any 1x light, 2x long hook like tmc 5212
Thread: Olive 8/0 or similar
Tail: Moose body hair
Body: Pale yellow dubbing superfine or similar dry fly type dubbing
Ribbing: Black V-rib, midge size
Egg sac: Black dubbing
Underwing: Black crystal flash
Wing: Same as tail (original) – 2 mm black foam
Post: Calf body hair or poly white
Hackle: Grizzly dyed brown or brown dry fly hackle
Legs: Black or brown round or stretch floss

Hope to see ‘ya there!

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Feb 21,  2023, 6:30 PM

Our Fly Tying Jam for February will be held on the 21st of February at the Granite Bay Flycasters Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. All members are welcome regardless of experience for this free event.m All you have to do is show up, no reservations are necessary. Just bring your equipment and what you have from the following materials list and have fun tying a few flies. If you don’t have all the materials, we always have plenty to share! Even if you don’t tie and just want to come and see what fly tying is all about you are very welcome!
The flies for this month are medium easy. They are from a variety of places including Appalachia. ONe is a $6.00 fly when bought in the store and you are gonna ask why. The last fly is part of the fill your box series from last year when one of our members didn’t have this fly during a very popular hatch. This is the time to go through your boxes, check the flies for rust and make a list of the most popular. Soon the sun will be shining and you will want to be fishing not just tying flies!
See ‘ya there!

YALLAW HAMMER FLY

Hook: Mustad 9762 or TMC 5263 or similar (3x long) 10 – 14
Thread: 8/0 or 70 denier Yellow
Wt: .020 lead substitute
Tail: Yellow grizzly hackle fibers
Rib: medium copper wire
Body: Yellow wool or chenille
Hackle: Flight feathers from a yellow flicker or yellow biot feathers

Note: This is very popular in the south for pan fish

MINI MR. HANKEY FLY

Hook: TMC 7999 or 7989 size 4 or similar
Thread: Veevus or UTC 6/0 or similar Black
Trailer connection: 20# Maxima
Trailer hook: Octopus 4 – 6
Tail: Stripped zonker strip
Body: Pine squirrel or rabbit zonker strip cross cut if possible
Back: 2mm brown foam trimmed
Legs: Brown med round rubber legs
Whiskers: Pearl Krystal flash

CUTTER’S PERFECT ANT WITH WINGS

Hook: TMC 100 standard dry fly hook 10 – 16 or TMC 900 BL or 9300 or similar
Thread: 8/0 or 70 Denier black UTC or similar
Abdomen: Black Antron or ice dubbing
Thorax: Same
Overbody: Black deer hair
Wing: White CDC feathers
Hackle: Brown dry fly hackle

Note: you can use 1-2 mm foam as the overbody but Ralph says that it should float lower.

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Jan 17,  2023, 6:30 PM

Happy New Year!
I am VERY happy that 2022 is in the rear view mirror and am looking forward to a much better 2023.
Our first Jam will be held on Tuesday, January 17 at the GBF Clubhouse. All levels of tyers are invited to either tie or even just observe this FREE event. If you want to tie, just bring your normal fly tying equipment and the materials as listed. Even if you don’t have all the materials I always have plenty of FREE extras.
My new model is to start with a “easy” fly with few materials and then go on to something a bit more challenging. Just because they are “easier” to tie doesn’t make them any less effective as you will see with the following flies.
If you have any questions/suggestions free to contact me and we’ll try to accomodate.

CYBERT MINNOW (FROM OUR FRIENDS IN SO. TEXAS)

Hook: Mustad 9672 3x long or similar 10 – 2 (8)
Eyes: chain bead size med silver or black
Thread: 6/0 Chartreuse or white
Body: Chartreuse ultra chenille or pearl body tubing or any other color
Overbody: Mylar tubing pearl small for smaller flies, med for larger flies

PAT’S RUBBER LEGS MANY WAYS/GIRDLE BUG stone fly

Hook: Mustad 9672, Dirichii 1730, or similar 3x long 8 – 10- 12
Wt. : .020 tungsten wire
Thread: 140 Den/6/0 UTC Dark Brown
Bead: Blk 3.8 or 4.0 mm or 5/32 to fit hook
Tail/legs/antenna: Med yellow or white round rubber legging materials (Pats)
Speckled floss small for gridle bug
Body: Coffee/black chenille for Pats size med
variegated Girdle bug small or med

APPS WORM – PETER APPLEBY/PHIL ROWLEY

Hook: TMC 2457 8 or similar
Thread: Glo brite floss or similar yellow
Legs, etc: bright floppy material small like flexi floss orange or yellow

These are fun flies that are good right now! See ‘ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 15,  2022, 6:30 PM

Our Fly Tying Jam will be held on Tuesday, Nov 15, at the GBF Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. All members of the GBF Family are invited to participate or observe. This is a FREE event. I have plenty of materials to share if you don’t have something.
All levels of tyers are welcome. I have three flies, one easy, one medium, and one a little more difficult. These are all good flies that tend toward Lake Pyramid now and during the winter. If you are cold tolerant, Pyramid can be a good winter alternative. However, these flies will work everywhere and deserve a spot in your box.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free give contact me!

ALBINO WINO

Hook: Firehole 316 size 10 or any curved hook TMC 2302, Darichii 1760, or similar (size 12)
Bead: White to fit
Thread: 6/0 UTC wine
Rib: Copper or Black wire size Brassie or small
Body: Wine Holographic

JAN’S TUI CHUB (IMPROVED)

Hook: Firehole 839 (4) or any 3x long hook such as TMC 9672, TMC 5263, etc (8 – 2) (6 for me)
Thread: 6/0 or 140 Denir black UTC or similar
Tail/wing: Olive Rabbit strip Zonker style
Body: UV Polar chenille silver and tan cactus or crystal chenille

PEANUT BUTTER BASS FLY (EP INSPIRED)

Hook: (original) SL 12S Short 2/0 or TMC 2457 4 – 6 or other 1x or 2x short shank hook
Thread: (original) mono .006 or white 8/0 Semperfi or UTC style thread
Tail: Flashabou to match body or clear
Body: Any two contrasting EP Fibers such as Sparkle Yellow/white, tan/golden olive, or similar. EP fibers are unique but other fibers may work. This is an experiment in action.
Eyes: 4 mm to fit

If you have a cauterizing tool it would help with seating the eyes.

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 18,  2022, 6:30 PM

Happy (relatively) cool October. Our October Jam will be held on October 18 at the GBF Clubhouse starting at about 6:30 still DST. All members are welcome to attend even if you don’t tie. This is a great chance to see what fly tying is all about or get started with a new part of your fishing experience. You Don’t have to tie the flies that we tie, you can just join in spirt.
The following materials list is what it takes to tie these flies but if you don’t have some of it or any of it wee always have plenty to share…all FREE! If you have any questions about the flies or fly tying in general feel free to contact me via text or phone anytime.
One more thing, while researching these flies I went to the GBF Web Site and under Library or Tech Talk>Articles>Bill’s caddis series I was reminded about all the great flies for fishing the October Caddis on the Upper Sac. If I were going on that Fishout, I would definitely be carrying some of each of those flies. Check it out!!!!!

ICE CREAM CONE

Hook: TMC 2457 8 – 20 (14) OR SIMILAR 2x short, 2x strong
Bead: White glass or colored tungsten
Thread: UTC red 8/0 or to match body
Rib: Silver wire midge
Body: Midge vinyl ribbing red or your choice of colors: black, olive, brown, yellow

OCTOBER CADDIS SOFT HACKLE

Hook: TMC 2457 or TMC 2488 or TMC 2302 or similar 8 – 12 (10)
Thread: 6/0 Uni or UTC Rusty Brown or similar
Bead: Black tungsten or nickle 7/64 or 2.8 mm
Body: Opt #1: Kiley or scud back nymph skin rust
Opt #2: Orange or October Caddis Buggy Dub with copper wire (med) rib
(Opt) Wings: Chocolate Antron
Hackle: Dyed Black Hen
Thorax: Black UV Ice Dub
Throax: Orange UV Ice Dub

THE MUDDOLATOR (Paul Shortleff-J. Stockard)

Hook: TMC 5262 or Daiichi 1710 or similar 2x long 1x strong 2 – 12 (8)
Thread: Black 8/0 UTC or similar
Tail: Nat Elk Hair
Body Hackle: Grizzly or Dun
Body: 2 x 2 mm Foam orange or yellow colored on one side
Under wing: Tan UV Krystalflash or similar
Middle wing: CDC Natural or Tan
Overwing: Dark Turkey coated
Collar: Natural Deer Hair Stacked
Head: Natural Deer Hair: Trimed

Note: Be sure to have your stacker and a double sided razor blade for trimming! I will have a few to pass out also!

Hope to see you all there!

Jim

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 20,  2022, 6:30 PM

Our September fly tying jam will be on the 20th at the GBF Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. all members at all levels of tying are invited. Even if you don’t tie, you are welcome to come and watch and see what fly tying is all about.  Hopefully by the meeting night the weather will have changed and we will have a very comfortable room to work.

You do not have to tie the flies featured but if you do the materials list follows for these easy of medium flies. If you don’t have all or any of the materials, we always have plenty to share. Just bring your equipment and we can set you up.

If you have and questions or comments, feel free to contact me!

SIMPLE SNOWSHOE EMERGER (MAX BROWZ)

Hook: TMC 5262, Mustad 3609-B, or similar (1x long, 2x strong) 24 – 16
Thread: 6/0 Olive
Tail: Pheasant tail fibers
Body: PT fibers
Wing: Snowshoe rabbit foot nat or white

SOFTSHOE FLY (JERRY SHRIGCOCK)

Hook: 3609 – B or similar 1x long, 1x strong 10 – 18
Thread: 8/0 Brown UTC
Rib: gold oval tinsel small
Tail: PT fibers
Body: buggy dubbing Hare’s ear color
Hackle: Partridge

STRAGGLE MINNOW

Hook: Jig Hook 8 – 12
Thread: 6/0 Chartreuse
Bead: 3.5 mm slotted silver or gold
Pin: Balanced leech pin or straight pin
Tail: White and olive long dubbing material such as Senyo
Body: Olive straggle with white Senyo
Veil: white Senyo
Collar: red or chartreuse

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 16,  2022, 6:30 PM

MIDGE

Hook: TMC 100 or similar 12 – 24 use 14 for jam
Thead: 6/0 or 140 Denir any color
Body: Thread
Hackle: Grizzly or brown…dry fly quality

Note: This is the easy fly

CADDIS EMERGER (BEAD BODY)

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 12 – 14
Thread: 8/0 or 70 Denir black
Beads: Caddis green seed beads or similar
Dubbing: Olive hares ear or similar
Wingcase: Med flashabou or thin skin
Legs: Partridge

GENERIC AP HUMPY

Hook: TMC 100 10 – 16 use 12 for Jam
Thread: 8/0 or 70 Denir Yellow
Wing: Stacked natural deer hair
Tail: Moose hair
Back: Stacked deer hair
Body: Yellow floss
Hackle: Grizzly and Brown dry fly hackle

On everybody’s list of top dry flies!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, July 19,  2022, 6:30 PM

GRUMPY FRUMPY (FLY FISH FOOD)

Hook: TMC 9300 Diachii 1180, TMC 5212 or similar 10 – 14
Thread: Camel 6/0
Tail: Brown Zlon or Antron
Body: Yellow floss
Overbody: 2mm foam tan
Wing: White antron or EP fibers
Hackle: Grizzly and brown dry fly quality
Band: 8/0 or 70 Denir red
Legs: cream

MINI CHERNOBYL ANT PATTERN

Hook: TMC 100, Dahehii 1280 or TMC 5212 10 – 16
Thread: Black 6/0 or 140 Denir
Tail/hot spot: Chartreuse floss/ rootbeer midge flash
Body: Black Antron dubbing (no rabbit or absorbent materials!)
Overbody: 2mm Black foam
Wing: White Antron
Legs: Round rubber black or brown med

CADDIS EMERGER

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 12 – 14
Thread: 8/0 or 140 Denir black
Beads: Caddis green seed beads or similar
Dubbing: Olive hares ear or sililar
Wingcase: Med flashabou or thin skin
Legs: Partridge

Hope to see you there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 21,  2022, 6:30 PM

Our June Fly tying Jam will be held on June 21 one week later than normal due to the heavily attended Manzanita Lake Fishout. (Have fun, Guys!)
All levels of tiers are welcome to this free event. All you have to do is bring your equipment and as many of the materials listed…we always have plenty of extra to share!
The Water Walker is from Mike Bean the speaker last month who said this is one of their best flies for the salmon fly hatch. We are going to change it up a bit and use it for a hopper with the same techniques of tying. One of our members mentioned a Two Bit Hooker which also looks like a great fly that can be tied with several types of materials. With the first fly and this one I think would make a great hopper/dropper combo.
The last fly is random that I saw from a guy in west Texas but it is so easy I though you might be intrigued!
If you have any questions give me a shout!

WATER WALKER (WILL DUNNAN)

Hook: TMC 5263 8 – 12 or similar
Thread: UTC 6/0 Brown 140 Denir
Body Dubbing: (stone) Caddis brown (Hopper) Lt yellow buggy
Body wing: Lt tan or rootbeer 2mm foam
Overwing : 1mm or .05 razor foam tan
Flash: Krystal flash rootbeer or tan
Legs: medimum round black or brown
Strike indicator: Orange 2mm foam

TWO BIT HOOKER (CHARLIE CRAVEN)

Hook:TMC 100 or TMC 102Y 16 – 20 or similar
Bead: 1/16 brass for 12 or 14 smaller hook, smaller bead
Thread: UTC 8/0 olive or 70 Denir
Tail: Partridge or black hen
Body: Brown or black 140 Denir or 6/0
Rib: tying thread
Casing: Med Pearl flash a bou
Throax: Dry fly style dubbing like superfine tan
Legs: Partridge

UV stripe

Note: This is very similar to the Mercer Micro mayfly but easier and heavier

PERDIBUGGER (STEVE JOHNSON)

Hook: TMC 5262 8 – 14
Bead: To fit
Thread: To match body 6/0 Black
Tail: Black Marabou bushy
Body: Thread covered with Black holographic tape

Cover all with UV.

Note: can be tied in a variety of colors

Good fishing! See ‘ya on the 21st!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 6:30 PM

Our May Fly Tying Jam will be held on Tuesday, May 17, starting at the GBF Clubhouse.
We have somethings that are especially interesting this month! John Peterson has a fly that he will present that is like a Game Changer and he is supplying all all the materials (as follows). This is a great looking fly and I think you will all be impressed. If we have time, I am doing a very simple fly with a twist and discussion about jig hooks. It could give you some ideas to go on with this type of hook!
As always, all members are invited even if you don’t tie and just want to watch what fly tiers do. All you need to bring is your equipment and a smile…we have lots of materials to share.
Any Questions, Give me a shout!

I will provide in packages: (from John)

White 210d thread or gel spin
Shank
Wire
#6 Octopus up eye hook
Small dumbell eyes
Pearl flat flash (body)
Ice Wing (underwing)
White rabbit or fox (belly)
Olive barred maribou (underwing)
Olive rabbit zonker strip
Olive pen

PHEASANT TAIL NYMPH

Hook: Jig hook…Firehole 516 or Umpqua 400bl of similar 12
Bead: Optional to fit
Thread: Black 8/0
Tail: Pheasant tail
Rib: Copper wire small
Body: Pheasant tail
Wingcase: Turkey Tail
Abdomen: Peacock herl
Legs: Partridge

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Apr 19, 2022, 6:30 PM

Our next Fly Tying Jam will be held Tuesday, April 19, at the GBF Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. All GBF members are welcome to either just observe or tie along or tie something to amaze us. All you need to bring is your equipment and some materials (following)…I always have plenty of supplies to share. Just a reminder, this is all FREE!
The first fly is courtesy of Eric Palmer and since since shad season is right around the corner it gives something new to throw at the fish. The other two flies are also near the start of the season. The Straggle caddis is a simpler elk hair caddis faster to tie and just as good. The damsel nymph is just about ready for our lower lakes.
Anyway…any questions, give me a shout!

LUDEMANN SHAD FLY (1950’S WITH A NOD TO 2022)

Hook: Original eagle claw 1197N now Daiichi 2117 or any 2x strong nynph hook 10 – 6
Thread: White 6/0 or 140 Denir
Tail: Red saddle hackle or marabou
Weight: .020 Lead wire or similar
Body: Medium or large oval gold or silver tinsel
Hackle: White saddle hackle
Thorax: Chenille to match tail
Head: White thread

Note: Can be tied in lots of colors like yellow, pink, chartreuse etc

STRAGGLE CADDIS

Hook: TMC 100 or similar 16 – 12
Thread: White 8/0 or 70 Denir
Body: Straggle or similar like estaz etc
Under wing: CDC dun or nat
Overwing: Elk hair or deer hair (bring your stacker!)

HOVERING DAMSELFLY NYMPH

Hook: TMC 200 R or TMC 5263 or similar 3x long hook 12 – 8
Thread: Olive 6/0 or 140 Denier
Tail: Olive marabou
Abdomen and wing case: Olive 1mm foam
Thorax: Olive buggy dubbing like rabbit or similar
Legs: tan hen hackle
Eyes: Olive round foam or black plastic

Comments or questions, message me!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Mar 15, 2022, 6:30 PM

Beware the Ides of March…….the future is told in the stars!

Our next Jam will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at the GBF Clubhouse. The Jam starts officially at about 6:30 but we are usually there earlier if you have questions. The Jam is for all levels….all you have to do is bring your equipment or arrange for me to have some for you. The Materials list is optional…I always have plenty of extra for FREE!
The flies this month are really fun including a feather wing. I don’t think I have done one for the jam so this is a new experience.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to post or send me a message either text or e-mail.

Leadwing Coachman

Hook: regular wet fly hook 1x long, 1x strong TMC 3761, Mustad 3906B, or similar 16 – 10
Thread: Black 6/0
Tag: Gold Holo or flat tinsel
Rib: Silver or Gold or copper wire size small
Body: Peacock herl
Hackle: Brown or grizzly hen hackle
Wing: Mallard duck quill in white or grey

GYSPY KING (FLY FISH FOODS COLORS)

Hook: TMC 300 R or similar 3x long 6 – 12
Thread: 6/0 white flat waxed nylon or similar
Under body: Floating poly yarn
Body: 2mm foam chart
Underwing: 3 strands Flahabou chart
Wing: Elk hair or Deer hair Natural
Legs: round rubber med yelloe or chart
Hackle: Grizzly hen or webby rooster

THE 88 (FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE AND PENSILVANIA AREA)

Hook: Mustad 9671 or similar 2x or 3 x long
Thread: UTC 140 or 6/0 Black
Abdomen: Ultra wire red or copper Med
Throax: Green floss or yarn
Wing: Dyed yellow woodduck or mallard
Hackle: Grizzly hen hackle

See ‘ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Feb 15, 2022, 6:30 PM

Our February Fly Tying Jam will be held on Tuesday, February 15 starting at about 6:30.
This is a FREE event for club members of all levels of fly tying. Even if you don’t tie, this is a great chance to come and see what fly tying is all about and ask questions in a small setting. For example last Jam we had a question about furling which I was able to demo and had no relation to the flies we were tying…lots of fun for me! We welcome questions and comments about problems you may be having just looking a the computer.
The flies I have chosen for this session and really warm water flies cause that is probably the next real fishing opportunity for most of us. The materials are readily available but, as always, I have plenty to share…NO cost to you. If you like the fly, then you can go and get our own. Any questions, give me a shout!

MOP GURGLER (PANFISH ON THE FLY)

Hook: Firehole 718 (10 – 4) Sub: TMC 200 R or Darichii 1270 or similar
Thread: UTC 6/0 white or similar
Tail: Mop fiber chartreuse or your choice (Note: I have a lifetime supply to share!)
Body: 2mm/2mm laminated foam chartreuse/yellow or your choice
Under body: Ice chenille chartreuse or similar
Legs: Silicon Chartreuse or yellow or your choice

THURMAN’S FLOAT’N FLY SHAD (ZACK THURMAN)

Hook: Lead Jig Hook 1/32 or 1/16 /eye
Thread: Red UTC 6/0 or similar
Tail: Heddon Accent Mirage “Opal”
Belly: Hairline Ice Dub “Minnow belly” or similar topped with white Ice Dub Triglobal or similar
Wing: Hairline STS Triglobal “Gray” or similar i.e. Senyo makes the same stuff
Sidewing: Natural or dyed yellow mallard flank feather

THURMAN’S SEXY SHAD

Same as above except:

Belly: Triglobal Ice Dub “minnow belly” toped with triglobal chartreuse dubbing
Wing: Triglobal Dubbing “Kingfisher blue”

See ‘ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Jan 18, 2022, 6:30 PM

Welcome to the first material list of 2022!
Our first meeting will (may) be held in person at the GBF Clubhouse on Tuesday, January 18, starting at about 6:30. As of this writing, there is no prohibition on small gatherings as long as we are following the standard COVID protocols. It would help if anyone attending is both VAXed and Boostered as am I. If someone feels that they would like to come but we are too close together then we can set up tables a bit more distanced. This may all be moot as the rules could change. Watch this site for any changes.
This FREE event is for all GBFers. All you have to bring is your equipment and as much of the materials as you have. I always bring plenty of extra materials to share. You can follow along with the flies I am tying or tie as you wish. This is also a great time to bring your fly tying questions in a quiet environment. Some people just come and watch…the choice is yours!
Any questions, give me a shout!

THUNDER CREEK

Hook: TMC 300 6x long, 1x strong or similar 4 – 8 or similar straight eye hook is best
Thread: White 6/0 or UTC 140 Denir
Tail: Crystal flash
Body: Silver or opal mylar
Belly: White bucktail or marabou
Wing: Olive bucktail or marabou
Gills: (2 ways) Flor red thread or red marabou
Eyes: Living eyes or similar
Head: UV clear

ZEBRA MIDGELING (MIKE MERCER)

Hook: THC 2457 2x short 2x strong or similar 12-22
Bead: Silver to match hook size or tungsten 7/64 0r 1/8 (I will be discussing)
Thread: Brown 8/0 Uni or UTC 70 or to match body
Tail: Pearl angel hair
Rib: Silver size small or fine
Underbody: Pearl crystal Flash
Body: Brown Midge tubing or other colors to match fly such as black, red, olive, green
Wing Case: Pearl Cyrstal flash
Collar: Brown or Black Ostrich herl

(if we have time)
LEMON LIME BUGGER

Hook: XL 400 BL 8-12 Jig Hook
Thread: 6/0 Olive Brown
Bead: Chartreuse 3.0mm (1/8) slotted bead
Tail: Med Olive Marabou UV if you happen to have
Rib: Copper wire size BR or small
Body: Speckled chenille in lime/olive
Hackle: Grizzly dyed olive

Hope to see ‘ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 16, 2021, 6:30 PM

CAL’S BIRD NEST

Hook: TMC 2302, size 12 or similar  Note: best in 12 but 10 – 16 are very effective!
Thread: Brown 6/0 or 140 Denir
Bead: Tungsten or brass to fit
Tail: Teal flank feather
Rib: Small copper wire
Body: Hairline (buggy) med olive or olive brown
collar/wing: teal flank feather
Thorax/head: same as body

BIG JUNK STREAMER FLY

Hook: Hanak H950 or TMC 5262 or any 2x long hook TMC 9751 also  Size 8
Thread: 6/0 or 140 Denir Lt olive
Eyes: Double Pupil red/ black & white
Tail: Ginger + sculpin olive (UV) marabou
Tail Flash: Pearl flashabou
Rib: copper wire size small or BR
Body: Small sculpin olive chenille
Hackle: Grizzly dyed olive
Head: Simi Seal dark sculpin

Note: this has many features of a bugger but rides upside down. Great fly!

BONUS FLY: FLASHTAIL GLO BUG

Hook: TMC 2457 size 16 or so or similar
Thread: 8/0 to 12/0 or 50 Denir Black GSP like Vevus
Flash tail: Flashabou Pearl
Body: McFly Foam Apricot, orange, Yellow…you pick

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 19, 2021, 6:30 PM

Only two Jams remain, this one and November 16. It has been a long year!
Our two flies this month are suitable for all levels of tyers and all members are invited to this free event. The Letort Hopper has been on our list for too long and we will tie it first. It doesn’t have a lot of materials but some new techniques. The second is a bugger clone with new materials and looks like it will be effective  for it’s intended target. As always, I have plenty of materials to share if you don’t have everything. Any questions, give me a shout!

LETORT HOPPER  (MICRO HOPPER)

Hook: TMC 100 dry fly hook or similar 10 – 16  (We will use 12)
Thread: Yellow 6/0 or 140 Denir
Abdomen: Pale yellow Superfine dubbing or similar
Wing: Molted turkey or similar
Collarand head: Natural deer hair  (We will do a little deer hair spinning!!!!)

Smallmouth Something (Scott Sadil – California Fly Fisher)

Hook: TMC 5212 size 8 or any 2xl nymph hook like 9671
Thread: Rust Brown UTC 70 or similar
Tail: Brown or olive rabbit Zonker strip
Body: Light olive/brown varigated chenille size medium
Rib: Small or BR red copper wire
Hackle: Furnace or brown

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 21, 2021, 6:30 PM

Our next Jam is scheduled at the GBF Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. All members are welcome even if you do not tie with us.
We had a great group last month with beginners and experts mixed in to help plus several who were there to watch. Great Fun! LIke the old pre Covid days!!!!
I have chosen to repeat some of those flies that we didn’t get to last time, repeated here for convenience plus one new very easy fly for those who are still getting their tying legs. As always, I have plenty of extra materials for all who may need.
A big bonus, everything is FREE!
Any questions, shoot me a message……

GRIFFITH’S GNAT

Hook: TMC 100 Dry Fly Hook or similar 12 – 22 (McFoamWe can use 14)
Thread: Black 8/0 or 70 Denir
Rib: Mirco wire copper or silver
Body: Peacock herl
Hackle: Grizzly dry fly hackle
Bonus Fly Addition: Bright McFoam

LETORT HOPPER (MICRO HOPPER)

Hook: TMC 100 dry fly hook or similar 10 – 16 (We will use 12)
Thread: Yellow 6/0 or 140 Denir
Abdomen: Pale yellow Superfine dubbing or similar
Wing: Molted turkey or similar
Collarand head: Natural deer hair (We will do a little deer hair spinning!!!!)

RAINBOW WARRIOR NYMPH (FROM LANCE EGAN, FFF)

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 12 – 22 (We will use 16 for sample)
Bead: 3/32 nickle or silver (for size 16) other bead size to fit hook
Thread: Red 8/0 or 70 Denir
Tail: Pheasant tail
Abdomen: red thread overwraped with pearl flashabou
Thorax: Rainbow Sow Scud
Wingcase: Pearl flashabou

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021, 6:30 PM

Our August Fly Tying Jam will be held on the 17th starting at 6:30 at the GBF Clubhouse in Granite Bay. All GBF members are invited to this FREE event even if you do not tie or want to show off your own fly tying patterns. It is a great way to meet in a smaller venue and have your fly tying questions answered.
All you have to bring is your fly tying equipment or we have limited sets to borrow. The following material lists are suggestions but we always have plenty to share if you don’t have something. It is all free!!!!
Any questions or comments can be addressed to Jim Holmes and I will get back to you!

RENEGADE AKA HALF & HALF AND FORE AND AFT

Hook: TMC 100 dry fly hook or similar 12 – 18 (We will use 14 for sample)
Thread: Cream or black 8/0 or 70 Denir
Tag: Gold/silver tinsel or holographic
Rear Hackle: Brown dry fly quality
Body: Peacock Herl
Front Hackle: Cream or white dry fly quality

LETORT HOPPER (MICRO HOPPER)

Hook: TMC 100 dry fly hook or similar 10 – 16 (We will use 12)
Thread: Yellow 6/0 or 140 Denir
Abdomen: Pale yellow Superfine dubbing or similar
Wing: Molted turkey or similar
Collarand head: Natural deer hair (We will do a little deer hair spinning!!!!)

RAINBOW WARRIOR NYMPH (FROM LANCE EGAN, FFF)

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 12 – 22 (We will use 16 for sample)
Bead: 3/32 nickle or silver (for size 16) other bead size to fit hook
Thread: Red 8/0 or 70 Denir
Tail: Pheasant tail
Abdomen: red thread overwraped with pearl flashabou
Thorax: Rainbow Sow Scud
Wingcase: Pearl flashabou

BONUS FLY – DIAWL BACH (LITTLE DEVIL)
Note: This fly has been showing up a lot in the fly fishing sites I see with a bunch of variations!

Hook: TMC 3671, or 5262 or similar 2x long nymph hook
Thread: 6/0 red or 140 Denir
Tail and throat: Brown hackle fibers
Rib: Red Holo tinsel or similar
Body: Peacock herl
Head: red thread or red tinsel

Please note that these flies have limited materials so we should be able to do all four.
Any questions, let me know!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 6:30 PM

Our second Jam after the reopening will be held again at the Clubhouse starting at about 6:30. Please note the time change. This gives us plenty of time to tie the flies for this month.
Just as a reminder this is a FREE event and tiers and even non tiers are invited to tie along or just observe. All you need to do is bring your fly tying equipment and and materials that you may have from the following materials list and just tie these flies. I always have plenty of extra supplies to share/SPLIT
The flies that I have chosen are for current or soon to be current for the season. If you have any questions or suggestions please let me know!

SPLIT CASE PMD NYMPH (FROM FLY FISH FOOD)

Hook: TMC 3761 or similar 16 – 20 (we will sample on 16)
Thread: Dk mocha brown 12/0 or 8/0
Bead: 2.0 mm (5/64) black nickle
Tail: Mallard flank feather or wood duck
Body: chocolate brown dubbing superfine hairline
Wing case: Goose biot black
Wing case: .5 razor foam yellow
Legs: mallard flank feather
Thorax: chocolate brown

HOLY GRAIL (CADDIS EMERGER)

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 2x short 2x strong 16 – 12 (we will use 12)
Thread: Red 8/0 or 70 Denit
Bead: (Opt) 3/32 or to fit hook
Rib: Pearl Flashabou
Body: Nat hare’s ear or similar dubing
Wingcase: Pheasant tail
Thorax: Same as body
Legs: Partridge neck feather

GFA AKA GFI HOPPER

Hook: TMC 9671 or TMC 5262 or TMC 2302 12 – 8 (we will use 8)
Thread: 6/0 Yellow
Body: Copper Olive Ice dub (color is not important so use what you’ve got!)
Foam: 2mm Yellow craft foam trimmed
Wing: Bleached or Nat elk hair
Indicator: Orange foam
Legs: Centipede legs size med either black/white or yellow red

Note: This is a good start for hopper/dropper set-up!

Any questions about the materials, etc, give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Finally!!!!!! We are back to the clubhouse for some meetings and this may be the first! There are no particular rules…for our group, no masks because we are all vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, get your stinking shots!!!! then come to the jam. This is honor system but you wouldn’t want anyone to get sick. Like the signs say, if you don’t feel well, please don’t come.

I have chosen three flies, two nymphs and another bunny fly. They are for all levels of tyers. This is a reminder that all GBF Members are welcome whether you want to tie along or just want to watch and experience fly tying for the first time. If you want to tie the following material lists are the recommended   stuff to bring along as well as your normal fly tying equipment. If you don’t have all the materials, I always have plenty of extra to share…that is not an excuse for not coming!

This is also a great time to get your fly tying questions answered, help to get started, and generally have a nice fun evening. Any questions, shoot me a text/e-mail and I will answer!

Hope to see some of you there!

THE BLACK MAMBA

Hook: Mustad 9672, TMC 5263, or similar 3xlong, 2x strong 8 – 6
Thread #1: Black 6/0 preferably UTC
Wt: .020 leadfree  wire
Tail: Krystal Flash chartreuse or pearl
Rib: Silver wire, small
Wing: Black rabbit strip, Zonker style, NOT cross cut
Body: Black sparkle dubbing
Thread #2: Flor chartreuse 6/0

HEX NYMPH (FROM LANCE GREY, FRIEND OF THE CLUB)

Hook: TMC 9395 4x long, 3x strong or similar substitute TMC 5263 6 – 8
W: .020 leadfree wire
Eyes: Extra small black bead chain
Thread: 6/0 Lt Olive
Tail: Olive pheasant tail
Rib: Med gold wire
Body: Antron sparkle dubbing Hex color
Gills: Dyed Lt grey filophume or lt grey marabou
Wingcase: Nat mottled Hen turkey
Throax: same as body
Legs: Nat hen mottled or Partidge

BRIGHT DAMSEL NYMPH (FROM PANFISHONTHEFLY)

Hook: TMC 2302 or similar 8
Thread: 6/0 chartreuse
Tail: grey hackle fibers, chickabou or similar
Ribbing: Small black wire
Body: Easter basket grass or similar
Legs: Flor green straggle or similar (Estaz)
Shellback: Flor green swiss straw or similar
Eyes: small bead chain or mono black or dark green

Don’t forget, any questions give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, May 18, 2021

It’s shad time again! At this writing the American River flow is at 900cfs which is good and bad. For those of us who are a little older and not as stable as we used to be it is easy and safe wading but the bad is that the fish tend to be more spooky and less liking to hit the fly. In any case it is just nice to be out there.
The following flies are some that I have had some success with over the past years and I hope you can also. They are relatively large and use fairly simple materials. Remember, if you don’t quite have the exact materials, just substitute something close. It is likely that the shad don’t care!

SHAD FLY
This has been my best producer bar none the last few years!!!!!

Hook: TMC 2457  8 – 10
Bead: Gold 1/8
Thread: Flor red/pink and flor white
Tail: Pearl UV Dubbing
Ribbing: Chart backing material or wire
Body: Flor red/pink thread
Head: flor white thread

PINK SHAD FLY  (NOT A Pinky)

Hook: Eagle claw 1197N  10 – 6
Thread: UTC Fl. pink (or fl red, chartreuse) 210 denir
Eyes: Silver chain bead medium
Tail: (original) White marabou (now) UV Pearl dub
Body: Tying thread
Overwrap: med flat tinsel pearl

Optional: UV Clear Fly Finish

PINKIE SHAD FLY

Hook: 1197N 10 – 6
Thread: UTC Fl . Pink  210 denir
Eyes: Silver chain bead med or dumb bell for more weight
Tail: White marabou
Body: Tying thread overwrapped with small/med white chenille
Head: Flo red/pink chenille

Note: The thread under the body will turn the fly light pink when wet.

TONY’S SHAD DART

Hook: Daiichi 2546 or similar   Note: this makes a good substitute for 1197N. 4 – 8
Thread: Flat waxed nylon white 210 denir
Eyes: Med chain eye silver or heavier
Tail: Mirage Krystal Flash pearl
Underbody: Holographic siliver or similar
Overbody: Chartruse V-rib or green amnesia
Hackle: Krystal Flash Fl chartruse
Head: Flame STS Triglobal or similar

Any questions or comments give me a shout!!!!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, April 20, 2021

More fun with bunny!
For our fly tying jam this month I have chosen some old flies that are easy to tie, use a minimum of materials and are very effective for this time of year for smallies, other bass, pan fish and trout. You probably should have some in your fly box at all times! In addition , I have a left over from last month and some great ideas as a take-off from this fly.

All GBFers are welcome and all levels of tiers can benefit by watching and tying along. Other than your normal equipment the only thing that would be helpful are two chip clips, about 3 inches long. I found mine at Target for about $4.00 but you may have some in your kitchen.
If you have any questions about the materials or any thing else, feel free to text!

BLOOD MIDGE ADULT

Hook: Fire Hole 419 size 12 OK to substitute TMC 100 or similar (We will talk about the difference)
Thread: 6/0 Red thread
Tail: Lemon wood duck fibers
Body: Red thread
Overbody/wing: Nat elk hair
Hackle: Natural grizzly dry fly quality

Note: you can substitute deer hair for smaller flies

BUNNY LEECH

Hook: Mustad 9672, TMC 5263, or similar 3x long, or 1x heavy size 10 – 4
Cone: to fit, 1/4 or 3/8 brass
Wt: .020 Lead free
Thread: 140 denir or 6/0 black or to match bunny
Tail/Body: Bunny Zonker strip your choice…Olive, black, variegated, or your choice

BUNNY BUGGER/LEECH

Hook: Mustad 9672, TMC 5263 or similar 12 – 6
Bead: To fit – optional
Wt.: .020 lead free
Thread: Flat waxed nylon, 210 Denir to match Bunny
Wing/Tail: Zonker strip in your choice of color…white, silver, olive, etc….
Body: UV white/cream with long fibers
Collar: Orange or contrasting with the wing/tail

Note: be sure you have Zonker style rabbit/Zonker strips NOT crosscut!!!!!

Any questions give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Mar 16, 2021

Our next ZOOM Fly Tying Jam will be held on Tuesday, March 16 starting at 7:00. Hopefully as more of us get vaccinated we can finally have a real meeting that will also be on ZOOM. I am looking forward to that time!

Our flies this month are a little old and a little new but very effective for both still water and the river. They don’t require a lot of materials but may have some new techniques or things you are not familiar. The Sculpzilla is on most everyone’s most effective list of streamers when sculpins are present. (Think Big T.) The Zug Bug has been around for a while but is still very effective-it won the one fly contest at least two times at Fuller lake and can represent many bugs. The Blood Midge comes from the productive hands of Lance Gray a friend of the club and works at Almador as well as Davis.
If you have any questions about these flies or fly tying in general feel free to give me a shout!

ZUG BUG

Hook: TMC 3761 #18 – 8 (I will be using a 12 for sample)
Thread: Black 6/0 or 8/0
Wt. .015 or .020 wire (Optional)
Tail: Peacock sword feathers
Rib: Silver wire fine or BR
Body: Peacock herl
Collar/Hackle: Brown hen neck
Wing Case: Mallard dyed gold wood duck

SCULPZILLA

Hook: Octopus #8 (Tailing)
Saltwater straight eye hook size 2-4 such as Gamakatsu B105 or similar (Shank)
Thread: Olive 3/0 or 6/0
Tail: Olive rabbit zonker strip can also use natural and black
Body: Pearl Ice dub
Cone: 1/4″ black cone cross eyes or similar
Gills: Red guinea or soft hackle in red
Collar: Olive Hen plus tan marabou
Fins: olive/natural chickabou
eyes: 1/8 fire skull or other to fit in the cone eyeholes

(This is an articulated fly so you will also need some 20# dacron or wire for the joint)

BLOOD MIDGE ADULT

Hook: Fire Hole 419 size 12 OK to substitute TMC 100 or similar (We will talk about the difference)
Thread: 6/0 Red thread
Tail: Lemon wood duck fibers
Body: Red thread
Overbody/wing: Nat elk hair
Hackle: Natural grizzly dry fly quality

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021

Hey all you GBF Tyers…Hope the year is going well for you! This is winter, a time to check your fly boxes and see what you have from last year and start filling in those empty spots for the fast approaching sprig.
This months flies are fun little flies that show some excellent techniques and are great for the next few trips weather in the streams or on the lake. The following materials list is not too long except for the hook style on the first fly. For the most part these flies are for intermediate and beginner. Maybe some time we will be back to doing this in a real room!
Any questions or problems, give me a text or call.

PIG STICKER (from Charlie Craven)
Note: Charlie says he has caught more big fish on this fly than any other!

Hook: Gamakatsu C12U, TMC 205, or similar size 8 or 6
Weight: .015 lead free wire
Thread: 140 Denir UTC red or brown or black (UTC thread makes this fly easier to tie)
Ribbing: Silver wire size small
Coating: UV Resin or head cement such as Sally Hansen

CLOUSER CRAYFISH

Hook: TMC 5263 or Mustad 9672 or similar 3x long, 1x strong size 2 – 8
Thread: 6/0 Olive
Weight: .030 unleaded wire
Mouth: Pheasant tali fibers
Eyes: large or medium plastic black
Claws: Nat mallard flank feathers
Back: Lt Olive furry foam or 2mm Lt olive foam
Dubbing: Sand/tan Antron
Legs: Grizzly hackle

PEA-A-BOU (from panfish on the fly)

Hook: TMC 5262 or similar 2x long, 2x strong size 12 – 6
Thread: 8/0 brown or 70 Denir UTC
Weight: .015 leadfree wire
Tail: Brown Marabou
Rib: silver or copper wire BR size
Body: Peacock herl
Collar/hackle: Any soft hackle such as hen, partridge, marabou/any size (this is the lesson!)

Any further questions, give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021

Greetings on the New Year!
Many events have happened since our last Jam and I hope this finds everyone with a new resolve that things WILL be better in the New Year.
At our meeting in November we had a couple of requests for Alevin and I have been following Jon Baiocchi and his descriptions of skwala stone flies on the Yuba River which are starting to hatch as we speak so those will be the featured flies.
All levels of tiers are welcome to join in…I would prefer to do these flies in person, BUT…..you know.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to chime in anytime.

ALEVIN  (from Ken Hanley)

Hook: Daiichi 1130, TMC 2487 or 2457 or similar 2x short, 2x wide
Thread: 8/0 tan or yellow
Body: Furled tan, cream, or gold Antron
Eyes: Black mono extra small or small
Egg Sac: Glo Bug Yarn to match eggs of fish targeted

UNIT SKWALA (We did this on 2/18/2018 also)

Note: This is a fly from Jon and a guide fly which means it has limited materials and fast and easy to tie. You should have this fly or something similar if you are going to the Yuba!

Hook: TMC 5212 or 2312 or 200R size 10 for females, size 12 for males
Thread: 6/0 Camel
Body: Acrylic or antron yarn yellow olive (Cascade  #43 early in season, #51 later on)
Overwing: Larva lace foam black (2mm foam)
Indicator: Poly floating white
Head: Moose body hair
Dubbing: chopped up body material
Legs: Brown rubber legs

Variation 1::

We will use the same materials but add an egg sac.

Variation 2:

Egg Sac: 2 mm black foam
Body: Lt olive micro chenille
Rib: rootbeer V-rib
Wing: 4 brown CDC Feathers with .5mm black foam overwing

That should give us plenty to do…Any questions give me a shout!

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020

Our last fly tying jam for 2020 will be on Tuesday, November 17 starting at about 7:00. Don’t forget your mask!!! (Just kidding.) All are invited to tie these flies…I try to choose flies that are both very usable and have limited materials yet give you some new techniques to practice. Some of the members in the last Jam requested more Steelhead flies so I have obliged.
The first fly is an older pattern that still deserves a spot in your flybox. I have used a recipe that makes it a bit more modern and I think is more appealing. When you tie these flies you should use a bit more care (more later on that) since you are fishing a fish that has a reputation of of a 1000 casts to catch!
The other two flies are straight from last month’s California Fly Fisher and an article on fishing the Kalamath and Trinity.
I hope you enjoy and see you at the monthly meeting or at the jam!
Any questions, give me a shout.

SILVER HILTON

Hook: TMC 7999 4 – 8 (This is a very standard steelhead hook) or similar
Thread: White and Black 6/0 or 140 Denir UTC
Tag: Flat silver tinsel
Tail: Mallard or teal flank feather
Butt: Florescent green Hareline (see Note below)
Rib: Oval silver tinsel
Body: Black Hairline Note: Sub any long fibered dubbing in the appropriate colors
Soft Hackle: Guiena hen or similar
Wing: 2 Grizzly tips Alternative: grizzly hen hackles

RED HEADED STEP CHILD (HOGAN BROWN)

Hook: Daiichi 1560 14 – 20 or similar, TMC 3761, TMC 3769 1x long, 2x heavy or similar
Thread: Brown UTC 70 or 8/0
Bead: Small red
Tail: Pheasant tail
Body: Brown thread
Rib: Red wire small
Case: Pearl Flashabou medium or similar
Thorax: Peacock herl
Legs: Red Krystal flash or similar

OCTOBER CADDIS SOFT HACKLE (TIM FLAGLER)

Hook: Fulling Mill 35025, TMC 2488, TMC 2457 TMC 2499, or similar 10 – 12
Thread: Rusty brown UTC 70 or 8/0
Rib: Gold Ultra wire small
Tail: Burnt orange Chickabou Sub: Brown
Body: Same (feather)
Thorax: Rusty Brown SLF or Ice Dub or similar
Hackle: Burnt orange Hen hackle Sub: Brown

Don’t forget any questions or nice comments, give me a text or call!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 20, 2020

Our monthly fly tying jam will held on Tuesday, October 20 starting at 7:00 PM. Hope I have some more of the kinks worked out but we will see.
The flies for this month are a continuation of the theme from the past two months…flies that are fishable right now and emphasizing some new technique. I have been trying to keep the materials simple until we can meet again in person. I also have been trying to give substitutes as I can. If you have any questions or problems with these or any other flies be sure to call/text/message me!

MINI COMPLEX TWIST BUGGER

Hook: Daiichi 2461 (3x long like a Mustad 9672 or TMC 5262 or similar) size 6
Cone/bead: Brass 3/16 to fit
Lead: .020 or .025
Thread: 6/0 tan uni
Tail: Spey chickabou tan or Marabou tan
Underbody: Pearl Flashabou
Bodies (Twisted together): #1 – Grizzly hen saddle
#2 – Barred dark ginger or dark brown mottled hen
#3 – UV Polar Chenille Gold
Veil: Arizona Simi dub – Callibaetis

Handy tools to have for all the flies: small comb, dubbing spinner, velcro for brushing, and the special tool for twisting materials but a hackle pliers well work!

NITRO CADDIS PUPA (Similar to Fox’s Pupa and a Andy Guibord favorite)

Hook: TMC 2499 SP, TMC 2457, or similar 12 – 14- 16 (I using 12)
Bead: Black to fit…3/32 or 1/8
Thread: 70 Denir or 8/0 Dark brown (I prefer UTC for this fly)
Body: (extended) Tan or olive or chartreuse Pearl braid core
Wing pads: tan medallion or small feathers like starling (optional)
Antenna: Wood duck
Thorax: Natural beaver or brown Ice dub
Legs: Black or brown hen

SPARROW NYMPH VARIANT/EGG SUCKING LEECH

Hook: Mustad 9672, TMC 5262, or similar 3x long, 1x or 2x strong size 6 or 8
Thread: 6/0 or 140 Denir Tan
Tail: Fluff from Pheasant rump feather
Body: Caddis Green Ice dub or similar
Collar: Pheasant aftershaft feather
Hackle: Rump feather from Pheasant
Egg: Orange or yellow or pink egg material

See ‘ya on ZOOM!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 15, 2020

Our next Zoom Jam will be on Tuesday September 15 starting about 7 on a computer near you. I am still working on focus but hopefully everything will be perfect for the next meeting, I think that these classes are working fairly well with the flies being well received. These next flies are also relatively easy so everyone should have some success in tying them.

If you have any questions or ideas or suggestions, please let me know!

Z-WING CADDIS BY MIKE MERCER

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 12 – 20 We will use 12 but I usually fish with 14 and 16
Bead: Copper or Tungsten sized to hook
Thread: 8/0 Olive UTC
Rib: Chartreuse wire or thread
Shellback: Turkey tail quill or thinskin
Abdomen: Antron dubbing mint or olive or or tan
Wing stubs: Ginger or cream Z-lon or antron
Thorax: Chart dubbing
Head: Peacock herl

GARTSIDE SPARROW NYMPH

Hook: Mustad 9671, Daiichi 1710, TMC 2312 or similar, size 8 or 10
Thread: Tan, orange, olive or gray 6/0 UTC
Tail: Pheasant rump marabou feather
Body: Mixture or rabbit and quadrille squirrel with antron or similar olive, tan, cream
Hackle: Pheasant Rump hackle feather
Head: Pheasant aftershaft feather (from any game bird)

MINI COMPLEX TWIST BUGGER

Hook: Daiichi 2461 (3x long like a Mustad 9672 or TMC 5262 or similar) size 6
Cone/bead: Brass 3/16 to fit
Lead: .020 or .025
Thread: 6/0 tan uni
Tail: Spey chickapou tan or Marabou tan
Underbody: Pearl Flashabou
Bodies (Twisted together): #1 – Grizzly hen saddle
#2 – Barred dark ginger or dark brown mottled hen
#3 – UV Polar Chenille Gold
Veil: Arizona Simi dub – Callebaetis

Handy tools to have for all the flies: small comb, dubbing spinner, velcro for brushing, and the special tool for twisting materials.

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 18, 2020

This will be our third Zoom Jam and hopefully the best yet. I think I have the focus worked out and we all should be able to see the flies with clarity. I also have a backup so something should work great.  This is August, usually the down month because of heat and attention to family.  The heat is in the water….please be sure that your water temps are less than about 70 degrees if you are catching fish because any higher you are just killing the fish.

I have several flies selected for many reasons including members requests. If you have a fly that you want featured, please give me a shout.

RAY CHARLES FLY

Hook: TMC 3769 14 – 18 (I am using 16) 2x long, 2x strong. (Same type as last month)
Thread: Florescent red, or orange or green 8/0 or 70 Denir
Shellback: Med pearl Flashabou or similar
Body: Ostrich herl natural or grey or cream

As requested, Bill O.

SWEET PEA (A DOUG OUELLETTE FLY)

Hook: Firehole 516 Jig hook 14 – 20 or similar
Bead: Slotted Tungsten 4.0 mm copper or brass Sub: 4.0 brass + .020 lead wire
Thread: Black 8/0 or 70 Denir UTC
Tail: Coq de Leon fibers Sub: Mallard tail feathers
Body: Polish stripped peacock herl olive Sub: Peacock or ostrich stripped
Flashback: Mylar opal large on sizes 14 – 16 or similar
Thorax: Peacock herl

This is a leftover from last month.

We haven’t tied a lot of dry flies and these are recommended by Lincoln Grey a Nor Cal guide who has spoken several times at our club.

ROYAL WULFF

Hook: TMC 100 12 – 18 or similar (Std dry fly hook!)
Thread: Black 8/0 Uni thread or similar
Wing: White calf tail Sub: white bucktail
Tail: Black moose body hair
Body: Peacock herl and red floss
Hackle: Brown dry fly quality saddle hackle

RIO GRANDE KING TRUDE

Hook: TMC 3761 or similar 2x long 1x strong
Thread: Black 8/0 Unithread
Tag: Gold Mylar
Tail: Golden pheasant tippet Barbs
Ribbing: gold wire fine
Body: Black superfine or similar
Wing: White calf tail Sub: White bucktail
Hackle: Brown saddle dry fly quality

Any questions, give me a shout!!!
See ‘ya on the computer!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, July 21, 2020

This is the third Zoom meeting. Each time has gotten better and clearer (I hope!) and this time I will probably have a new camera courtesy of the club. We have spent many hours procuring this machine and trying to make it work. Finally today we had success so it will probably be ready to go. We welcome feedback both good and bad with this new medium to get the best possible fly tying experience. It is a process!

We are not sure who is going to be the moderator for the next jam. Why it makes a difference is that you will need to know for your sign-in invitation for the meeting. We will be figuring this out in the next few days and I will post both here and on the General Board. Please be patient with us dinosaurs!

The following is the materials list for these excellent flies that I always have in my box. Please feel free to substitute materials but try to keep the hooks in the same range. I will talk about that at the Zoom meeting.

DENNY’S (RICKARDS) AP EMERGER

Hook: 1x long, 1x strong TMC 3761 8 – 16 (Best 10,12) or TMC 3762 10,12
Thread: Black 6/0 or 140 Denier
Tail: Natural mallard flank
Rib: Copper wire BR or small
Body: Nat hare’s ear grey
Wingcase: Natural mallard flank
Thorax: Peacock herl
Hackle: Natural partridge

Note: Denny ties these in grey, black, olive, and rust or you could substitute any of those colors in the body.

VARIATION FORM FLY FISH FOOD

Hook: Daiichi 1710 or TMC 3762 2x long, 1x strong
Weight: .020 lead substitute
Thread: Gray 6/0 or 140 Denir
Tail: Natural partridge
Rib: Veevus pearl med or copper wire BR or small
Body: Nature spirt snowshoe rabbit hare’s ear or Arizona calebaetis, or similar sparkle grey
Thorax: Brown Ice dub
Hackle/collar: Natural partridge

If we have time I will talk about how to use slotted tungsten beads on Perigon flies.

Any questions, give me a shout!

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Well, this will be a new experience for all of us!!!

I will try to do a live ZOOM Jam with the two flies that I was planning to do in March because they don’t require a lot of materials and are relatively easy. With the live ZOOM platform you will be able to ask questions as we go along. I am working on getting a real camera for better production as we go along with this process so please bare with me as we develop the techniques.

If you have participated in Gene Goss’ “Lets talk fishing” you will get an invitation to join the Zoom meeting anyway. If you haven’t, please email me your E-mail address and Gene will add you to the list. Since this is ZOOM there is more or less an unlimited number we can the for the class.

The big downside for this is that you will have to supply your own materials. Please we free to check with me for substitutes on the material list. This is an inexact science!!!!!

You will find the materials list in the March Fly Tying Jam just below, and the flies are the big easy and the triangle bug both fun flies to tie and effective now!!!

This should be fun!!! Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday.

Jim Holmes
jwholmesjr@aol.com
(Text) 916-616-6709

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Mar 17, 2020

Our monthly fly tying Jam will be held on Tuesday, March 17 starting at about 6:30. Don’t bring virus with you!!!! But instead bring your tools and the following materials and we can tie some flies together.

These flies are rated EASY so they are for all levels but include at least two flies you may not have seen or used. I will talk about how to fish them, also.  As always, I have lots of extra hooks, materials, and even equipment if you need something so that is never an excuse for coming.
This is also a great time to come and ask any questions about fly tying and get personalized help for you flies. We are non-judgemental!!!!

BIG JUNK by Lance Egan from Fly Fish Food

Hook: TMC S10, TMC 5262, or similar size 6 or 8 Also, Umqua 401
Thread: 140 Denir or 6/0 Lt Olive
Eyes: Large dumbell or to fit hook. If you have ones with eyes that is best.
Tail: Ginger and Medium or dark Olive Marabou n + Flash
Ribbing: Small copper wire
Hackle: Olive Grizzly
Head: Arizona Semi Seal – Canadian Olive or similar

TRIANGLE FLY BY panfishonthefly

Hook: 4x long streamer hook. OK to sub 3x long like Mustad 9672 or TMC 5623
Thread: 6/0 or 140 Denir to match body
Body: 2mm foam your choice of color…green and black may be best
Tail: Bucktail to match body
Legs: you choice large rubber or silicone

PERDIGON SPANISH NYMPH

Hook: 45 degree Jig hook size 12 or so…Hanck Competition is best but pricey
Bead: to fit hook…tungsten slotted is best but pricey but regular bead can work + small lead wire
Thread: 6/0 To match body
Tail: Coq de Leon or similar…Mallard flank will work
Body: any flashy material like gold holographic or flashabou will work

If you have it, Resin Loon thin + black marker

Any questions, give me a shout!!!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Feb 18, 2020

Tenkara Flies

These flies have been selected to represent three different hackle styles used, as per Yoshikazu Fujioka’s notebook of kebari types. See my notes on the different styles and what they are good for. All the flies use only 2-3 materials, and are easy to tie. They use different tying procedures than Western flies.

These flies are intended to be fished in the entire water column, using tenkara equipment and techniques, although each one is designed to be particularly good at fishing in certain flow conditions. They are all typically tied on hook sizes 10, 12, or 14, although 12 is the most common.

Upright, stiff, short hackle

Hook: TMC 900BL, #10-14; or any similar straight-shanked dry-fly hook

Thread: 6/0 black, or other colors, such as yellow or green

Hackle: long saddle feathers, short hackles

This is tied as per Dr. Hisao Ishigaki, the main Tenkara teacher in Japan.

Reverse soft hackle (sakasa kebari)

Hook: TMC 900BL, #10-14; or any similar straight-shanked dry-fly hook

Thread: 6/0 chartreuse.

Hackle: partridge or pheasant

Thorax: peacock herl

This is fairly similar to flies tied by Mr. Amano, a key player in Japanese Tenkara. The distinguishing features are the peacock herl abdomen and chartreuse body.

Long, soft, back hackle

Hook: TMC 900BL, #10-14; or any similar straight-shanked dry-fly hook

Thread: 6/0 White

Hackle: long, soft hen hackle

Don’t worry too much about getting all the exact materials; anything close will do.

All of these can be tied in different sizes and colors. The point of doing these flies is really to experience a different tying approach from the typical Western fly approach. Note that with many tenkara flies, the final whip finish is not at the end of the hook but behind the hackle.

Jim’s note:
The above is from John Pelligren our Club Tenkara expert. As you can see these flies are very simple a great next step for those who are just getting started or returning to the sport of fly tying. We will be there to help with tons of extra materials if needed also equipment. The Jam is open to all of all levels of experience who are members of the club.
Any questions give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Jan 21, 2020

Happy New Year!

The first Jam of the new year will concentrate on techniques rather than special flies but we will be tying at least 2 flies to complement our new or renewed knowledge. I have noticed that we have had a lot of newer tyers at our jam who are struggling with some of these concepts so I thought that I would try to get us all on the same page for the year. All levels are welcome especially to this jam and the more advanced tyers will find some cool new things also when it comes to dubbing.

All you need to bring is your tools. You will need in addition, a dubbing tool such as a spinner or shepherds hook for dubbing and a Martelli style of whip finisher (there are other types but this is the one we will learn this time). I have extras if I know before the jam.

Items I plan on covering:

1. Whip finishing 3 ways

2. Hooks and equivalianices

3. Dubbing at least 3 ways w/handout and what makes for the best dubbing appearance.

The flies we will be tying are:

Simi seal bugger/leech

Hook: Mustad 9672 or similar 3x long 2x strong size 8 or so
Thread: 6/0 or 180 denir olive or black
Tail: Olive marabou plus 2 pcs UV crystal flash pearl
Body: Simiseal – Canadian Olive or similar
Hackle: Hen hackle brown or olive
Head: same as body

Note: you will need a comb of some sort (think Velcro on a stick)

Brown soft hackle (2 ways)

Hook: TMC 3769 or similar size 12 1x long, 2x strong
Thread: 8/0 or 70 Denier olive or black
Tag: Gold or copper tinsel
Body #1: Olive antron dubbing or similar
Body#2: Olive Hare’s ear touch dubbed
Hackle: Hen Hackle olive or brown
Wing: Partridge tail feathers or similar or mallard flank feathers dyed yellow
Head: Same as body

Any questions, give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 19, 2019 

Our last Jam of 2019 will be held Tuesday, November 19 at the GBF Clubhouse starting about 6:30. Everyone is welcome, even if you do not tie; some just come to see what fly tying is all about and some come and watch because they are too lazy to get out their stuff. In any case, you are guaranteed to learn something new!
Just a reminder that all you need to bring is your equipment (tools) and whatever materials you have. I always have extras for everyone at NO CHARGE. We are open to all levels tying experience.
The following is a materials list of the flies being showcased if you want to follow along. You can tie whatever if you wish a show all of us some new fly that has been working for you. If you need equipment, let me know and I can have extra stuff ready for you. This is also a great time to bring your fly tying questions in a smaller environment.

See ‘ya there!

CAREY SPECIAL (TWO WAYS)

Tie A

Hook: TMC 5263, Mustad 9672, Daichii 1720 or similar 3x long , 2x strong 14-6 (8 for us)
Thread: UTC 140 or 6/0 black
Tail: Coq de Leon or pheasant rum feather or long hen hackle, brown
Rib: Gold Ultra wire, size small
Body: Brown olive antron dubbing or similar…..your choice
Thorax: Brown Ice Dubbing
Hackle: Same as tail…..Long!!!!

Tie B

Hook: same
Thread: same
Wt: .015 lead substitute
Rib: oval gold wire or same
Body: Peacock herl Note: if you have a full eye, bring it along
Hackle: same

LEFTY’S DECEIVER FOR TROUT

Hook: TMC 5263, 3x long, 2x strong or similar…best 6, 8 but 2 – 10
Tail: White saddle hackles, at least 2 plus small flashabou or UV flash
Body: Flat pearl braid or Holo silver or gold
Wing: Top: White bucktail
Bottom: White Bucktail
Overwing: Choice of olive, brown, chartreuse, herl, black
Beard: Red crystal flash or marabou

Please note that both of these flies have lots of room for “or’s” so bring your creativity!

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 15, 2019 

The first two flies are from Bill Carnazzo and are more from October Caddis on the Upper Sac.
The October Bandit is the featured fly in this month’s Leader and the other can be found in the archives on the web site.

OCTOBER BANDIT

Hook: TMC 2302 or similar 6 – 10
Thread: Orange 8/0
Tail: Medium dun deer hair
Ribbing: Fine gold wire
Hackle: dun or grizzly saddle hackle
Abdomen: October caddis orange or orange foam
Wing: same as tail
Thorax: same as abdomen
Legs: pumpkin silicone (optional)

SHAMBLES CADDIS II

Hook: TMC 102 14-16 (102 is the barbless form of the TMC 100) or similar
Thread: Tan 8/0
Tail: Temple dog fur Olive/lt brown (Ok to substitute antron yarn)
Abdomen: Opal tinsel touch dubbed w/antron to match tail. (I think the newer Holo opal is better)
Hackle: Dun or grizzly
Wing: Deer hair, stacked

Additional stuff for this fly is a hair stacker and soft wax

ZONKER

Hook: TMC 300, Daiichi 2220 2 – 8 or similar
Bead: Gold to fit hook plus some .020 lead or lead substitute
Thread: Black flat waxed nylon
Wing/tail: Black or white zonker strip (rabbit 1/8 wide in appropriate color)
Underbody: Pearl blue/olive Lite Brite or similar
Body: Pearl Mylar piping
Throat: Red marabou

Any questions, text, E-mail or call me!

Jim Holmes

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 17, 2019 

KREELX STREAMER FLY BY CHUCK KRAFT
(Note: this easy fly is a type of clouser, the best thing since sliced bread!)

Hook: Mustad 9672, TMC 5263, or similar 3x or 4x long size 6 or 8
Thread: 6/0 Black TMC or Flat waxed nylon white
Eyes: Barbell 3/16 or to fit your hook
Body # 1: Polar Flash Pearl
Body # 2: Polar Flash Black rain

(Note: This fly calls for Kreelex but good luck finding it. Poplar flash is the closest thing but any Flash a bou will work….try silver and gold for example)

LARVAL STAGE – CASED CADDIS

Hook: TMC 200 R or similar 3x long curved 8 – 10
Bead: Black Tungsten
Thread: Black 6/0 UTC
Rib: Gold, fine
Hackle: Brown
Abdomen: Peacock herl
Thorax: Lt olive or cream, Black

OCTOBER CADDIS PUPAE
(Note, this is just one of many but comes highly recommended.)

Hook: Dachii 1150 or TMC 2457 #8
Bead: 5/32 Silver Tungsten
Thread: 6/0 Black UTC
Rib: Copper wire – Med
Body: Mixture hare’s ear natural and rust
Wing Pad: Brown Antron yarn
Collar: UV tan Ice Dub
Hackle: Natural Partridge of Dark brown hen
Head: STS Dark Brown

Hope to see “ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 20, 2019 

UV SHEEP CREEK (3 WAYS)

Fly #1

Hook: TMC 2603 or 200R or similar 8-12
Thread: Black 6/0
Hackle: Dry fly quality brown
Rib: copper wire size small
Body: Peacock herl
Flash: Ice Wing UV Pearl
Wing: Wood duck flank feather

Fly #2

Hook: same
Thread: same
Tag: Chartreuse floss
Hackle: same
Rib: same
Body: small dark olive chenille
Hot spot: Green UV dubbing
Wing: Wood Duck flank feather
Horns: UV flashabou pearl

Fly #3

Hook: TMC 3961 or similar
Thread: Brown 6/0
Hackle: same
Body: bown chenille, medium
Wing: Same
Horns: same

PUNK PERCH (MY WAY)

Fly #1

Hook: TMC 5262 size 8 – 12
Thread: Olive or White 6/0
Tail: Lt Olive marabou
Rib: copper wire BR or small
Body: Lt olive marabou
Collar: UV pearl dubbing
Head: Red and black Thread

Fly #2

Hook: same
Thread: Florescent red or Flor. Yellow
Tail: same
Rib: same
Body: White Mylar with Red or Yellow overtones (Ice Dubbing)
Head: Same

That seems like a lot of tying but these flies go fast once you get going!
See you there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, July 16, 2019 

Our monthly fly tying jam will be held on Tuesday, July 16 starting at about 6:30 at the GBF Clubhouse. It is open to all levels of tyers and all GBF Members free of charge. The materials list (following) are the flies we are featuring but you can come and tie as you wish. It is also a great time to get your fly tying questions answered in a quieter environment than the general meeting.
The materials of these flies is not extensive but I always have plenty of extra material to share free of charge.

TAN PREDATOR (2019) BY SKIP MORRIS WITH MINOR CHANGES

Hook: Daiichi 1550 or TMC 900 Bl 10 – 4 (I will be using 8)
Thread: 6/0 or 3/0 Tan
Tail #1: UV Pearl Krysal Flash
Body: 2mm tan foam
Tail #2: white rubber stands
Abdomen: UV pearl dubbing
Eyes: Black med or small
Legs: Med barred yellow/black or orange/black

Note: This is one of the few foam flies designed to be fished with a sinking line!

HACKLED SKIP NYMPH (SKIP MORRIS)

Hook: TMC 2302 size 14 or similar
Thread: 6/0 Brown or tan
Rib: copper wire size small
Weigth: .015 lead sustitute
Dubbing: Hare’s mask or and natural rabbit dubbing
Tail: Pheasant tail
Hackle: Brown nat. hen’s hackle

Note: We haven’t done any hair spinning for awhile and the next fly is about as simple as it gets for this material.

GOMPHUS

Hook: 1710 Daiichi size 8 or similar
Thread: 6/0 or heavier Grey, olive or tan
Body: Deer hair
Legs: Pheasant tail or Mallard flank feather
Head: Deer hair

If you have any questions, give me a shout!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 

This a reminder that on Tuesday, June 18 we are having our monthly fly tying jam at the Granite Bay Clubhouse. All levels are invited! This is your chance to ask questions about fly tying a a smaller setting than the general meeting and we can help you with these problems. Although I have some directed flies, you are welcome to come and tie whatever and show us your stuff. The following materials list is what is needed to tie these flies but we always have extra at NO COST to you to share. Some people just come to see what fly tying is all about.
This is a free, drop in event so no reservations are needed, just come and have fun.
The flies this session center around hexs, the largest of the mayflies. They can be found hatching from now to the middle of July at Lake Almanor, Williamson River, Fall River, Davis Lake and Lake Natoma. It is a really short hatch window but if to catch it, watch out!
Any questions, give me a shout!

HOLO SOFT HACKLE

Hook: TMC 5262 size 8 or so
Thread: Black 6/0 or gray
Ribbing: Your Choice…I am going to use med gold holographic
Tail: Gray ostrich herl or gray marabou
Body: Natures Spirit Hare’s ear (or other gray rabbit)
Thorax: yellow/gold Ice Dub
Collar: Partridge

Note: I have changed to colors to match a hex nymph

T.S. BUGGER FROM LANCE AND LINCOLN GRAY

Hook: Daiichi 1710 or similar size 6 or 8
Thread: Olive 6/0
Weight: Gold bead to fit hook plus .015 lead free wire
Tail: yellow Grizzly marabou
Hackle: Pale yellow grizzly saddle…undersized for hook
Abdomen: Jay Fair med olive short schuck
Thorax: Jay Fair med olive long shuck

Note: I have probably caught more fish on this fly than any other!

SCHMIDT’S HEX

Hook: TMC 200 R #6 or 8
Weight: .020 lead free wire
Thread: Lt olive 6/0
Tail: Pheasant tail
Rib: Copper wire
Shellback: Pheasant tail fibers
Abdomen: Golden stone dubbing
Eyes: Black mono
Wing case: Pheasant Tail fibers
Legs: Partridge
Thorax: golden stone

Note: a lot of hex patterns use the golden stone color…just another mayfly!

BURK’S HEX

Hook: TMC 200 R 4 – 8
Lead: .020 lead free wire
Thread: Yellow 6/0
Tail: Gray marabou
Rib: Copper wire B or Med
Gills: Gray aftershaft feather
Back: Mottled Oak turkey tail
Abdomen: Pale Yellow Haretron
Wingcase: Mottled Oak turkey
Thorax: Pale yellow Haretron
Collar(Legs): Mottled nat brown hen or partridge

Tying Jam for Tuesday, May 21, 2019 

Our month;y fly tying get-together will be held on Tuesday, May 21, starting at about 6:30 at the GBF Clubhouse. We are going to be sharing with the knot tying class but no bother, they don’t make a lot of noise tying knots.
This is a open event for all club members and all levels. It is FREE. If you don’t have materials, I always have more than enough to share. All you need to bring is your vise and tools. We also have tools to check out if needed.
These flies are realitivly simple but do require a little heavier thread…at least 6/0. Color doesn’t really matter unless you are a purist. Two flies are excellent candidates for a hopper-dropper rig and one is a basic fly that should be in your box.
Any questions, give me a shout!

CHERNOBYL ANT (A little different than the original)

Hook: Daiichi 1280 or similar 10 – 12
Thread: Black 6/0
Body: 2 mm black and orange foam
Belly: Olivetan Haretron or similar
Indicators: Yellow or orange fly foam
Legs: black or yellow size medium

SIMPLE (CLUB) SANDWICH HOPPER (FROM JOHN BAIOCCHI)

Hook: Daiichi 1280 or similar
Thread: Cream 140 denir or 6/0
Body: Brown, tan and ivory 2mm foam
Legs: Large or medium brown or yellow
Indicator: white or orange fly foam

RICKARD’S EMERGING BUGGER

Hook: Daiichi 1710 or TMC 5262 8 – 10
Thread: Black 6/0 or to match color of fly
Weigth(optional): .020 leadfree wire
Tail: Black marabou plus 2 strands of holo flash
Rib: Copper wire size BR
Body: Black and red semi seal mixed with peacock ice dubbing
(Note: Arizona Canadian in various colors works great for this!)
Hackle: Burgundy grizzly saddle hackle

Also note that this almost a bugger but not quite….you be the judge on its effectiveness!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, April 16, 2019 

Our monthly Fly Tying Jam will be held starting at about 6:30 at the GBF Clubhouse where our monthly meetings are held. At the request of Eric Palmer we are covering some Pyramid Lake flies for the upcoming fishout. Although the emphasis is on that fishery, these flies will work anywhere. We will not be tying all of these flies but the recipes are for your exploration.
All GBF members are welcome to attend and all levels as these flies are relativity easy. As always I have extra materials to share.

MIDNIGHT COWBOY

Hook: TMC 5263, Mustad 9672, or similar 3x long size 8
Thread: 6/0 UTC Black
Tail: (optional) Small tuft of black Marabou
Wire: Red or copper size small or BR
Body: Black New Age Chenille (with red and blue sparkles)
Hackle: Black saddle

Note: This is usually fished as the point fly. The up fly is commonly the booby or beetle in different colors but usually chartreuse and white.

BEETLE

Hook: TMC 2457 size 8 (Probably most popular)
Thread: White UTC 6/0
Tail: (Optional) White marabou
Foam: 3 mm (sub 2mm) white foam
Body: Chartreuse UV Estraz or similar

Note: See 3/13/2016 posting for other names and colors of beetles!

BOOBY’S

A. Dragon
Hook 1530 or TMC 3769 or similar 2XH Regular length (These fish can be big!) 8 or 6
Thread: Black 70 Denir UTC
Body: Tan UV lights estaz chenille
Collar(hackle): Olive grizzly hen saddle
Eyes: 7mm booby foam black (1/2″ long, 1/4″ diameter)

B. Dirty Martini
Hook: Same
Thread: 70 Denir Olive UTC
Body: White UV lights estaz
Wing: Olive Brown marabou
Throat: Red ice wing fiber
Eyes: White Booby

C. Cat Whisker                  .
Hook: Same
Thread: 70 Denir UTC
Body: Chartreuse UV lights estaz
Wing: White marabou
Eyes: white booby

Spanish Olive
Hook: Same
Thread: Olive 70 Denir UTC
Body: Tan UV Lights estaz
Wing: Olive Brown marabou
Eyes: red booby

FOR OUR SAMPLE LET’S DO THE CAT WHISKER!!!

NOTE: Reports state that best fishing in AM is with a midge and indicator with the above flys more effective in the PM. The following are midges I would have in my box. The sizes are 12 and 8…mainly 12,
(think Crowley). The fish can quickly change color choice and you don’t want to be without.

MIDGES

A. Albino Wino                               Lets do this as a sample!!!
Hook: Daichii 1760 or TMC 2302 Size 8 or 12
Bead: White 3.2mm on 8 and 2.8mm on 12
Thread: 70 Denir Red UTC
Ribbing: copper size BR
Body: Cranberry med holographic tinsel

Note: A small tuft of red marabou gives this a marabou midge name.

B. 49’er
Hook: Same
Bead: Gold, same sizes
Thread: Black 70 Denir UTC
Ribbing: Gold Brassie
Body: Red med holo tinsel

Note: You only need these 2 in size 8. All the rest should be size 12.

C. Holo brown
Hook: same size 12 (see note)
Bead: White
Thread: Black 70 Denir UTC
Ribbing: Copper BR
Body: Brown holo

D. Holo Black/silver
Hook: Same
Bead: Silver
Thread: Black
Ribbing: Silver BR
Body: Black Holo

E. ETC…you get the idea!

I have posted other flies for Pyramid and we have tied them in the Jam…they are as follows:
If you want me to demo any of these flies I will be happy to do so if you get a hold of me before the next jam!

[Note: For earlier than 2018, you will have to see the Message Board here for Jim’s recipes as they predate these website posts.]

11/7/2018

Mini complex twist bugger
mini cheech leech
Jan’s Tui Chub

1/18/2018

Booby flies many ways

3/13/2016

Popcorn Beetle
Mahalo Nymph in wino & red
Balanced Leech
Woolly buggers with different names
midnight cowboy (Harline speckled “Midnight Fire” chenille)
martini olive
northern lights
black light
woolly worm

I welcome questions, comments, suggestions corrections. See you at the next general meeting!

Jim Holmes

Tying Jam for Tuesday, March 12, 2019 

Our flies that are the demo flies don’t have a lot of materials but do have some techniques that are very fun. You don’t have to follow along with us and do as some do and just tie what you want but if you do follow the materials list follows. Just a reminder if you don’t have something we always have extra to share and it is all FREE.

All members are are welcome, in fact even if you don’t tie yet, you are welcome to come and watch. This is also a great time to bring your fly tying problems/questions and get someone who can give you some personal attention.

If you have any further questions or thoughts/questions about the jam, just give me a call/e-mail!

BROWN OWL From Bob Broad of Brown Owl Fly Shop, N.H.

Hook: Mustad 9575, TMC 300, Daichii 2340 or similar (6x long)
Thread: 6/0 Brown UTC
Body: Oval Gold tinsel (original), or gold braid or gold holograph or your choice
Collar: Sparse Yellow bucktail or gray bucktail
Wing: Teal Flank Feather or other barred feather
Hackle: Long grizzly soft hackle

Note: This is supposed to be a stone fly but I think it is a great streamer!

FAT ALBERT

Hook: TMC 5262, 2302, 5263, or similar (2x long or 3x long std or light wire)
Thread: 6/0 Rusty brown (140 Denir)
Body: 1/8 or 2mm foam brown and black (you can use orange instead of brown or any color!)
Wing/indicator: White poly yarn or any color egg yarn
Legs: Round rubber in either brown or yellow/black or orange/black size medium

EZ MOUSE

Hook: TMC 200R, TMC 5212, or similar 2x, light wire
Thread: 3/0 or flat waxed nylon Brown or black
Tail: single thin hackle in brown or rust
Body: Spun natural deer hair
Ears: orange of pink 2mm foam (optional)

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Feb 12, 2019 (One week earlier this month)

FURLED ALEVIN

Hook: TMC 2457 or Daiichi 1130 or similar 8-10
Thread: 8/0 tan or yellow
Egg sac: Alsakan Roe or other egg bug yarn (Orange works well)
Body: Choice of tan, cream, or gold antron
Eyes: Black mono small or extra small

GREEN PYGMY HOPPER

Hook: TMC 200 R or similar 6 – 8
Thread: 6/0 Olive
Tag: Red super floss or silk
Abdomen: Furled together dark olive, olive, and caddis green antron
Wing: Natural deer hair
Thorax: sage green dubbing
Legs: Pumpkin with black flakes or similar
Foam: 3mm green Fly Foam or White colored with green marker pen

SKWALAFIED

Hook: TMC 200R or similar (3x long, straight eye, curved)
Thread: 6/0 Dark Brown
Eyes: Black, small or extra small
Abdomen: Furled together: dark brown, tan, and gold Antron
Thorax: Gold or golden stone dubbing
Under wing: Amber raffia or Swiss Straw
Overwing: Golden brown, or rusty brown or natural deer hair
Head: Light hare’s ear dubbing
Foam: 3mm brown Fly Foam or white and use a brown marker
Legs: yellow, medium

Bonus fly….if we have time…..

UNIT SKWALA

Hook: TMC 5212 or 2312 size 10 for females, size 12 for males
Thread: 6/0 Camel
Body: Acrylic or antron yarn yellow olive (Cascade #43 early in season, #51 later on)
Overwing: Larva lace foam black
Indicator: Poly floating white
Head: Moose body hair
Dubbing: chopped up body material
Legs: Brown rubber legs

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Jan 15, 2019

Happy New Year!

Our first fly tying jam will be held on Tuesday, January 15, starting at about 6:30 at our GBF Clubhouse. All are welcome to this free event, you don’t even have to tie with us…you can just watch and see what this fly tying is all about. If you have specific fly tying questions, this is the time to bring it about materials, techniques, or anything else relating to fly fishing. It is much quieter than at the general meeting and we can answer in some depth.  The flies for this month are a lot of fun but are not exactly absolute beginner flies but you are certainly willing to give it a try.

Any questions feel free to contact me!!!!

TELLICO NYMPH (oldie but goody!)

Hook: TMC 3761 or Mustad 3906B or similar 2x long, 3x or so heavy size 6 – 14
Thread: 6/0 UTC white for underbody, Black 8/0 for head
Weight: .020 lead wire
Tail: Nat guinea or teal flank feathers
Shellback: Natural mottled turkey wing
Rib: Peacock herl
Fine copper wire
Abdomen: Bright yellow rayon floss (original pattern). You can use other colors.
Hackle: Brown hen hackle

Note: Shellback gets a coating of UV resin or Sally’s hard as nails.

For the next flies, we will learn to prepare peacock quills for tying. You will need a peacock eye, soft rubber eraser or Exacto knife. If you want to color you will also need waterproof markers in desired colors such as brown and yellow.

QUILL-BODY SOFT-HACKLE

Hook: TMC 3769, Mustad 3908 or 3906, or similar standard wet hook 16-12
Thread: UTC Black 140 or 6/0
Body: Brown stripped peacock quill with UV resin
Thorax: Black ice dub with some squirrel or rabbit guard hairs
Hackle: Partidge

QUILL-BODY CDC EMERGER

Hook: TMC 2457 or 2487 curved 2x short, 1x or 2x strong or similar
Thread: UTC Olive or tan 6/0 (140 denier)
Body: Brown stripped peacock quill
Shuck and Wing: Tan cul de canard
Super fine UV dubbing, claret or tan

QUILL HAMMER

Hook: Klinkhammer size 12 or 1x or 2x long dry fly hook like TMC 5212 size 12
Thread: UTC Tan 6/0 (140 denier)
Post: EP Trigger Point Fibers, golden sulfur or light yellow antron
Underbody: Gold holographic tinsel
Body: Ginger stripped peacock quill
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Ginger-dry fly quality

Please note that there are a lot more flies to be tied with the stripped quill such as the Quill Gordon, Quill Caddis, and others. This is just a start using this fine material!!!!

Hope to see “ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018

MINI COMPLEX TWIST BUGGER

Hook: Daiichi 2461 (3x long like a Mustad 9672 or TMC 5262 or similar) size 6
Cone/bead: Brass 3/16 to fit
Lead: .020 or .025
Thread: 6/0 tan uni
Tail: Spey chickapou tan or Marabou tan
Underbody: Pearl Flashabou
Bodies (Twisted together): #1 – Grizzly hen saddle
#2 – Barred dark ginger or dark brown mottled hen
#3 – UV Polar Chenille Gold
Veil: Arizona Simi dub – Callebaetis

Handy tools to have for all the flies: small comb, dubbing spinner, velcro for brushing, and the special tool for twisting materials.

MINI CHEECH LEECH (AN ARTICULATED FLY)

Front Hook: Gamakatsu B10S AKA Stinger hook size 4
Rear Hook: Daiichi 2461 (see above) size 6
Thread: 6/0 Yellow Uni thread
Rear Fly: Tail: Simi seal Crawdad
Body: same
Hackle: small Palmer chenille – Tan
Flash: Midge flash – Gold

Connection: Braided bead wire
Bead: Roe Orange or similar

Front Fly: Eyes: barbell 5/32 or similar
Tail, body Hackle – same as above
Collars: mixture of tan and yellow marabou
Legs: Tan
Head: Simi seal Crawdad

JAN’S TUI CHUB

Hook: Gamakatsu B10 S 4 or similar
Thread: Flat Waxed nylon – Olive
Wing: Olive magnum rabbit or olive Artic Fox
Body: Tan Estaz
Hackle: UV Polar chenille – Gold

Remember that I usually have plenty of extra materials to share!!!!!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 16, 2018

D-RIB GOLDEN STONE (from CARL PENNINGTON)

Hook: TMC 5262 8 – 14 or similar (We will be using 12)
Thread: Yellow 8/0 or 70 UTC
Underbody: .020 or .025 lead wire depending on hook size
Tail: tan or gold goose biots
Body: med lt. or dark golden stone D-rib
Thorax: Golden stone dubbing SLF Whitlock or similar (see other flies for other choices)
Legs: Natural partridge

UV for top of wing case

Tools that may be handy: Brown marker and flat nose pliers

SIMPLE GOLDEN STONE

Hook: TMC 200R, Dairiki 285 or similar (3x long, 1x or more strong) size 8 – 16 (12 for us)
Bead: Black 7/64 or to fit hook
Weight/underbody: .020 lead wire
Thread: yellow 8/0 or 70 UTC
Dubbing ball: Golden stone Australian Possum
Rib: Gold Wire size B or brassie
Tail: Amber goose biot
Body: Golden stone as above
Wing pad: Dyed yellow pheasant tail
Thorax: golden stone as above

UV to wingcase

Note: no leg material, David

MERCER’S BH POXYBACK BIOT GOLDEN STONE
(Note: Mike Mercer from the Fly Shop in Redding has other golden stone patterns and I will show you one of them but I don’t think we will have time to tie in this session.)

Hook: TMC 2302 size 8 – 14 (we ill use a 12)
Thread: tan 8/0 or 70 UTC
Antenna: Sulfur orange turkey biots
Bead: Gold or black to fit hook
Underbody: .020 or .025 lead wire to fit hook
Tail: sulfur biot
Body: same
Wingcase: Dark mottled turkey
Thorax: Golden stone buggy nymph
Legs: mottled Brown hen feathers
Collar: GS buggy nymph

Any questions, shoot me a email or text otherwise I will see at the meeting and the jam!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 18, 2018

HUMONGOUS FLY by Devin Olsen from the Reno Fly Shop (Good folks, stop and buy if in area!)

Hook: TMC 5263, Mustad 9762, or similar 3x long, 1 or 2x strong size 8 – 12
Thread: 6/0 Olive or Black
Bead: To match hook probably 1/8 Brass
Flash: UV Flashabou or Silver Flashabou
Rib: Silver wire size BR or SM
Body: Silver tinsel
Hackle: Grizzly

Yes, this is a bugger variant but I have some subtle changes and we are using the rotary!!!!

STAYNER DUCKTAIL (Perch imitation)

Hook: TMC 5263, Mustad 9762 (see above) size 6 – 18
Thread: Black
Tail: Orange hackle fibers
Rib: Small gold Mylar
Body: Fine or medium olive chenille (depends on hook size)
Also variegated olive and yellow works great!
Beard: Orange hackle fiber
Wing: Nat mallard flank feather or wood duck

COPPER JOHN

Hook: TMC 5262 2x long, 1 x heavy or similar Mustad 5261 size 10 to 18
Thread: 8/0 Black
Bead: Gold or tungsten to fit size of hook
Weight: Lead small wire
Tail: Dark brown goose biots
Body: UTC wire copper, red, gold or other, your choice size to fit hook
Flashback: Pearl Flashabou
Wingcase: Black Thinskin
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Legs: Partridge or Starling
Coating: UV

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 21, 2018

SERENDIPITY (Craig Mathews)

Hook: TMC 2487 12 – 22 or similar (I like the 2488)
Thread: 8/0 Red or to match body
Body: Red Z-lon or Antron or your choice such as olive, tan, cream, etc
Thorax: Natural deer hair

Note: this is the original fly…the next fly is an alternative using the same design.

Hook: TMC 2457 12-20 or similar
Thread: Black 8/0
Body: V-rib or any light color tubing material
Wing: CDC to match body
Thorax: Antron dubbing – Callibaetis

Note: You can see this is a general design and very effective emerger pattern as a caddis, mayfly or midge.

FLYMPH – The original soft hackle

The Black Gnat

Hook: Mustad 3906 B or similar 12 – 20
Thread: 8/0 olive
Rib: Fine green wire
Body: Peacock Herl
Hackle: Starling or black hen or any soft black hackle

Diving Caddis

Hook: Mustad 3906 B or similar 12 – 20
Thread: Olive 8/0
Egg sack: Olive Hare’s ear
Ribbing: Flat gold tinsel
Body: Nat Hares ear
Hackle: Brown Partridge

Leisenring Spider

Hook: Mustad 3906 12 – 16 or similar
Thread: Yellow 8/0
Rib: Fine gold wire
Body: Hare’s mask – shaggy
Hackle:Brown Partridge

Transition Flymph

Hook: Mustad 3906 B 12 – 16 or similar
Thread: Ivory or white
Tail: Pheasant tail
Rib: Fine copper wire
Body: Pheasant tail
Thorax: Yellow rabbit….Alternate Yellow Ice dub
Hackle: Brown hen

These are fun flies!!!
See ‘ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, July 17, 2018

SLUMPBUSTER FLY by John Barr (Think Copper John…same guy)

Hook: TMC 5263 or similar Size 4 – 10
Cone/Bead: Gold to fit
Thread: 3/0 Brown or Black
Rib: Size “B” (Brassie) in your choice gold, silver, chartreuse
Body: Sparkle braid in silver or opalescence
Wing: Pine squirrel zonker strip (rabbit is a substitute)
Collar: Pine squirrel

MERCER’S MISSING LINK CADDIS

Hook: 900BL 14-20 or TMC 100
Thread: 8/0 Brown or olive
Rib: Pearl crystal flash (UV)
Thorax: Black or black peacock ice dub
Wings: Dark dun Z-lon
Hackle: grizzly or dun or brown
Wing: Fine elk

SHAMBLES

Hook: TMC 900 bl or TMC 100 or similar 12 – 18
Thread: Cream yellow to match
Tail: Short fine deer hair
Abdomen: fine creamy yellow (dry fine dubbing)
Hackle: Dry fly quality tan or dun
Wing: Tan Deer hair

(Optional: underwing – UV Dubbing

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 19, 2018

These flies have been around for a while but I have caught fish on all of them. I may have a bonus fly also.
Hope to see you there!

LINCOLN’S TS HEX BUGGER

Hook: TMC 5262 Size 8
Bead: 1/8 Gold
Thread: Danville Lt Yellow 6/0
Weight: (Optional) 6 wraps .015 lead or substitute
Tail: Golden Yellow Grizzly Marabou
Hackle: Golden Yellow Grizzly
Abdomen: Jay Fair’s Glimmer Med olive short shuck
Thorax: Same but long shuck

GRAY’S STILLBORN HEX

Hook: Daiichi 1260 6-8 or similar
Thread: Pale Yellow 6/0
Tail: 3 natural(gray) ostrich herls
Ribbing: Gold wire BR or med
Abdomen: Nat ostrich herl
Wingcase: Gold or Yellow elk hair
Option: Yellow 2mm foam
Thorax: Glimmer medium olive long shuck

These two flies are from Lance and Lincoln Gray who are guides on Lake
Almanor. They really work!!!!

This fly is from Andy Burk, a former guide in the Truckee area.

BURK’S HEX NYMPH

Hook: TMC 200 R 4 – 8
Thread: Yellow 6/0
Weight: 10 wraps .015 lead
Tail: Gray marabou
Ribbing: copper wire size BR
Back: mottled oak turkey tail
Gills: gray pheasant aftershaft feather
Abdomen: Pale Yellow Haretron or similar
Wing case: mottled turkey
Thorax: Pale yellow Haretron
Legs: Nat guinea hen or hen hackle

Any questions, give me a shout!

Jim Holmes

Tying Jam for Tuesday, May 15, 2018

1A. THE GHOST (From panfish on the fly and is a variant of the original James Wood Bucktail)

Hook: TMC 5263, TMC 2302, TMC 200 R or similar 3x long, 1x or 2x strong
Thread: White 6/0
Body: White medium chenille
Wing: White bucktail (Don’t forget your stacker!)
Head: White medium chenille

1B. PUMPKINSEED BUCKTAIL

Hook: as above or mustad 3366
Thread: Black 6/0
Body: Variegated chenille (green/yellow, etc)
Wing: green, yellow, blue bucktail
Head: Bright red + Dark purple or black chenille

1C. ORIGINAL

Same as above but body of yellow, wing white bucktail, and head lt. blue.

2. DENNY’S ALL PURPOSE EMERGER (Like last month’s fly, one you should have in your box)

Hook: TMC 3761 or similar 1x long and 2x heavy size 10 or 12
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Mallard flank feather
Rib: small copper wire
Body: Natural grey hare’s ear (options:black, olive, rusty brown)
Wingcase: Mallard flank feather
Thorax: peacock herl
Hackle: partridge

3. GREG VINCI’S X-RAY CADDIS

A. PUPA STAGE

Hook: TMC 2302 14 – 16
Thread: Brown 8/0
Bead head: 5/64 copper and 7/64 black beads
Ribbing: 5x mono
Back: Mallard flank feather
Underbody: pearlescent tinsel
Overbody: 1/4 scud back
Thorax: brown ostrich herl
Wing: Partridge

B. LARVA STAGE

Hook: TMC 2302 14 – 16
Thread: Olive 8/0
Beads: 5/64 copper and 7/64 black beads
Rib: 5x mono
Underbody: pearlescent tinsel
Overbody: 1/4 scudback lt olive
Back: Dyed olive flank feathers
Thorax: brown ostrich herl
Gills: white polypro yarn

 

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Apr 17, 2018

X-SMALL HUMPY

Hook: TMC 200 R 16 – 22
Thread: Black 8/0
Tail: Grizzly hackle fibers
Overbody and wings: Narrow strip of 2mm foam to match body (gray)
Body: Ice dub (olive)
Hackle: Grizzly dry fly quality saddle hackle

DENNY’S DAMSEL NYMPH

Hook: TMC 2457 or similar 10/12
Thread: Olive 6/0
Tail: (1) Dark Olive, (2) Burnt Orange marabou
Wingcase: Clear plastic
Body hackle: (1) Olive, (2) Burnt orange
Body: peacock herl
Eyes: Black mono, small

DENNY’S STILLWATER PUPAE

Hook: Daiicho 1711, TMC 5262, Mustad 9271, or similar 2x long, 2 x strong 10 or 12
Thread: Olive 6/0
Tail: Marabou to match body (Olive) + 4 strips maylar UV (see note)
Wingcase: clear plastic
Rib: Gold wire (small) Optional
Body: Arizona Semi-seal (Olive, or black or brown or purple) Picked out
Hackle: Partridge or hen sparse

Note: I use pearl crystal flash rather than trying to match to colors in the tail. I think that the reflection is close enough!

This last fly is from research from Eric Palmer and is as close as we can come to the original fly. If any of you have any other ideas, please post or bring your idea to the jam!
Any Questions, post or text me….

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Mar 20, 2018

GARTSIDE GURGLER

Hook: TMC 8089 stinger hook Size 10 or any 3x straight eye hook
Thread: White 3/0 or flat waxed nylon
Tail: White bucktail with 6 strands of Krystal flash or similar
Body: 2mm white foam
Body hackle: White saddle hackle or Estraz or color of your choice
Shell Back: white foam

We will also tie two alternates using the same materials.

Note: This could be a good fly for either Rancho Murietta or Cameron Park Lake fishouts.

EMU BUGGER

Hook: Mustad 9672, or TMC 2302, or any similar 3x long hook 1x strong size 8 to 12
Tail: Emu to match body. An alternate is marabou or rabbit.
Rib: Copper wire small
Body: Arizona Semi Seal in either olive, brown, black, etc
Body hackle: UV Emu to match body
Shellback: Wooly bugger chenille black.

QUIGLEY HACKLE STACKER

Note: This continues our series of no wing very effective emergers and dries.

Hook: TMC 100 or similar size 12 – 16
Thread: Olive 8/0
Tail: Dun hackle fibers
Body: Gray Superfine or similar dry fly hackle
Hackle: Dun
Abdomen: Superfine dubbing

Hope to see ‘ya there!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Feb 20, 2018

BALANCED PUMPKINHEAD LEECH

(We have done both of these flies in the last year but we are putting them together)

Hook: 90degree jig hook – Mustad 32833 BLN or similar Size 10
Thread: UTC 70 or 6/0 Olive or black
Tail: Olive marabou + 4 strands of pearl UV Flashabou
Body: Arizona Simi seal – Olive
Head: Hot orange UV ice dub
Balancing bead: 7/64 or 1/8 Gold tungsten and straight pin
Alternate: same size Cyclops with orange bead lined with gold or silver

Note: This fly can be tied in black, brown, white etc…a very versatile fly!!!!!

The next two flies are from Jon Baiocchi. They are “guide flies” easy to tie and if you are fishing the Yuba and Truckee you should have some in your box!

UNIT SKWALA

Hook: TMC 5212 or 2312 size 10 for females, size 12 for males
Thread: 6/0 Camel
Body: Acrylic or antron yarn yellow olive (Cascade #43 early in season, #51 later on)
Overwing: Larva lace foam black
Indicator: Poly floating white
Head: Moose body hair
Dubbing: chopped up body material
Legs: Brown rubber legs

MARCH BROWN SPARKLE DUN

Hook: TMC 101 or similar (101 is barbless 100)
Thread: 6/0 Camel
Tail(schuck): same as body
Rib: Tan 8/0 tying thread
Body: Pulgusi winging material march brown or similar
Wing: same material

This is like a comparadun but tied with different materials, the same fly we tied in November.

If you have any questions, give me a text or call!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Jan 16, 2018

See Booby Fly examples here.

MAKING BOOBY FOAM EYES

1. Use your tube fly mandrel supplied by John P. during our tying tube flies last year. You were at that jam, right?

2. Trim a small section and round the corners.

3. Insert on the mandrel and tie in the middle and whip finish. Do NOT use glue or head cement yet on eyes.

BASIC BOOBY

Hook: TMC 2457 size 6 – 10 We will be using 8.
Thread: White flat waxed nylon or 6/0 white
Tail: Marabou white
Body: Chartreuse chenille large
Eyes: White foam booby eyes

Note: You can use any colors such as black and purple, etc. on this basic fly.

WINGED BOOBY – HOT ORANGE

Hook: Daiichi 1150, 1120, or 1530 or similar
Thread: UTC 140 Hot orange or Flat waxed nylon hot orange or similar
Tail: Marabou hot orange
Body: Hot orange crystal chenille
Wing: Hot Orange marabou with a few stands of holographic gold
Eyes: Orange of white booby eyes

TEQUILA BOOBY

Hook: C49S Mustad size 8 or similar
Thread: UTC140 Florescent Orange
Tail: UV 2 Marabou – Lemon Yellow, or just Lemon Yellow
Body: (if possible) Gel core Fritz Fl. sunburst Peach or Hot Orange
Eyes: Med white Booby Eyes

DAMSEL BOOBY

Hook: TMC 2457 size 8 or similar
Thread: Olive 6/0
Eyes: Green Booby
Tail: Yellow-olive marabou
Rib: Green braid or wire
Body: lemon yellow dubbing
Thorax: green sparkle dubbing
Head: Chartreuse sparkle dun

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Nov 21, 2017

PANFISH WIGGLER

Hook: TMC 2302 or similar 8 – 12
Thread: Brown 6/0
Eyes: small black bead chain
Tail/Shellback: Squirrel Tail (Deer hair would probably work)
Body: Ostrich or peacock herl or dubbing
Hackle: Burnt Orange saddle hackle

GREEN EYED DAMSEL

(Another damsel but this looks pretty good)

Hook: TMC 2302 8 – 10 or similar
Thread: Black 6/0
Eyes: Bead Chain painted green
Tail: Olive Ostrich Herl
Rib: Copper wire
Body: Olive ostrich herl
Shellback: Mottled brown medallion sheeting sub thin skin or similar
Legs: Olive saddle
Thorax: Olive dubbing

IMPROVED McGINTY

Hook: 3906-B, 3761 or similar
Thread: Black 6/0 or 8/0
Tail: Red Saddle hackle or red rabbit
Underbody: Uniyarn dark
Body: Small black and yellow chenille
Collar: Black and yellow UV polar chenille

Bonus Fly

BIVISIBLE DUN

Hook: TMC 900 or TMC 100 or similar 10-24 We will do 14
Thread: Olive 8/0
Body: Olive brown superfine or other fine dubbing
Tail: Ginger Z-lon or Antron
Hackle: Dry fly DUN
Wingpost: White and black calftail Substitute: Black and White turkey flats

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Oct 17, 2017

NO NAME BUGGER

Hook: TMC 5262 or TMC 2302 6 – 10 (We will use an 8 for sample)
Thread: Black or Olive 6/0
Tail: Yellow and dark olive marabou tips
Body: Blue or pearl ice dubbing
Collar: Yellow and olive UV Polar Chenille
Hackle: Dark olive marabou

As requested by Eric Palmer:
COMPARADUN…..A fly of the 70’s!

Hook: TMC 100 12 – 22
Thread: Gray 6/0
Tail: Dun micro-fibbets
Body: Gray superfine dubbing (This is for callibaetis. Other colors can be used.)
Wing: Nat comparadun deer hair or dyed gray
No hackle

RS2 – 2B

Hook: TMC 100 16 – 24 We will use 16 or 14 for a sample.
Thread: Gray 8/0
Tail: Microfibbets
Abdomen: Gray Superfine dubbing
Wing: Brite white Antron
Thorax: Gray Superfine dubbing

Bonus Fly:

Successful nymph pattern for Frenchman….courtesy of Gene Goss

DENNY RICKARDS STILL WATER NYMPH

Hook: TFS 3761 or similar
Thread: Orange
Tail: Orange Marabou short
Shellback: clear plastic
Body hackle: Orange
Body: Orange Antron or similar

Please note that we also talk about the flies and where they could be used, NOW.
See ‘ya at the meeting.

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Sept 19, 2017

RED FOX SQUIRREL NYMPH

Hook: TMC 5262 sizes 14 – 6 We will use 12 for the sample. Or similar.
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Hare’s ear mask Guard Hairs
Rib: Fine gold oval tinsel
*Abdomen: Red fox squirrel body fur blended with orange Antron
*Thorax: Red fox squirrel body fur blended with charcoal and brown
Legs: Mottled brown hen or partridge

*At the fly shops, there is “Squirrel” which I think is the same stuff in a variety of colors. I am using burnt orange one of my favorites and some brown mixed with black for the thorax. We’ll talk!!!!!

POSSIE BUGGER

Hook: TMC 3761 8 – 16 or similar. We will use 12.
Bead: Gold to fit
Weight: optional
Thread: Black 6/0
Tail: Aussie Possum or rabbit mask natural
Rib: Copper wire (brassie size) and pearl flash-a-bou
Body: Awesome Possum Natural
Hackle: CDC dun or brown partridge or brown hen
Collar: Black dubbing

ARTICULATED COPPER JOHN

Back part of fly:

Shank: Old straight eye hook or a wiggle shank. This is the time to use up some old hooks!
Thread: Red 8/0
Tail: Red Goose Biot
Body: Red wire (Brassie size)

Front part:

Hook: TMC 2457 14 – 16 or similar
Bead: red
Thread: Red 8/0
Casing: Pearl flashabou with black medallion or thin skin
Body : Red peacock herl
Legs: India hen black
Wing Case: Loon UV Fly Finish or similar Bring your Black light!

Joining material:

6 lb (3x) tippet material
17 lb leader material
flat nosed pliers

Tying Jam for Tuesday, Aug 15, 2017

Dark Lord (Part of Bill’s LBB series)

Hook: TMC 3761 (1x long, 1x strong) or similar 10 – 18 We will be using 12
Bead: To fit size of hook
Thread: 6/0 Black
Thread: Dark Brown Biot
Body: Antron Sparkle Black
Rib: Gold flat
Legs: Black Hen
Wings: Ginger biots

Prince Nymph

Hook: TMC 5263 8 – 20 We will be using 12
Bead: To Bead or not to bead…….
Tail: Dark Brown Biot
Rib: Flat gold
Body: Peacock herl
Hackle: Brown hen
wings: White Biots

Note: it seems like these two flies are alike…I would call them similar and Bill used to claim that his DArk Lord was a much better producer.

Biot Midge

Hook: TMC 100 or any dry hook 18 – 26 20 is probably the most used
Thread: 8/0 to match biot
Abdomen: Goose or turkey Biot in black, gray, olive, red
Thorax: Superfine to match color of biot
Gills: white or dun CDC puffs or similar

We will tie this fly in a variety of ways!

See you at the next meeting and at the jam!

Tying Jam for Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Mike Gervais will also be tying there with his special flies…the wasp…they are fun flies!

The “regular” jam session held the third Tuesday of most months will be reviewing hair spinning with two of what I feel are the best streamer flies that you can have. They will work in river and streams as well as lakes…give them a try!!! Those of you who are fishing on the Truckee will find these flies are guide flies!!!

All you need to bring to tie is your equipment but you will also need a hair packer and a hair stacker and a razor blade will be helpful when trimming your flies. If you don’t have all the materials, we usually have plenty of extra. All levels are welcome but these flies will be a little more challenging. These flies are constructed with hair spinning “lite” but we can do more like the Goddard Caddis in another session.
Any questions, give me a shout!!!

MUDDLER MINNOW (More or less the original version)

Hook: 3x long streamer hook (2 – 10) like a TMC 5263 or similar
Thread: 3/0 or 6/0 brown waxed
Tail: Mottled turkey (Note…these feathers come in matched sets!)
Body: Flat gold tinsel (Mylar works well)
Rib: Medium copper wire
Underwing: Grey squirrel tail
Collar/head: spun and trimmed deer hair

MATUKA MUDDLER

Hook: 3x streamer hook TMC 5263 or similar
Thread: 3/0 black or brown
Rib: fine gold or silver or copper wire
Body: Dubbing to match wing such as olive or tan or black and orange
Wing: Hen or rooster webby to match body
Head: spun and trimmed deer hair. (Note, you can use dyed hair to match the body!)

Hope to see you there!!!
Jim Holmes

Tying Jam for Tuesday, May 16, 2017

PUMPKIN HEAD LEECH ( be sure you have your dubbing tool with you!)

Hook: TMC 5262 or TMC 5263 or similar 12 – 6  We will be sampling on 8. (2x long, 2x strong)
Thread: 6/0 Black or to match body
Tail: same as body
Body: Canadian Brown or Canadian Black or Canadian Olive Simi Seal or similar
Head: UV Hot Orange Ice dub or other Ice Dub

KILLER CADDIS

Hook: TMC 100 or similar (I like the TMC 900)
Thread: Black 8/0
Tag: Orange Hi Vis Tinsel or similar
Rib: Hi Vis green floss
Head: Orange 2mm foam
Body: Olive green antron or similar
Underwing: CDC Dun or green
Overwing: Stacked Natural deer hair
Throax: Green dubbing

Note: This fly is similar to the Elk Hair Caddis but floats much better!

STONEDADDY  (From Doug Ouellette)

Hook: TMC 5262 or similar (I am tying on the 8)
Thread: 3/0 Danville Brown
Bead: 5/32 for 8 or 6, 1/8 for 10
Tail and claws: Stripped Goose Biots Gold
Rib: Red Ultra wire – Brassie or medium
Overcase: Tin Skin Mottled golden oak
Body: Vinyl Rib Flat Medium Orange
Thorax: 1/2  Blend SLF Prism Amber 1/2 Wapsi Rabbit Ginger

If you are guided by Doug on the Truckee, you will be using this fly!!!!

Any Questions, give me a shout!