Central Alberta Fly Tying Club

Monday, January 17, 2011

Monday January 17, 2011

Hi Everybody!

Dr. Bill Young was our guest tyer tonight. Bill had 24 avid fly tyers learn to tie 2 pike flies that Bill used in the Yukon to catch monster pike. We learned to tie a mouse pattern with deer hair and made an enormous foam pattern that the group offered up several names. The group thought the foam looked like licorice so Bill had a flashback to younger days and called it "All Sorts" while Betty suggested calling it "Buffy the Pike Slayer." Both flies will certainly entice a plump pike. Thanks, Bill, for another marvalous tying session. Remember don't let your cat get near that deer hair mouse!

There are 2 spots left for the Rowley Workshop on February 5th. Phil will like to remind everybody that he is saving the June 9th to June 13th for our group in Manitoba. Let me know before the Canadian Fly Fishing Exposition that is at Spruce Meadows the final weekend in January. At that time, Phil will open up the trip to any interested fly fishers. We still have 8 spots left. Let Bob or Karen know if you want to get in on this fabulous trip.

Next week Bernie Peet is our guest tyer. I bet there will be an English fly pattern or two. See you then!

Dr. Bill Young

Deer Hair Mouse

Hook: size 2 4xl hook with a wide gap (we used a steelhead hook with a turned up eye)

Tail: polypropolene

Body: Deer hair

"All Sorts' or "Buffy the Pike Slayer"

Hook: Size 4 (e.g. Mustad 9672)

Tail: Deer Hair

Body: Antron (color to suit)

Hackle: Brown saddle

Legs: Rubber

Rib: Copper Wire

Body: Foam glued (orange, black and tan) with 3 M spray adhesive (super 77) You can buy it at Canadian Tire.

Our tying group has all ages.

Nice mouse Katy!

Concentration!

The gang at work!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Monday January 10, 2011

Hi Everybody!

Phil Nash was our guest tyer tonight. 21 tyers made it out to learn how to tie a San Juan Worm with Larva Lace and a Letort Hopper. The Larva Lace San Juan Worm is a great looking pattern that will certainly produce on our trout waters. The translucent effect of the larva lace with an acetate floss underbody certainly makes the pattern effective. The Letort Hopper is a straight forward pattern that requires some precision with deer hair. Phil's presentation was excellent. We also appreciate Phil's effort to drive in from Wetaskiwin on such a cold night.

A few important notes. We have just two (maybe three spots) for the Phil Rowley Saturday Workshop on February 5th. The theme is Big Flies for Big Fish. Call or e-mail Bob to secure a spot.

A return trip to the Parkland Region of Manitoba is in the final planning stage. The trip starts Thursday June 9th with supper at Arrow Lake Lodge and goes to Monday June 13th. Monday June 13th your are on your own to travel back home or fish. The cost is $625 (I was $25 off in my last post, sorry). The 4 days will include daily seminars, hands on fishing including time with Phil in his boat. The cost also includes all food and accommodation. The trip will be offered to our group exclusively until the end of January.

The camaraderie on this trip makes for lots of fun. Phil Rowley does a great job with the seminars and out on the water. This trip has 12 spots and 4 are already gone (from our group). Let Bob know asap if you want to get on the trip.

Phil Nash leading the group

Larva Lace San Juan Worm

Hook: Mustad 37160 sizes 2 to 12

Thread: red 6/0

Underbody: Acetate floss (try pink, red and maroon) covered with flex cement

Overbody: Larva Lace clear/medium

Letort Hopper

Hook: standard dry fly hook sizes 6 to 10

Body: yellow fentex (or equivalent)

Wing:Deer hair

Head: Deer Hair

Monday, January 3, 2011

A Great Start to a New Fly Tying Season

Happy 2011 Everybody!

The Central Alberta Fly Tyers kicked off the 2011 tying season at West Park Middle School. 23 tyers made it out. We had several newcomers out tonight. That was impressive considering were were competing with Team Canada playing the USA at the World Juniors. Way to go Canada with a solid 4-1 victory! Tonight's theme was the Pheasant Tail Nymph. There are many variations of Frank Sawyer's original pattern that was tied with merely pheasant and copper wire. We tied the pheasant tail nymph unweighted and with a bead.

Bob and Karen also put on a slide show that included the club trips to the Parkland Region of Manitoba and their trip to Tasmania and New Zealand.

We have a few reminders for you. We are quickly filling up the Phil Rowley Workshop on Saturday February 5th. There are 5 spots remaining. The theme is Big Flies for Big Fish. It will be an excellent workshop that will include everything from tube flies, double bunnies and gurglers. I will post a detailed itinerary in a day or two.

I have had several inquiries about a return trip to the Parkland Region of Manitoba. Phil, Karen and I have secured Arrow Lake Lodge in the Parkland Region of Manitoba. from June 9th to the 13th. We will be offering the trip to our club members first until the end of January and then it will be opened up to any takers. The trip will cost approximately $600. That will include accommodation, food, seminars and fishing with Phil on the lakes. The seminars will be largely new material. The trip will be limited to 12 individuals.

Next week Phil Nash is our presenter. You will enjoy Phil's sense of humour. Phil has two flies planned that will be welcome additions to your fly box. See you next Monday.