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

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.

The Gang Tying Pheasant Tail Nymphs

Frank Sawyer's original pheasant tail nymph tied with pheasant tail and copper wire

.

Unweighted Pheasant Tail Nymph

Hook: Nymph hook-Mustad 9671/ 3906B/curved caddis hooks sizes 10-18

Tail: pheasant tail

Body: pheasant tail

Rib: copper wire

Shellback: pheasant tail

Thorax: peacock herl

Orange Butt Pheasant Tail

Bead: gold, brass, black 7/64th

Tail: Pheasant

Butt: hot orange rabbit

Body: pheasant tail

Rib: copper wire

Shellback: pearl mylar

Thorax: peacock herl

Flashback Nymph

Bead: gold, brass, black 7/64th

Tail: peasant tail

Body: pheasant tail

Shell back: pearl mylar

Thorax: peacock herl

Legs: midge flex-brown

Rib:copper wire small

The Upcoming Fly Tying Season

Hi Everybody!

We are still looking for leaders for the tying club this year. Let Bob know if you are able to led an evening session. Thanks to the folks that have offered to step up and do a session. The 2011 Fly Tying Season starts Monday January 3 at West Park Middle School (please note the new location). We hope to run the club in a similar fashion to year's past. Each Monday for about 12 weeks will have a guest fly tyer. The cost of each session is $3.00 which will cover the costs of the materials and room rental.

Karen and I are travelling in Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand until Christmas.

If you want to see what we are up to, just take a look at our travel blog:

Bob and Karen's Travel Blog


If you would consider running one of the tying sessions, please drop me a note. The dates are below. I will update the guest tyers when I am near an internet connection.

Oh yes, if have a fly fishing picture or two to post on the blog, just e-mail me with the picture and details.

Here are the dates:

Monday January 3 Bob Vanderwater
Monday January 10 Phil Nash
Monday January 17 Dr. Bill Young
Monday January 24 Bernie Peet
Monday January 31 Evan Ritchie

Saturday February 5th Phil Rowley Workshop Big Flies for Big Fish (cost $30 plus a materials fee)

Monday February 7 Tim Maley
Monday February 14 Betty MacKenzie
Monday February 21 Family Day no tying
Monday February 28 Doug Pullen

Monday March 7
Monday March 14
Monday March 21
Monday March 28