Description: This set contains one-half dozen "fancy" wet flies and is composed of three of the most-well known traditional married wing wet fly patterns ever created. You will receive two of each pattern in size #8. (Click on "More Images" to see all 3 flies in the set.)
- Parmachene Belle,
- Trout Fin
- Colonel Fuller
The Parmachene Belle originated in Maine in the 1880's, the Colonel Fuller is also a 19th century pattern. The Trout Fin was submitted to Ray Bergman in the mid-1940's for inclusion in his 1947 book, With Fly, Plug, and Bait; by Bert Quimby, reknowned Maine guide. These are all classic brook trout patterns, but they are also effective for browns, rainbows, and land-locked salmon.
TIER'S NOTE: I am offering these flies for discriminating anglers who wish to fish vintage style flies for a successful day of wet fly fishing. At one time these patterns were a staple inventory item in American mail-order catalogs and over-the-counter fishing tackle companies.
What they imitate:
- The Trout Fin imitates a brook trout fin; old time anglers knew well the effectiveness of a real brookie fin when impaled on a hook as bait.
- The Parmachene Belle and Colonel Fuller are attractor patterns, both known for their effectiveness.
When to fish them: These classic married-wing "fancy" patterns can be fished any time the water conditions are favorable.
Where to fish them: Rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds are locations for effective wet fly fishing with these patterns.
How to fish them:
- Fish these wet flies slow in ponds and lakes, perhaps with an occasional twitch during the retrieve. Vary the time allowed to sink before starting the retrieve.
- In flowing water, cast upstream, point the slightly-raised rod tip at the line and allow the flies to drift naturally. When the current tightens the line, allow the flies to swing across until they are directly downstream. Then begin to retrieve, using a variety of methods to impart swimming action and movement. Repeat this process, taking a couple steps downstream after every few casts, systematically covering the water as you move.
Approximate time to complete this order: up to 2 weeks
View Don's other fly sets and classic fly plates: Don's Flies