The guys over on River Clyde Fishing Forum’s have been running a fun fly tying competition where the rule is any fly tied has to be made with at least one item of Christmas decorations. I guess there is plenty of scope given the preponderance of sparkly and tinselly items around at this time of year.
So here are three submissions I have made, for those who aren’t members over there! If you have any interest in the Clyde and its angling you should think of joining the site– highly recommended for info on the Clyde and its tributaries, Scottish trout, salmon and Grayling fishing generally and fly tying etc.
The Double Egg Laying Christmas Tree
Hook: Wet Fly size 10
Eggs: Plastic Bead Chain stuff used used to drape on the Christmas tree
Thread: 6/0 Brown UNI
Rib: The tinsel cord stuff you get on Cadbury Chocolate tree decorations
Hackle/Tree part: Chartreuse Gel Core Fritz
Double Egg Laying Christmas tree
I have this Insane feeling this might actually catch a Naive Rainbow though hooking up might be a problem!
The next up is much simpler and arguably would catch the odd fish as its simply a buzzer made with less conventional body material
The Cadbury’s Buzzer
Hook: Size 8 Buzzer/Grub hook
Thread: UNI 6/0 Black
Body: More of the Cadburys tree decoration cord- it has a tinsel weave through it which gives a nice effect though as a material its a bit thick. Coated with Bug Bond.
Thorax: Peacock Herl
Cheeks: Strips of Blue tinsel stuff also used to drape on branches of the Christmas tree
The Cadbury Buzzer
Finally, and I have to say I think the best, this one I have called:
The Halley’s Comet
Hook: Size 8 Longshank Trout Lure
Comet: 3.5mm Silver Tungsten Bead
Thread: Purple 6/0 UNI
Tail: White Marabou, with added sparkle from some Tree Tinsel, and finally some Stars (7) threaded on 4lb nylon to chase along behind the comet- The Sparkly Stars are the kind you get for decoration of a table under a tree or for putting in Christmas packages
Body: White Chenille
Rib: Silver Tinsel
Hackle: Silver/White Micro Fritz
Halleys Comet Christmas Trout Lure
This might catch the (very) odd fish but the Stars might get in the way and won’t be hard wearing! My missus wants me to make two for her into Christmas ear-rings- minus the hooks obviously!
I am entering the for fun, Christmas fly fishing competition at Swanswater on the 27th December and might give them a wee chuck there see what happens- if I am allowed!
The guys love these patters !!!!!