Nice group bugs you got there Nic

I got some new hooks and some elk yearling hiar today at Stone Ridge outfitters in Bedford, NH.  So I will now be able to tie some wooly buggers like NIC and ZIGGY.  Also I will be tying some elk hair caddis.

Stone Ridge Outfitters have a very nice establishment and the guys there are a great help selecting materials and even demonstrating tactics and techniques to nail the pattern you are looking to try.  Although I found their fly selection a bit priceier than my usual shop, their selection is great and materials are reasonable.  Plus their willingness to teach was a stupendous step in the right direction.

Theron

Good to know thanks Dave!  Don't glass beads run the risk of shattering if you hit a rock?  I know it probabaly seldom ever happens to the more experienced bunch but a little wind or psychological pressure like the site of a nice fish makes casting accurately doubly difficult for me.

Theron

Well, I was back at it again.  This time I was determined to make some decent Elk Hair Caddis flies.  I think they are acceptable and identifiable, but they are still not what I want them to be.

The left one's wing is too big, and the right one's hackle is a bit too long.  But as I said that is just to my eye.  Maybe the fish won't mind.   

I Hope!!!!  I made about ten of these over a beer the other night.

Next are some simple pink chennille San Juans I have been mentioning but never took pics of.  I made about six of these.

And then there is another variation of the hornberg and it is apparently recognizable, as a coworker of mine picked it out by name immediately.  This one has Guinea Hen feather cheeks.  And a soft hackle in the front.

And then there is this other frankenstein I made out of all sorts of things.  My wife said, "Make a pretty one."  So I tried my best, and here is the final result.

I hope you all enjoy my work and have some criticism and or words of advice that I can use to better hone this skill I am trying to nurture.

Thanks,

Theron

Thanks Lee!  I had the hardest time tying on the hair wings.  I started like a video suggested cutting the material to length and trying to tie it on.  When I did that the thread kept slipping over the butt end and was really pissing me off.  I must of tied my first wing on 10 times and threw out several clippings of elk hair, but in the end I decided to tie it on adjust length and then cinch and clip the ends.  That method worked the best for me.

I did notice that the little head at the butt end that develops from cinching down the hair doesn't get as big this way though.  So it isn't cinching as tight I don't think.  But I'm certain these flies won't fall apart either.  I'm hoping for the best!!!

Theron