Winter Brown

[Buck Henry]

This is pattern no. 3 from T.E. Pritt's original "North Country Flies" first published in 1886. Pritt describes this fly as "a favourite early fly on all the Yorkshire rivers, killing well on wild, windy days in March and April"

Hook: Diachi 1550 size 16
Wing: Feather from inside of a Woodcock's wing
Body: Orange Silk - heavily waxed (note the almost brown color the orange silk turns when waxed)
Head: Peacock Herl

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u207/buck_henry/winterbrown.jpg

[Chuck Morris]

Nice tie Buck, but it is the middle of May. Where was this pattern 2 months ago?;)
Chuck

[S.Trutta]

Clark, I will definetely tie that one up for next March when the little stones start popping here, that should be perfect to get some attention when they are reluctant to come all the way up to eat.


Rich

[Gatorbyte]

What kind of wax are you using? I know you use several types. I don't have any woodcock wings and wonder if grouse or quail would be a suitable substitute?

Oh wait, I used to have quail but RBL took ALL of my skins. ::ke:

[Buck Henry]

Bret,

I use that hard, dark colored Liesering forumula wax that I got from Jim Slatterly (BTW, I think I may have given you a small chunk at one time). As far as substitute hackle, I think the key here is finding a barred greyish colored feather for this fly.

BTW, Woodcock wings are plentiful and cheap and are used on quite a few classic soft hackle patterns. Jim sells them and I believe Blue Ribbon Flys out in West Yellowstone also has them.

PS: sorry the submittal of this pattern is a bit late in the year! I just recently decided to start working my way through all of the Pritt patterns and I am attacking the ones that I have the stuff to tie. When I get to the brown owl patterns, things are going to get tough!