Fountains of Youth – Classic trout flies that have withstood the test of time … flies that remain “forever young”

by Rusty Dunn

If the history of fly fishing is viewed in the mirror of time, dry-fly fishing is a relatively new invention, appearing only about 150 years ago.  Wet-fly fishing, on the other hand, existed for centuries before the words “dry” and “fly” were first juxtaposed.  One of the cor­ner­stones of wet-fly fishing as practiced today devel­oped slowly but steadily in the north of England during those wet-fly-only centuries.  This unique style of fly tying and fish­ing originated in and around Yorkshire, which is north of the midlands and south of Scotland.  Yorkshire is a land of striking natural beauty, with expansive moor­lands, dense woodlands, cascading waterfalls, glacially carved moun­tains, and rich beautiful val­leys.  It is a land of swift stony-bottomed rivers that drain the Eng­lish highlands.  Yorkshire rivers are home to an­cient brown trout and centuries-old fly-fishing tradi­tions.  They are the birthplace, incubator, and laboratory of “the North-Country style” of fishing.  Flies and methods of the North Country were refined for cen­tu­ries by observant and talented York­shire anglers. Read More

Fountains of Youth – Classic trout flies that have withstood the test of time … flies that remain “forever young”

by Rusty Dunn

Think about your favorite dry fly. What makes it great? Maybe it’s a quick and easy tie with inexpensive materials? Or, maybe it’s durable and highly visible on the water? Floats like a cork? Imitates insects found everywhere? Indeed, these are traits of great flies. Perhaps the most important feature, how-ever, is a fly having universal appeal to trout. Only the rarest of flies combine all of these traits, and you will be wise to fill your fly box with them. Al Troth’s Elk Hair Caddis is one such fly. Mr. Troth merged key features of two ageless caddis imitations into a truly fine pattern, one that is a blend of simplicity, impressionism, and uncanny effectiveness. Read More