Tied my first ever Atlantic salmon flies for Quebec next year. Smaller ones are on an Ahrex HR414 #4 and the larger ones are on an Alec #3. Interesting how different those hooks are in size, despite being close in number. Any critiques would be appreciated!
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BalancedScud
First Salmon Flies - the Picasse
Tied my first ever Atlantic salmon flies for Quebec next year. Smaller ones are on an Ahrex HR414 #4 and the larger ones are on an Alec #3. Interesting how different those hooks are in size, despite being close in number. Any critiques would be appreciated!
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Very well tied!
I would have confidence in those!
You'll find that some flies are lures that focus on colors, contrasts, or movement.
Stiff short haired hairwings have hardly any movement when swimming and catch alot of fish.
The long hackled type flies, like the Picasse were partly created for lifelike movement.
Your ties will move, no doubt. One of the best things I can do to give me even more confidence is make adjustments on river. If my wing is too bulky and not moving, I'll cut out some hair off the wing. If my flash material is getting tangled in the hair and not making that wing move, I'll cut most off. Same with hackle throats or collars.
No science behind this reasoning. I just do it because it looks more lifelike when swimming.
There is also a trend to get a tear drop shape to the wing and overall fly. Again, flies with stiff, straight wings catch just as much so I wouldn't stress over its shape unless I really focused on creating a fly with that baitfish look and swimming motion.
The picase, tiger ghost, Willie gunn, and many others were originally tied using buck tail. They still caught tons of fish before we started using softer furs like fox.
All that babbling to say that your ties are very good representations of the original and look like they will swim great!
Hope next year's runs are better than this past year's and hope you have a great time!
I would have confidence in those!
You'll find that some flies are lures that focus on colors, contrasts, or movement.
Stiff short haired hairwings have hardly any movement when swimming and catch alot of fish.
The long hackled type flies, like the Picasse were partly created for lifelike movement.
Your ties will move, no doubt. One of the best things I can do to give me even more confidence is make adjustments on river. If my wing is too bulky and not moving, I'll cut out some hair off the wing. If my flash material is getting tangled in the hair and not making that wing move, I'll cut most off. Same with hackle throats or collars.
No science behind this reasoning. I just do it because it looks more lifelike when swimming.
There is also a trend to get a tear drop shape to the wing and overall fly. Again, flies with stiff, straight wings catch just as much so I wouldn't stress over its shape unless I really focused on creating a fly with that baitfish look and swimming motion.
The picase, tiger ghost, Willie gunn, and many others were originally tied using buck tail. They still caught tons of fish before we started using softer furs like fox.
All that babbling to say that your ties are very good representations of the original and look like they will swim great!
Hope next year's runs are better than this past year's and hope you have a great time!
A great pattern that oozes confidence!!
Do not hesitate to tie variations and size. Depending on water type and temperatures, the Picasse can easily be adapted.
This one is for high, stained, cold water in the fall.
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I like good quality Arctic fox and I remove most of the guard hairs to ensure a very soft wing.
Your flies will hunt well for you and best of luck on those Quebec salmon rivers!!
Mike
Do not hesitate to tie variations and size. Depending on water type and temperatures, the Picasse can easily be adapted.
This one is for high, stained, cold water in the fall.
I like good quality Arctic fox and I remove most of the guard hairs to ensure a very soft wing.
Your flies will hunt well for you and best of luck on those Quebec salmon rivers!!
Mike
Those will take a fish no problem… very nice.
Tie a few size #4 black muddlers to bring with you
red or green butt is my favourite.
Tie a few size #4 black muddlers to bring with you
red or green butt is my favourite.
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