Matthew Dickerson, Addison Independent, August 7, 1997
Fishermen love to talk. While it is true that prying for a favorite fishing spot might not evoke a detailed answer, a question about favorite flies is likely to elicit a long reply--especially from somebody who ties their own. As many will attest, a small change in pattern, size, or color can have a big impact. Artificial flies are thus even more numerous and varied than the critters they seek to duplicate, and the ability to imitate an insect with a wad of feathers and hair is a work of art. Anybody so gifted will tell you how satisfying it is to catch a fish on a fly you have tied yourself. Add to this the high cost of purchasing flies and it is not surprising that many have returned to the old art of fly-tying.
I have discovered several local fly-tyers who are highly skilled and creative, who not only can produce any of several dozen famous standards in the wink of an eye but have also successfully experimented with their own new patterns. Dr. David Henderson, a founder of the New Haven River Anglers' Association and its first president, started tying twenty years ago in North Dakota. Early on, he spent more time experimenting with new patterns. Now he is more practical and econically motivated, focussing on flies he uses the most. He ties all his flies during the winter months, and once the fishing season starts devotes his time to casting. He finds wet flies, especially nymphs, most succesful in the Vermont rivers he fishes. He ties a variation of the Adams as a wet fly with a down wing, and also has plentiful success with a traditional Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ear. He notes that the NHRAA offers a free 8-week course in fly-tying most winters.
Howie McCausland of Bristol is another enthusiast with about twenty years tying experience. His favorite dry fly is his own creation: a #14 variation of the Bivisible to which he adds an underbody of peacock curl. He has had days when it has been the only fly working. He also ties and uses Caddis flies in a variety of colors and patterns. When he fishes wet flies, he likes the Wooly Bugger which he ties in a speckled chenile. Howie doesn't stop at flies, either; he also builds his own rods. To date, he has built about ten rods ranging from a small 7' 3wt to some 10' rods he uses on the ocean. He uses Shaekespeare graphite blanks, and turns his own grips. For him, making rods and flies spreads the fun of catching a fish over several months.
If, like me, you are not a skilled fly-tyer, the next best thing is to have a generous friend who ties. Inspired by his favorite lake in Maine, Bill Frey, a pyschologist in Rutland and resident of Weybridge, has created a great new family of streamer flies imitating various juvenile trout species. I have dubbed these "Frey's Fry", and have found his brown trout fry especially effective for catching large rainbows, while a small brook trout pattern is also productive on brown trout, togue and salmon. Another option if you don't (yet) tie flies: many fishing shops carry flies from local experts. Peter Burton has been tying for over thirty years and is near-legendary. His flies are for sale at Vermont Field Sports in Middlebury. His favorite patterns are the Hendrickson in the spring, and the Hornberg and Muddler Minnow in the summer. Nonetheless, even Burton would urge any fishing enthusiast to take up fly-tying for themselves. Unconcerned about talking himself out of a job, he comments that "If you can tie leader onto your fly, then you can tie the fly. It's just a matter of learning a few basics." ------ Last week I mentioned several local fisherman who tie their own flies, and passed on some information about their favorite patterns. Continuing that vain, since Vermont is blessed with some of the nation's finest fly-rod manufactures, I thought I'd mention a few of these.