There is defiantly a passion and a romance about the flies we create, embellishing standard recipes or developing our own creations. It is probably why when we head out to our favorite destinations we must bring every fly we ever created plus materials to make new ones just to be safe. There is no doubt in my mind that visually admiring and sharing them with fellow anglers is something very special. Which brings me to a quick story, I believe sharing our proud creations is rather kismet, letting the fish gods grace our paths more frequently. This year up on the Bell-Irving River in British Columbia I met a new spey buddy Tom, I shared some of my proud babies with him and his comments were as follows, “Giving is something very special, Jody your kindness will put steelhead on your line tomorrow”. As sure as his very words that was my best day, hooking six and landing four. I could go on and give you more stories of this mystic belief but I know you have got the picture.

Author With a 17lb. B.C. Buck

So getting back to the story. This year I traveled literally 20,000 miles, fished three great British Columbia Rivers, the Copper, the Thompson, the Bell-Irving and yes I brought my complete arsenal of flies leaving no chance for despair. Tubes, Waddington’s, traditionals, wakers and dredgers. So with that said what if I told you in that 20,000 miles, three rivers fished in a total of nine days of fishing I caught 19 steelhead, my personal best, all on one fly. It’s crazy but true. As I think about it, five boxes, hundreds of flies and a mega multitude of patterns, one fly, and 19 steelhead landed best year ever, hmmm. I think back to my previous years adventures for steelhead and Atlantic salmon, standing knee-deep making decisions like maybe a green butt, a popsicle, a sunray, or a bomber. Changing fly after fly hoping my decision is the one that will get me a pull of a lifetime. I remember reading the words of the legends when it comes to fly selection, FISH THE FLY YOU BELIEVE IN, THE ONE YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE IN. That’s the special mystic of fly-fishing success, confidence and belief, just as in life. What do you think? I almost feel like Ripley’s believe it or not, but you decide.

Walter Plonski With a Beautiful Bell Steelhead

This pattern has sparkle, grace, beauty and durability none of which I’m sure influence the fish, just me. It is truly amazing how each of us try to influence the fish with our special quirks, jungle cock, four strands of mylar, three twists of purple and so on. I guess this is what makes this wonderful obsession so so so great. One summer when fishing the Umba River in Russia I showed camp manager Steffen Juhl my special selection of The Francis. Boy they were truly a work of art I was proud. Steffen then showed me his version, very plain black tail and black yarn body with a couple twists of copper and they showed the battle scars of success. Steffen’s comments influenced the way I design my patterns today. He said, “sometimes we get all dressed up and no one takes out!” WOW, how true. I am sure there are many opinions to this subject and all I will say is what ever you believe is what you should stick with. Remember how much confidence plays apart of success.

Purple Waddington Prawn

So to the specifics, she is a variation of the General Practioner just as all shrimp patterns are. She can be tied on tubes, waddingtons or a straightened out hook.
Tail: 2.5” to 3” of purple Icelandic pony or Russian goat with four strands of purple mylar.
Butt: Purple hackle over lay with split pheasant tippets died red or pink.
Rear ¼ of body: Purple crystal flash chenille.
Rear carapace: Purple dyed pheasant rump hackle tied flat on top.
Body: Purple crystal flash chenille.
Forward carapace: Purple dyed pheasant rump hackle tied flat on top.

I hope you give her a try. If you have any questions about this pattern or information on the great fishing destinations I have mentioned please contact me at jody@eastcoastspey.com.