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Danny, Champion of the World … and the Gallic Nymph 🐓

Don't Tell Danny's Dad! Morning, Today's email missive is all about a very special Gallic Nymph, which ties quite neatly into a story from my long-lost youth! When Stan (of Nymphèvolution fame) sent us his stunning WFX Nymphs last month, he also included a few goodies as samples - to entice us to order again, it always works. One of the nymphs he included was a classic Pheasant Tail Nymph, but with a very French twist ... which struck a very personal chord with me. Back in the late 1970s, "Danny, Champion of the World" was one of those books I read until the spine gave up and the pages fell out - in fact - inspired by these flies, I even revisited the book last week, and it was still just as good as I remembered it. On seeing Stan's sample patterns, memories of Roald Dahl’s tale of Danny and his ingenious father, sneaking into the woods to outwit pheasants, came flooding back to me: "In Dahl’s woods, pheasants tumbled from the trees, powerless to resist temptation. On our rivers, trout do much the same when faced with a pheasant tail nymph." It has since amused me that the same pheasant feathers which made Dahl’s birds so prized by poachers also make some of the most effective nymphs in fly fishing. If only Danny’s dad had known - those pheasants were worth more tied to a hook than roasted on a spit! Fast forward to today, and pheasant tail fibres remain one of the most important materials in fly tying. Why? Because they’re: Natural & Convincing – Their brown-olive hues with flashes of green and copper perfectly match baetis nymphs, the trout’s year-round staple. Slim & Tapered – Pheasant tail fibres wrap into bodies that are slender, segmented, and life-like. Suggestive & Alive – In the current, pheasant tail fibres shimmer and quiver, giving trout that final nudge to eat. Timeless – Frank Sawyer’s Pheasant Tail Nymph, first tied in the 1950s (see below), still catches fish worldwide — and almost every modern nymph owes it a debt. Which brings me neatly to Stan's own Gallic Pheasant Tail Nymphs. These are elegant, precise, and just buggy enough to fool even the wiliest of trout. They’re faithful to the Sawyer tradition, but with that Gallic flair - slimmer, sharper, and beautifully finished on a Hends BL454 size 16 barbless hook: Let me introduce you to Stan's Gallic Pheasant Tail Nymph Selection which includes 3 different colour variations: Black Dark Red; and White With this selection of Stan's Gallic Pheasant Tail Nymphs, you will be able to provide a very passable imitation for virtually any nymph found in UK waters. "Danny’s pheasants were the prize of the poacher’s world. Ours are the prize of the angler’s box — slim fibres that still fool fish seventy years after Sawyer tied the first one." "Where Dahl told of pheasants in the trees, Sawyer told of pheasant tails in the current. Different stories, same bird, same magic." This nymph imitation is ideally used as a dropper fly in any nymphing setup (and great for sight nymphing in slower flows). Don't forget about using these on stillwaters also - a figure-of-eight retrieve on a floating line keeps them moving naturally. These imitations are all tied on size 16 barbless Hends BL454 hooks. The tying specification for these Gallic PT Nymphs is: Fly Name: Gallic Pheasant Tail Nymph Hook: Hends BL454 N°16 Barbless Wet (2x Strong) Head Composition: 2mm Coloured Glass Bead Body Composition: Specially Selected French Pheasant Tails Body Rib: 0.1mm Copper Wire Latin Name: Baetis Weight: Light - 0.04g Please Note: As usual with both Stan's and our Bosnian flies, we never have loads of them - we've only 50 of these selections available. We did receive more, but I'm stashing away a few selections for myself to last me through Autumn and early Winter - I'm looking forward to trying the white-beaded ones on my local Grayling population - they seem to have a preference for white. We are only making these flies available as a selection of 9 (three of each colour) - just click on any of the fly images or buttons below to view more detailed images of each individual nymph. This selection of 9 nymphs is priced at £20.00 (which includes FREE delivery to anywhere in the UK) - we do understand these are at the pricier end of the spectrum for flies, but the quality is truly outstanding. We only have 50 selections available for sale - I'm keeping some to use myself! So you will need to be quick! *** Go on, you know you want to *** These are one of the most common nymphs found in virtually all waters. They are found on rocks, sand and all types of gravel, so Stan (inspired by Frank Sawyer) decided to try and make an imitation as realistic as he could. These nymphs are tied as a general representation of the nymphs commonly seen on our riverbeds. We only have 50 selections available for sale - So you will need to be quick! *** Go on, you know you want to *** 1. Go Upstream - On rivers, fish them upstream with a dead drift. The slim profile slips naturally into the flow. 2. Use a Long Leader - 12–15ft with 6X or 7X tippet gives you delicacy and avoids spooking fish in clear water. 3. A Bead for Depth - In deeper glides or stillwaters, this glass bead-headed version helps the fly sink steadily into the feeding zone. 4. Try a Team - Pair one of Stan's Gallic Pheasant Tail nymphs with a heavier fly as an anchor below — allowing you to cover multiple depths at once. 5. Work the Lift - At the end of a drift, raise the rod tip slowly — trout often pounce as the nymph “emerges.” 6. Don’t Forget Stillwaters - Figure-of-eight retrieves on a floating line keep them moving naturally. They’re not just for rivers! 7. Target the Margins - Fish patrol weed beds and edges for nymphs dislodged from the weeds — a pheasant tail here is deadly. 7½. Believe in the Simplicity - It doesn’t need to be fancy. A pheasant tail nymph works because it looks right. Fish it with confidence. In the 1950s, on the banks of the River Avon, a Wiltshire riverkeeper named Frank Sawyer set out to solve a problem. Trout and grayling were feeding heavily on slim, dark olive nymphs — but none of the bulky patterns of the day looked right, let alone fooled the fish. Sawyer’s answer was as simple as it was revolutionary: he stripped a few fibres from the tail of a cock pheasant, wound them directly onto the hook shank, and ribbed them with fine copper wire for strength and weight. The result was the Pheasant Tail Nymph — slim, tapered, and astonishingly lifelike. It looked like everything and nothing all at once, which is exactly what made it so convincing. The Heritage of the Pheasant Tail Nymph The genius of Sawyer’s invention was in its simplicity. No thread. No hackle. Just natural fibres in natural colours, forming a profile trout instantly recognised as food. The subtle iridescence of pheasant tail — browns, olives, and flashes of green — mimicked baetis nymphs, the backbone of a trout’s diet across the UK. Over seventy years later, the Pheasant Tail remains one of the most fished, most copied, and most successful nymphs in the world. Almost every modern nymph owes something to Sawyer’s original design — whether in body material, silhouette, or philosophy. From chalkstreams to stillwaters, Yorkshire becks to Welsh rivers, the pheasant tail continues to prove what Sawyer knew all along: sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.   Next time you’re on the water, spare a thought for Danny and his pheasants. Poached or not, pheasants have always been champions of the fly angler’s world. With one of Stan's Gallic Pheasant Tailed Nymphs on your cast, you might just feel like a champion yourself. Tight lines.

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Danny, Champion of the World … and the Gallic Nymph 🐓

Designed to Catch A Fish - Not An Angler

Morning, There are days when knowing your Midge from your Muskin makes all the difference ... When matching the hatch perfectly is what turns tentative refusals into takes. We believe in that - we sell flies for that & I try to fish that way too But, there are also days when knowing every Latin name still doesn’t help! What do you do then ... you reach for the fly fishing equivalent of Coco Chanel's "little black dress". The "Little Black Dress Nymph" Syndrome Definition: A piece of clothing nymph that can be worn fished in any situation and still looks like it belongs. The fly fishing world has its own "little black dress" equivalent; these are flies which don't look out of place in any scenario. We all love to follow the rules and "match the hatch" wherever we can. But ... There are also days when none of that matters. When fish are feeding mysteriously, sporadically - or even not at all! That's when you need a backup plan that will (hopefully) outperform the main one. When the most effective thing you can tie on … is something small(ish) - and most importantly, contains Peacock Herl. But Why Peacock Herl? It's Simple Really - Its Colours Are Versatile - Simple - Confident Because it looks like food. Its shifting greens, bronzes, and purples mimic the natural translucence of countless aquatic insects. Whether you’re imitating a baetis nymph, a caddis pupa, or simply offering a general “something edible,” the fish rarely turn it down. It creates contrast. It silhouettes cleanly. It works when everything else gets ignored. Flies stand out in low light Matches nothing exactly, suggests everything vaguely Equally useful for both seasoned and newer anglers alike Designed for efficiency — not guesswork These are not the flies you reach for instead of 'matching the hatch'. They're the ones you reach for when you can't make any sense of it! Get the flies that work when the rules don't ... NEW for 2025 - Our Tungsten Peacock Herl Selection The Barbless Tungsten Peacock Herl Selection is a selection of 4 styles of blank-saving 'black(ish)' flies - they seem to produce results when nothing else does! These are for:  Match-the-hatch anglers who’ve learned that not everything can be matched  Minimalists who like one fly to do multiple jobs Realists who know that conditions aren’t always textbook This isn’t about rejecting expertise. It’s about acknowledging the moments when expertise takes a back seat to instinct. Please Note: I found that both the White & Silver Tungsten nymphs were especially successful when targeting Grayling last Winter. For only £24.00, we are supplying 16 different styles of 'black(ish)' tungsten nymphs (see below for more details) - all supplied in our eco-friendly packaging. These flies are great all year round, but work especially well for those tricky days when nothing else seems to work: Our Barbless Tungsten Peacock Herl Selection is now available as a selection of 16 flies (2 each of 4 different patterns in sizes 14 & 16): Black Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph Copper Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph Silver Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph White Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph Our Tungsten Peacock Herl Selection contains 16 flies in total and we are making them available to you today for only £24.00 - click any button or image in this email to see the selection of flies in more detail. As always, we offer FREE Delivery on all orders for delivery within the UK. *** We only have 40 of these selections available, so if you would like a set you will need to be quick! *** Each of the Peacock Herl Tungsten Nymphs included in our NEW for 2025 selection can also be bought individually in sizes 14 & 16 for only £1.80 each, using these links: Black Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph Copper Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph Silver Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph White Tungsten Peacock Herl Nymph *** Go on, you know you want to! *** If fly tying has a “royal” material, it’s peacock herl. For centuries, tiers have reached for those dark, iridescent fibres — from the Victorian masters on the chalkstreams, to the American pioneers on big rivers, to today’s anglers searching a stillwater bank. Even in a world full of synthetics, peacock herl remains one of the most dependable natural materials in fly tying. It’s simple, beautiful, and endlessly effective — especially when tied on slim, buggy nymph patterns for both rivers and stillwaters. For Rivers 1. Trust the Colour - That dark, iridescent green of peacock herl has fooled trout for centuries. It’s suggestive enough to mimic almost anything — from olives to caddis — so don’t overthink the “match the hatch” game. 2. Go Natural - Fish them upstream, dead-drifted under an indicator, or Euro-style on a tight line. The herl body gives just enough shimmer to tempt fish without spooking them. 3. Weight Matters - Use a lightly weighted version in shallows and riffles; in deeper glides or stillwaters, switch to a bead-head to get the fly down quickly. For Stillwaters 4. Mix and Match in a Team - Try a peacock-herl nymph on the dropper with buzzers or crunchers. It stands out just enough to be noticed but still looks “edible.” 5. Fish the Lift - At the end of a retrieve, gently lift the rod tip. That upwards movement often triggers a take as the fly looks like an emerging insect. 6. Work the Margins - Trout patrol the edges for nymphs drifting out of weed beds. A peacock-herl nymph figure-of-eighted along the margins can be deadly in autumn. 7. Don’t Over-Retrieve - These flies look their best when they’re drifting or moving naturally. On stillwaters, keep retrieves slow and steady — let the material do the work. And Finally 7½. Confidence is Key - Peacock herl nymphs are classic patterns for a reason. If you fish them with faith, you’ll fish them better — and the trout will notice. We’ve put together a hand-picked selection of nymphs tied with peacock herl bodies — slim, dark, and irresistible to trout in both rivers and stillwaters. Perfect for anglers who want a single fly type they can trust all year round.   Tight lines & make the most of your Autumn exploits!

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Designed to Catch A Fish - Not An Angler

The Universal 'Blank' Saver - Our Derwent Worms

Morning, Picture this: It's a grey September afternoon (back in 2024) on my local - the Yorkshire Derwent, the kind of day where the leaves are giving up their grip and floating downstream like soggy cornflakes. I'd been flogging the water for a few hours with every fly in my box - nymphs, wets, dries - you name it, I tried it, the fish were having none of it. Absolutely nothing. Not even a courtesy nudge to keep me interested! Then I spotted him (or her): a proper wild specimen for our water, only about 1lb, moving up and down the water column (not breaking the surface), clearly having a grand time taking something I couldn't quite see. Being the inquisitive type, I waded a little closer for a better look. That's when I slipped on what I can only describe as the slipperiest (is that even a word?) rock in North Yorkshire, performed an elegant pirouette, and landed arse-first in two feet of Yorkshire's finest beer-stained water. As I sat there - chest-deep, something caught my eye drifting near the surface - a small, redish-brown worm, about an inch-and-a-half long, probably dislodged by my graceful aquatic manoeuvre.  A fish, I must have spooked earlier, shot out from the cover of the bank about 6-feet behind me and immediately took it with the enthusiasm of someone finding a tenner in an old jacket. I made my way to the bankside and rummaged through my fly box - I didn't have anything which even remotely resembled the worm. However, I did have some goodies from a recent fly fair which I'd attended ... So, I grabbed a bare size 12 hook, some micro-chenille and some wire that was a reddish-brown colour, and began tying what can only be described as the scruffiest, most haphazard worm pattern ever created. No vice, no proper light, just cold fingers and sheer bloody-mindedness. The result was criminally ugly - a wonky, slightly bedraggled thing that looked like it had seen better days. Perfect, in other words, for imitating a real worm that had just been rudely ejected from its cosy home. Introducing ... The Derwent Worm I cast it out, still dripping and probably looking like I'd been dragged through a hedge backwards. My original quarry took it on the second drift. That accidental creation became The Derwent Worm, and it was my secret weapon for autumn fishing last year. I've even higher hopes this year, now that we've had them tied professionally! There's something about these patterns that drives fish absolutely wild when the leaves start turning. Whether it's the naturalistic wiggle, or simply that they look like they've had a proper adventure just getting into the water (they work equally as well on both rivers and stillwaters). The undoubted star-of-the-show with this fly pattern is the hook - a size 12 AHREX FW525 - strong, sharp and just the perfect shape. We've now perfected the "haphazard" look (which, ironically, took quite a bit of careful tying to achieve), and I'm delighted to share our Derwent Worm Selection with you. Each one is tied on those superb AHREX FW525 barbless hooks which are just the right shape for 'worm style' patterns, you'll wonder why you ever used anything else. Please Note: Even though these patterns were devised (and tested) on a Yorkshire River, they are exceptional Stillwater patterns - fish them as close to the bottom as you can and give them a twitch every now and then! Sometimes the best discoveries come from the most undignified moments. Though I still check for slippery rocks every time I wade the Derwent. We've only got 50 of these Derwent Worm Selections available - I'm keeping a few back for myself, to use (and lose) over the next couple of months or so (the Earth-coloured ones are perfect for early-season Grayling)! Our Derwent Worm Selection contains 3 each of the 4 colours (Red, Olive, Chartreuse & Earth) - all tied on AHREX FW525 size 12 barbless hooks - the best in the business. That's twelve flies in total, for only £22.00 delivered in our eco-friendly packaging free of charge to anywhere in the UK. As always, all of our flies are delivered FREE of charge to anywhere within the UK (which can take up to 5 working days) - we also have a 1st Class Tracked Service (for only £2.50) which is usually delivered the very next day, so long as you can order before 1pm. Please Remember: We've only 50 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - These flies can also be bought individually here if you would like to top up your selection! *** Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at only £22 for the selection, these will not hang around for long! *** Even More DEADLY Daddies ... The 'daddis' are now in full flight - thanks to the recent spell of wet weather we've just had. We're rapidly running out of our stock - and we will not have any more until late-August next year, grab yours while you still can: Our Deadly Daddies are tied on a Size 14 barbless hook (a much more accurate representation of the real insect) with a slender hackle and swept-back legs (to make the fly more aerodynamic), which still allows them to cast easily (without line twist) and create a wake on the surface when any action is imparted to them, again, another trigger point the fish home into. Our Deadly Daddy is a twist on the classic Daddy Long Legs pattern and is the most successful daddy long-legs pattern we've ever sold - these are the last we will have until August next year! We've just received our final batch of Deadly Daddies for the year, and now have them available for immediate delivery either individually (£2.15), in packs of 6 (£11) or in packs of 12 (only £20). The Peacock Daddy ... Next to our Deadly Daddies (above), The Peacock Daddy is our best-seller (and most productive, especially on the southern rivers and stillwaters of the UK): The Peacock Daddy. A twist on the classic Daddy Long Legs pattern, and one which works exceptionally well all across the UK. This is a streamlined pattern, tied with a sparse hackle (which includes 2 short wings), a peacock herl body (which allows this pattern to float high on the water) and signature knotted pheasant tail legs. We've just received our final batch of Peacock Daddies for the year, and now have them available for immediate delivery either individually (£2.15), in packs of 6 (£11) or in packs of 12 (only £20). As always, all of our flies are delivered FREE of charge to anywhere within the UK (which can take up to 5 working days) - we also have a 1st Class Tracked Service (for only £2.50) which is usually delivered the very next day, so long as you can order before 1pm. *** Go on, treat yourself ***   Tight lines and have fun on the water. P.S. Our Derwent Worm patterns are now available, perfect for when you need something that looks like it's lived a little - much like the angler who created them.  

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The Universal 'Blank' Saver - Our Derwent Worms

It's Dynamite & Deadly - Harry & The Daddy

Morning, We have two NEW flies for you today - one has Swedish origins (thanks to good friend Niklas for putting me onto it) and the other is absolutely DEADLY on both Stillwaters and Rivers at this time of year - you'll have to read right to the end of this email to find out what it is! Following along the line of "flies which are successful and work almost everywhere", today we're launching a pattern which is gaining notoriety on both Rivers and Stillwaters - especially in the late Autumn hatches: You may never have heard of it - most anglers who use it want to keep it a secret! I've been road-testing the above Swedish-inspired pattern since this time last year, and it's performed flawlessly - it's especially good for imitating those late (and early season insect hatches) on both Rivers & Stillwaters. This is a simple, yet deadly pattern - I believe this pattern is so successful because of the way it's tied, very, very sparsely. This pattern has its origins in Sweden and has been a staple in my own fly box since last September - someone has to test the flies out! Originally only available as a kit (which we regularly sell out of over on our Feathersmith site), I'm constantly asked for the 'pre-tied' version - so we're launching it today. "What's the fly called?" Introducing ... The Dynamite Harry The Dynamite Harry - is a very versatile pattern you should have in your fly box because it's one pattern that can be fished all season long and is a great 'general impression' of a whole host of up-winged insects found on the water from April through to October (except a Mayfly)! This little gem of a fly has its origins in the dark forests of Dalarna in Sweden. The fly is kind of an "all-around" fly, depending on the size you use - we have them from a size 12, right down to a size 18 - it can mimic most winged critters from small midges to emergers and duns. The key to this pattern is to get a very light fly with a delicate footprint. The fly has gone from being a secret in the originator, Jörgen Danielsson´s flybox, to a fly which adorns many fly anglers' boxes in Sweden and beyond. This version of the Barbless Dynamite Harry has been tied with instructions from Mr Danielsson himself - and he has even given the finished fly his seal of approval. Please Note: These Dynamite Harry flies have been tied with an extra-long tail. Some anglers prefer the tails long, whilst others prefer the tails very short and tight to the hackle - we've had them tied this way, so you can shorten the tail with a pair of sharp scissors if you so wish. Top Tip: If you are cutting the tails to size, cut them at a 45-degree angle sloping upwards - it seems to help the presentation on the water. As well as being a great fly to use throughout the summer months, it also has the added bonus of being pretty attractive to early-season Grayling! As well as being a great fly to use throughout the summer months, it also has the added bonus of being pretty attractive to early-season Grayling! We've only got 40 of these Dynamite Harry Selections available - I'm keeping a few back for myself, to use (and lose) over the next 6 weeks or so (our river season finishes at the end of October)! Our Dynamite Harry Selection contains 3 each of sizes 12, 14, 16 & 18. That's twelve flies in total, for only £20.00 delivered free of charge to anywhere in the UK. Please Remember: We've only 40 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - These flies can also be bought individually here if you would like to top up your selection! As always, all of our flies are delivered FREE of charge to anywhere within the UK (which can take up to 5 working days) - we also have a 1st Class Tracked Service (for only £2.50) which is usually delivered the very next day, so long as you can order before 1pm. *** Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at only £20 for the selection, these will not hang around for long! *** The 'NEW' DEADLY Daddy Generally seen from August through to October, Crane flies hatch in the ground on cool humid mornings. It pays to fish these when the wind is blowing, the Daddy Long Legs is not good at flying and are always blown onto the water. The legs (and green hot-spot on the tail) on these flies (as seen below) seem to act as a trigger to the fish - especially when twitched. These Deadly Daddies are tied on a Size 14 barbless hook (a much more accurate representation of the real insect) with a slender hackle and swept-back legs (to make the fly more aerodynamic), which still allows them to cast easily (without line twist) and create a wake on the surface when any action is imparted to them, again, another trigger point the fish home into. Our Deadly Daddy is a twist on the classic Daddy Long Legs pattern and is the most successful daddy long-legs pattern we've ever sold - these are the last we will have until August next year! We've just received our last batch of Deadly Daddies for the year, and now have them available for immediate delivery either individually (£2.15), in packs of 6 (£11) or in packs of 12 (only £20). As always, all of our flies are delivered FREE of charge to anywhere within the UK (which can take up to 5 working days) - we also have a 1st Class Tracked Service (for only £2.50) which is usually delivered the very next day, so long as you can order before 1pm. *** Go on, treat yourself *** We've now built up quite a range of Feathersmith kits and we have you covered for the most successful flies no matter what month you are fishing. The absolute 'stars of the show' as far as our kits go are: The Dynamite Harry (as seen earlier in the email); and The Red-Neck Hares Ear Nymph Click either of the images below to view the kits in more detail: *** Go on, you know you want to - our Feathersmith kits are perfect to while away the hours when you've a little downtime and at less than £1 per fly they offer great value *** In the meantime, tight lines and have fun on the water.        

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It's Dynamite & Deadly - Harry & The Daddy

A Rolls-Royce for Only £1.95 !!!

Morning, Here at Barbless Flies, September & October are usually pretty busy months, you will often find both Jack and I burning the midnight oil at least 6 days a week: getting all of your orders out in a timely fashion, working on new Winter fly patterns whilst also continuing to write our articles and emails. I often find that by the end of the day, I am completely exhausted (both mentally and physically), so I don't often fish in the evenings - I prefer to sit quietly with a good fishing book and a glass of something Scottish (or Irish)!  During these early Autumn months, I try to plan my fishing trips accordingly, and fish in the morning - I have to drive alongside the river on my way into Barbless Flies HQ, so it would be rude not to leave a little earlier and stop for a cast or two (or three) while the mornings are still light(ish). The first of the fly patterns contained in this email is one which I first 'road tested' with great success exactly 1 year ago - and it has found a permanent base in my fly box ever since. TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read   I know that some of you are pressed for time and save our emails to read later in the day, by this time our selections are sometimes sold out (I get lots of emails from customers pointing this out to me). I've put this section at the beginning, so you can grab your flies now - and save reading my musings for later, safe in the knowledge that you have already secured your fly selections. This email is all about two different fly patterns, the Rolls-Royce Caddis & The Indicator Caddis, both of which are spectacularly successful at this time of year. Both of the patterns are tied using the very best quality materials on super-strong (and sharp) barbless hooks - I know, I'm the one who makes the selections up! You can grab yours here: SPECIAL OFFER: Buy both The Rolls-Royce Caddis & Indicator Caddis Selections today for only £25 - that's right, it's a huge discount - we've a VAT bill to pay, so please fill your boots! You can only get the offer by clicking the button below. This offer expires at midnight tonight: At this time of the day, one of the most popular dry fly imitations I use is the Caddis/Sedge pattern - these are nocturnal insects that return to the water to lay their eggs, just as I'm usually arriving on the water. This email includes two different patterns which are perfect in the mornings and evenings at this time of year (on both Rivers & Stillwaters), the first of which is ... The Rolls-Royce Caddis There are many different variations of Caddis/Sedge fly, but today we have one of the very best Caddis/Sedge patterns available - it's the 'Rolls-Royce' of Caddis patterns. It was originally devised in the USA (where it's called the Cadillac Caddis), so we've anglicised it and renamed it to the Rolls-Royce Caddis - it's the combination of a detached body and elk-hair wing which makes it deadly when fished on the faster more ripply water - it floats high on virtually all types of water and will fool fish throughout the UK, no matter which river (or stillwater) you are on! This Caddis / Sedge imitation is perfectly proportioned and tied with a small detached body and elk-hair wings - it will not need any extra floatant to keep it riding hight all day (or morning) long. Caddis - Top Tips Caddis (or Sedge) flies are best used in either the early or late part of the day, as this is when the flies are at their most active. These Caddis flies are deadly in the smaller sizes just at twilight or sunrise! When fishing with a Caddis fly, it's always worth giving it a little twitch every now and then if you are not getting attention from the fish. When you watch the naturals, their flight is very haphazard and they always land on the water with quite a commotion - they are not the daintiest of movers! Keep this in mind when covering rising fish. Our Rolls-Royce Caddis pattern has been tied by our Artisan tyers using the highest quality materials, they are tied on a super-strong (and sharp) barbless hooks and available in three different sizes 14, 16 & 18. As I know this will be a very popular pattern, we have bundled it into a selection which includes three of each hook sizes - nine flies in total:  We've only got 40 of these Rolls-Royce Caddis Selections available - I'm keeping a few dozen back for myself, to use (lose) over the next 6 weeks or so (our season finishes at the end of October)! Our Rolls-Royce Caddis Selection contains 3 each of sizes 14, 16 & 18. That's nine flies in total, for only £15.00  & delivered free of charge to anywhere in the UK. Keep reading for more info on the Caddis/Sedge - you'll be glad you did ... Please Remember: We've only 40 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - These flies can also be bought individually here for only £1.95 each, if you would like to top up your selection! Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at only £15 for the selection, these will not hang around for long! Want to know a little more about the Caddis/Sedge? What is it? There are around 30 distinct Caddis/Sedge species found throughout the UK, Europe and Russia. These Caddis flies are known as "humpless case-maker Caddis flies". These flies are easily identified as they will generally be the only fly on the water flying as if it is drunk (i.e. very haphazardly). Please Note: You will often see these flies referred to as either Caddis or Sedge; they are both the same and are interchangeable as far as the fly angler is concerned. Location(s) They are found in every part of the British Isles. They can be especially prolific in Central, Southern and South West England; in Wales and Northern England (Ribble and Eden), and in parts of Scotland. Most Caddis flies are only found in running water, they prefer gently running water, so you do not usually find them hatching in very high and fast-flowing rivers. The various caddis flies usually start hatching at the beginning of April and will continue through right until the end of September. When do trout take them? Trout will take Caddis in any one of its three stages (nymph, emerger and dry). Caddis will generally hatch during the warmest part of the day (anytime between 11am and 3pm), so this is when to try an emerger pattern. Caddis usually hatch from shallower water and don't give the trout much of a chance to intercept them on their way to the surface. The best time to use a caddis imitation is either in the evening or in the early mornings when the adult females return to the water to deposit their eggs - time to give your new Tri-Colour Caddis flies a try. These flies should be fished as you would any other dry fly, and they should be used as soon as you start to see the insects on the water; this can be anytime from about 18:00 until after dark and very early in the morning. This email includes two different patterns which are perfect for this time of year, the second one is the one fly which I keep in my personal fly box at all times ... it's called: The Indicator Caddis/Sedge "If I could only use one dry fly for the rest of my life, this is the one I would choose."; R.Fieldhouse (2025) This pattern has taken fish in virtually every river I have fished. If you open my fly box, you will see loads of these - all in various sizes. They just seem to always present the right silhouette and don't sink!  Here it is: A very versatile pattern, great when fished as a single dry fly on a dead drift or as the dry in a duo/New Zealand set up, which has exceptional buoyancy and will suspend even the heaviest of nymphs. We are making this pattern available today in sizes 14, 16 & 18, and also as a selection: We've only got 50 of these exclusive Indicator Caddis Selections available, so act fast to secure yours! Our Indicator Caddis Selection features a carefully curated assortment, three each of sizes 14, 16 & 18. In total, you'll receive nine expertly crafted flies, all for only £14.00, with free delivery to anywhere in the UK! Please Remember: We've only 50 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - These flies can also be bought individually here for only £1.75 if you would like to top up your selection!   SPECIAL OFFER: Buy both The Rolls-Royce Caddis & Indicator Caddis Selections today for only £25 - that's right, it's a huge discount - we've a VAT bill to pay, so please fill your boots! You can only get the offer by clicking the button below. This offer expires at midnight tonight: Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at only £25 for both selections, these will not hang around for long! Tight lines & have a great weekend. P.S. I've a stunning pattern to show you on Thursday - It's one which has been 'dynamite' for me all season while I've been testing it - I'll keep my powder dry until Thursday.    

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A Rolls-Royce for Only £1.95 !!!

Easy .. Easy .. Easy - Big Daddies & Giant Haystacks

Easy ... Easy ... Easy It's time to deploy the Big Daddies, but how 'BIG' is big? If you're around my age, let's just say 55+, then I'm sure you can remember sitting around the TV on a Saturday lunchtime with the dulcet tones of Kent Walton ringing in your ears! These images and sounds came flooding back to me over the summer when our local history society had an exhibition showcasing some of the 'sporting' heritage of our local town (Scarborough) - that led me to think of the legendary bouts between Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks (and my personal favourite Kendo Nagasaki - whatever happened to him?). I was looking for a way of framing this email, which is all about the Daddy Long Legs, and bingo (another local favourite), the idea hit me! So forgive the cheesy nature of this but ... Now we are into early September and the haystacks have started to grow it's time for the daddies to make an appearance - I'm sure you've already begun to see them bumping into the windows around your house.  Every September, as the first hints of autumn appear, fly anglers eagerly anticipate one of the season's most exciting hatches: the Daddy Long Legs. These gangly terrestrials, blown onto the water by late summer breezes, trigger some of the most explosive surface feeding of the year. Fish that have grown wary and selective throughout the season suddenly throw caution to the wind, rising eagerly to gulp down these substantial mouthfuls. Yet despite the Daddy Long Legs' reputation as a bit of a 'banker' pattern, many anglers find their success frustratingly inconsistent. The culprit, I believe, lies not in your technique or timing, but in a fundamental mismatch between the size of the flies in our boxes and that of the insects actually landing on the water. At the back end of last season, when watching trout gleefully refuse my size 10 and 12 'regular' Daddy Long Legs patterns - even when fish were feeding confidently around me - I decided to take a closer look at the naturals themselves.  What I discovered was quite revealing: while the usual commercial patterns are typically tied on size 10-12 hooks to create that "substantial mouthful" impression, the actual crane flies blown onto the water are considerably smaller and much more dainty. The average Daddy Long Legs that finds its way onto our waters measures closer to what a size 14 hook would represent, with a lighter, more realistic silhouette that doesn't create the heavy disturbance many oversized patterns produce. So, I had our tyers produce a few samples which had been scaled down and tied on a size 14 AHREX FW525 to try out: By downsizing our patterns to match the genuine proportions of these terrestrials, I found that the more educated trout, particularly those that had been rejecting the bulkier commercial ties, began taking my smaller flies with renewed confidence. Sometimes, the most effective revolution is simply getting back to what nature actually presents! From that original tan-coloured size 14 Daddy Long Legs pattern (which was pretty much chewed to bits!), I've now spawned off a few different variations and created a full selection for you to choose from: The Black Foam Daddy - Size 14 AHREX FW525 The Orange Foam Daddy - Size 14 AHREX FW525 The Tan Foam Daddy - Size 14 AHREX FW525; The Peacock Daddy - Size 12 AHREX FW503 (see details below) I know that these flies will be popular, so I've stocked up on them (there should be enough to last at least the next couple of weeks), but once they're gone, they're gone - until 2026! The Artisan Daddy Selection ... Why not treat yourself to our Barbless Artisan Daddy Long Legs Selection, a selection of 12 barbless daddies - we've even kept the price to our 2024 pricing (at only £22 for the full selection): The patterns included in our selection are: The Black Foam Daddy - A twist on the classic Daddy Long Legs pattern. This is a streamlined pattern, tied with swept-back wings, a black foam body and signature knotted pheasant tail legs. Our Selection contains 3 each in a size 14. The Orange Foam Daddy - A streamlined pattern, tied with swept-back wings, an orange foam body (easy to see in low-light conditions) and signature knotted pheasant tail legs. Our Selection contains 3 each in a size 14. The Tan Foam Daddy - With swept-back wings, a tan foam body (virtually identical in colour to the real insect) and signature knotted pheasant tail legs. Our Selection contains 3 each in a size 14. The Peacock Daddy (see below) - A pattern which works exceptionally well all across the UK. Tied with a sparse hackle (which includes 2 short wings), a peacock herl body (which allows this pattern to float high on the water) and signature knotted pheasant tail legs. Our Selection contains 3 each in a size 12. Our Barbless Artisan Daddy Long Legs Selection, containing 12 flies, is available as a full selection for only £22, including free delivery to anywhere within the UK. *** We have around 90 of these selections available, so we should be good for around a week or so, but grab yours now if you would like a set. *** *** Go on, you know you want to! *** The Peacock Daddy At this very time last year, I was given a fly to try out that a friend had used for years (tied to his own secret recipe) - it was a 'Daddy' style pattern, but had a heavy front hackle and was tied with a peacock herl body - as it turned out, this was the one fly which saved me numerous blanks this year (in both the early-season and the summer). It accounted for fish when it had no right to, i.e. in the summertime's low water levels, I had Grayling rising for it! I've had our tyers tie their interpretation of his original fly, and we've called it The Peacock Daddy: For the whole of last September, I was hooked on this pattern, and I knew that we must get stock of them for the 2025 'Daddy Season' - well, we've just received them from our 'artisan' fly supplier, and the tyings are superb, all tied on the highest quality AHREX FW503 size 12 hooks. To give you the best possible value, we've decided to offer these Daddies in three different quantities: Individually - for £2.15 each Packs of 6 - for £11.00 (equivalent to £1.83 each); or Packs of 12 - for £20.00 (equivalent to only £1.66 each) Click on any image or button above to view this stunning fly in more detail and choose your pack quantity. Please Note: The Peacock Daddy is also included in our Artisan Daddy Selection, which you can find by clicking here. The standard and quality of these Daddies is that high, we've added them to our range of 'Artisan' flies. We do have quite a few of these; even so, we're expecting them to sell out very quickly, so if you would like some, you will need to be quick! When Daddy Long Legs are hatching in the area, use these flies with a slightly heavier/stiffer tippet than you would normally use - it will reduce the amount of twist in the leader as these flies are fairly big and wind-resistant. Daddy Long Legs are also surprisingly effective when fished as a wet fly, so don't be too quick to keep these flies dry, once they are wet and submerged. If on a Stillwater, gently "figure of 8" them back to create a small wake, on a River try fishing them in the surface film, don't worry about any drag (you want these flies to move across the current where possible) and hold on!   Tight lines & enjoy it. P.S. You may recognise the above email, I send a variation of it at this same time every year - it's one of my favourites!

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Easy .. Easy .. Easy - Big Daddies & Giant Haystacks

Early Autumn - Part 1 - Prime Time Stillwater Tactics

Prime Time Fishing Welcome to Part 1 of our 2-part mini series on Early Autumn Tactics. Part 2 (which will be with you on Thursday) concentrates on running water, whilst Part 1 is all about Stillwaters:  Up here in our little corner of North Yorkshire, we are pretty well off for river fishing, but 'day ticket' Stillwaters are very few and far between. You would think that being a holiday town, our area would cater for those who want to escape the beaches and amusements for a couple of hours' peace, casting a fly - it's not the case! Last year that changed, with a once popular local stillwater re-opening again - now called North Yorkshire Water Park Fisheries (aka Wykeham Lakes), this is right on our doorstep - literally. I always stop off at the lake - to see how it's fishing - needless to say it has been very difficult over the warm summer months (just like the majority of small stillwaters in the UK), but with the arrival of September and the slightly cooler autumnal winds, the fishing seems to have perked right up over the last few days! If you are venturing out to your local stillwater in the next few weeks, you will need to search the water to find fish. As in the cooler months, you will have to keep moving and target the areas where the bank drops off to deeper water (or any structure in the water). Depth is key, make sure your flies are fishing at the depth the fish are (I know it sounds obvious), most anglers underestimate the depth at which their flies are fishing. To some extent not knowing the depth is not an issue – so long as you know how long you've let them sink for when you get a take.  Top Tip: Count your flies down as they sink – increase the count for each cast until something happens (you have to take into account the weight of your flies and adjust accordingly – a 4mm beaded tungsten lure will sink much faster than an unweighted Woolly Bugger). At this time of year any resident Stillwater trout will be starting to feed up in readiness for the sparser months ahead, what better way to target them with an 'active' fishing method - lures. This method keeps you on the move  - and keeps you warm! With that in mind, we've put together a selection of our most popular (and successful) lures, in sizes 10, 12 & 14, specifically for targeting those Autumn fish - as most will be more than willing to chase a fly once the water starts to cool. These Stillwater Lures are ideal for your next trip out. Top Autumn Tip: It's often quite windy at this time of year, you will also notice that most anglers like to fish with the wind at their backs (it makes their casting look good!), the only problem with this, is the wind is blowing all of the surface food to the other end of the lake! Try fishing with the wind on your left (if you're right-handed) and let the wind work your flies on the surface towards the leeward bank - you can virtually guarantee there will be fish patrolling for surface food! For more tips when fishing lures in Autumn and the cooler months, see the bottom of this email. Here we introduce to you our Stillwater Lure Selection: Why Use Lures? A lure style of fly is not really imitating any specific life in the water (although some could be said to imitate small fish), they are more used to arouse the fishes interest and they take it more out of curiosity/anger. To a trout these patterns seem very much alive when any action is imparted to them - therefore these are fished quite actively. What Tactics To Use? Which technique you use depends largely on the depth of the water you are fishing: Shallow Water (< 10ft) - A floating line and long leader can be used - just remember to count down your lure and fish/retrieve it slowly. Short pulls, followed by large pauses to let the fly sink again. Deeper Water (> 10ft) - Go for an intermediate or sinking line with a short leader - this allows you to present the lure at depth and any retrieve will pull the lure parallel to the Stillwater bed. These lure patterns should be fished as close to the Stillwater bed as possible. Lures are ideal patterns to use in shallower water, close to weed beds. *** See below in this email for many more hints and tips on fishing lures in Autumn *** We only have a limited number (50) of our Lure Selections, so if our previous offerings are anything to go by, you will need to be quick off the mark! In total there are 18 flies supplied in our eco-friendly. packaging. All of these flies are tied on barbless hooks, in sizes 10, 12 & 14 and available as a selection (9 patterns/styles, 2 of each in various sizes) for only £26, click any button or image to view the selection in more detail. Each of the patterns contained within the Lure Selection are also available in our 'Taster Selection', which includes 1 of each pattern/style (9 flies in total)for only £14: Each of the lues contained within the selections above can also be bought individually: *** We've only 50 of these selections - if you want one, you will need to be quick *** The Little 'Stillwater' Devils Autumn can be a difficult season for fishing stillwaters and often anglers opt for one of two differing approaches: Give them something to chase - i.e. a lure/streamer/snake (see above); or Plumb the depths with a heavy nymph or preferably a beaded bloodworm pattern. However, there is another tactic which is often overlooked - and that is going for the more imitative approach. One of the best patterns when using this imitative approach is the Diawl Bach. As the weather gets cooler, the size and frequency of the insect hatches reduce. Therefore, it's best, where you can, to use as small a natural imitation as possible: These are favourites on the stillwaters, fished as part of a team of flies drawn slowly on a floating line with a long leader. A very effective method to fish these is to let the wind push your fly line around and look for a twitch in the line as an indication that a fish has taken the fly. They can also be very effective during a midday midge (chironomid) hatch, and the holo versions are worth using to imitate pin fry. *** Go on, you know you want to! *** How to Fish Lures When fishing lures it's all about control and your connection with the fly. A shorter leader helps you keep better control of the lure at depth and control how it fishes. When using sinking lines, start with a level piece of mono 3 to 4 feet long - when in doubt, go shorter. There are 2 main types of retrieve employed when lure fishing: the strip-pause-strip retrieve (do exactly what it says on the tin) and the swing (cast out, let it sink and let any water movement take the fly - always keep in touch by retrieving any slack line). Just remember to keep in touch with the lure, slow down any movement and try to impart some action into it as the fly moves in the water. Tippet & Knots When fishing lures, the main difference is the way the fish takes the fly - savagely! This means tippets and knots need to be up to the job. You shouldn't be using any 5X or 6X tippets here - this calls for the big boys. The lightest tippet material you should use is 4X. If you’re fishing a larger Stillwater that has a bit of current and larger fish, it makes sense to step up to 2X.  This allows for the strength of the water and the savage strikes that generally happen when the fish takes your fly. When using larger tippet diameters, it is even more important to get your knots tied correctly and securely. Knots typically used to tie a lure to the tippet are: Orvis Knot Uni Knot Non-Slip Loop Knot The first two are basic knots that can be used for any fly fishing scenario (with the Orvis Knot being the simplest and quickest to tie). The Non-Slip Loop Knot is ideally suited for lure fishing as the lure is secured using a loop, where it is free to move, and more movement can be imparted to it. FREE Lure & Streamer Download Part 2 of our mini-series will be with you on Thursday (which includes some stunning new Daddies I'm just finishing photographing). Tight lines.

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Early Autumn - Part 1 - Prime Time Stillwater Tactics

The Creative Caddis - Direct from Bosnia

The Creative Caddis (or Stylish Sedge) On my local small stream - the Yorkshire Derwent - it's been really difficult fishing of late, with the recent very low river levels, it makes it virtually impossible during the day, which is why I've been timing my trips to early mornings, before work, and late evenings. Precisely the time that the Caddis / Sedge are on the water! Even with these lower water levels, I am still finding that the "go-to" tactic is to go small(ish) - size 16 - and imitative. Using a longer leader - overall length is around 14ft - allows for a more gentle presentation, especially when combined with a longer lighter rod (my go-to rod for this situation is my trusty Orvis Helios 8'9" 3wt - a present to myself last year for being so good!) employing this method I've caught in both mornings and evenings - with Caddis / Sedge patterns. Please Note: Take a look at the end of this email for some specific tips on Early Autumn Watercraft - giving you the best chance of success in the changeable conditions the coming weeks will have to offer. We asked 'our man in Bosnia' to tie us some patterns that he would personally use on the rivers and stillwaters of Bosnia to entice fish in unpredictable late-summer & early-autumn conditions - that was all the brief we gave him - and he's done the business again. Here they are - some stunning Detached Body Caddis / Sedge patterns: When I first received the first samples (at the back end of July) I was really impressed and took them straight out onto the Derwent for a test, I wasn't expecting much as it was boiling hot and there wasn't much water in the river, so I chose a deeper (and slower) section and has a few casts - 12 casts, 2 Grayling and 1 Wild Brown Trout - what more can I say! Check out these Bosnian 'detached body' bad boys ... Our selection includes four very effective colours – Yellow, Tan, Black, and Olive – this pattern is versatile enough to match various hatches and fishing situations. Its blend of premium materials and precise tying guarantees buoyancy, durability, and consistent performance. These flies have very specific tying materials: Hook: Demon G610 & G680, size 16 Tying Thread: Veevus GSP 30D Black Body: Micro 2.0mm Chenille (Yellow, Tan, Black & Olive) Wing: Fine Deer Hair Thorax: Natural Pine Squirrel Dubbing This carefully tied caddis/sedge features a detached 2.0mm chenille body, designed to create a highly natural silhouette on the water. The thorax is made from Troutline's Pine Squirrel Natural dubbing, giving it a lifelike, soft, and buggy texture that enhances realism. The wings are crafted from fine deer hair, ensuring a natural presentation and excellent visibility. The fly is tied on Demon G610 and Demon G680 Competition hooks, size 16, well known for their strength, sharpness, and reliability in demanding fishing conditions. For maximum durability and a clean finish, the fly is tied with Veevus GSP 30D black thread. As we've only got 40 of these Bosnian Detached Body Caddis/Sedge Selections available (I'm keeping some for myself, to lose in the coming weeks) I'll get straight down to the offer: Our selection of Bosnian Detached Body Caddis includes 12 flies in total (3 each of the 4 different colour variations): Yellow 2.0mm Chenille Body Black 2.0mm Chenille Body Olive 2.0mm Chenille Body Tan 2.0mm Chenille Body These specialist trout dry flies are all tied on Size 16 Demon G610 & G680 Barbless hooks - a great wide-gape hook with maximum strength. Our Bosnian Detached Body Caddis Selection is only available as a selection of 12, 3 each of 4 different patterns (all size 16) & priced at only £25 - which includes FREE delivery to anywhere within the UK.   Please Remember: We've only 40 of these selections available, so if you want a set, you will need to be quick - Our Bosnian flies always sell out within a few hours of being released!   Keep reading for more info and detailed images of the flies - you'll be glad you did ... *** Go on, treat yourself - you know you want to - at only £25 for the full selection, these will not hang around for long! *** The onset of Autumn means only one thing - changeable conditions. Here are a few tips on getting the most from any conditions presented to you. As the weather cools and the leaves change, trout become more active (and aggressive). However, successful fly fishing in early autumn requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and an understanding of how to read the water. One of the most crucial aspects of successful fly fishing is knowing how to read the water. In autumn, this skill becomes even more important as trout change their behaviour based on factors such as water temperature, food availability, and light conditions. Here's a guide on how to read the water and improve your autumn trout fishing skills: Watch the Currents: Trout tend to hold in areas where they can conserve energy while still having access to food. Look for slower currents near the bottom, behind rocks, and along the edges of faster currents. These are often referred to as "feeding lanes" where trout wait for insects and other prey to be carried towards them. Identify Structure: Rocks, boulders, fallen trees, and submerged vegetation provide excellent cover for trout. These structures break the current and create pockets of calm water behind them where trout can rest without expending too much energy. Cast your fly near, in or around these structures. Water Temperature: As temperatures drop in autumn, trout become more selective about where they position themselves. They often move into deeper pools and runs where the water is at a more consistent temperature. Focus your efforts on these areas, especially during the cooler parts of the day. Understand Light Conditions: In autumn, the angle of the sun changes, casting longer shadows and affecting the visibility of your fly. Trout may become more wary of approaching flies under bright sunlight. Fish in shaded areas, on overcast days, or during the early morning and late afternoon when the light is softer. Look for Riffles and Runs: Riffles are the shallow, broken sections of a stream where water flows quickly over rocky substrate. Runs are slightly deeper stretches downstream of riffles. Trout often position themselves in riffles to feed on insects carried by the current. Target the edges and seams of these areas. Pay Attention to Depth: As Autumn progresses, water levels will change due to heavy rainfall. Trout will adjust their holding positions accordingly. If the water is higher, focus on the slower currents along the banks and near cover. When the water is lower, look for deeper pockets and runs. Use Streamers: In Autumn, trout become more aggressive as they prepare for the colder months. Larger streamer flies can mimic fry and provoke strikes from territorial or hungry trout. Retrieve your streamer through likely holding spots, such as undercut banks or deep pools. Stay Stealthy: As with any fly fishing, you still need to approach the water carefully to avoid spooking any fish. Wear clothing that blends with the surroundings, move slowly, and minimise noise to prevent alerting the fish to your presence. By learning to read the water and adapting your strategies accordingly, you can increase your chances of success throughout Early Autumn.   Tight lines & have a great weekend.  

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The Creative Caddis - Direct from Bosnia