Sept. 2013

"WFI On The Fly" Sept. 2013 “WFI ON THE FLY” INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Seems we are all shocked when au- when he brought five students who Saddle Up with Dr. Tom: Pages “Poultry Gene Pool—A 2-7 tumn arrives and the summer had the assignment to research and Glimpse Inside the Coop“ season is nearly over; yet this issue make recommendations for the Whit- of the WFI is full of good ideas for ing distribution in Europe. See more Dealer News: Anglers All 8-9 using the High & Dry Hackle to get about Martin in the “High & Dry Chal- lenge” article. Colette’s Coop: News 10 ready for next summer, and just in from the Office time for the winter tying season! Have a splendid autumn season. Pro Team sCOOP”: by 11-12 Pat/Carol Oglesby Tom Mullen, our USA Sales Coordina- Dr. Thomas S. Whiting and tor, has written an article on using the Whiting Team Featured Pro Teamer: 13-17 the High & Dry Rooster Cape materi- Bob Jacklin al and included some of his favorite As a side note from “the team”, when fly patterns, including the Poor you get this newsletter, grab a bever- Product Feature: 18-21 High & Dry Capes Witch, created by Jim Poor, founder age, take a break from your busy day, by Tom Mullen of Anglers All Fly Shop in Littleton, curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy Dr. CO—this month’s featured dealer. Tom’s article on genetics. Don’t be in High & Dry Challenge: 22-23 You will also find a great ant pattern a hurry, you’ll want to spend some Martin Westbeek using H&D from Martin Westbeek of time digesting the information. It’s a 24 Holland. We were proud to have terrific read and an article you’ll want High & Dry: WHY? Martin at Whiting Farms in 2005 to save for future reference! Humor: (Fish ‘n Chicks) 25

Whiting Farms, Inc. Whiting Farms Mission Statement: To produce the highest quality, value and selec- 5796 Sawmill Mesa Road P.O. Box 100 tion of feathers for the fly tiers of the world. Delta, CO 81416 Whiting Farms Pro Team Mission Statement: USA To be the ambassadors of the WFI products to the community.

Track us on the Web: Contact us at [email protected] www.whitingfarms.com 1 - 9 7 0 - 874- 0999 "WFI On The Fly" Page 2 SADDLE UP WITH DR. TOM “POULTRY GENE POOL —A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE COOP”

matic change. All in all, being in the "feather business" is a clas- sic niche enterprise, with the incumbent high risk/reward aspects. It is also a long-term endeavor due to a rather severe initial learning curve develop- ing the needed facilities and husbandry to produce quality, undamaged feathers to sell. So these are the overriding con- cepts I want to convey – that feathers are hardly a "get-rich- quick" business – and that you better love it if you want to get into it, because it is definitely a project for the long haul. Dr. Tom Whiting in his corporate attire, shows two roosters. The bird on the right has one extra gene All these warnings having been resulting in a rooster with “hen” feathers. The rooster said, the feather business can be on the left has genes that result in no comb nor wattle. a very rewarding pursuit. Fish- Photo by Pat Oglesby ing fly tiers take their feathers surprisingly seriously, even passionately, and are very will- This article was originally ing to pay considerable money written and presented as part The breeding of chickens specifi- for the pelts. Most of our prod- cally for their feathers is a very, of a genetics roundtable dis- ucts at Whiting Farms sell from very small niche industry, barely cussion. It has been edited $12 to $65 per pelt at retail, even known about by the regular with two pelts coming from and included in the WFI food poultry industry or by the each rooster. We even sell a newsletter as a point of inter- primary poultry breeders. The few "collector" capes – called est to Whiting’s dealers, dis- total world market for genetically "Ultra Platinums," which are tributors and Pro Team mem- bred fishing fly-tying feathers may probably never even tied with – bers for use in deepening your only be around $5 million per for $150 apiece, which are al- understanding of the produc- year, and thus supports but a few ways on backorder. So it can be small businesses. This minor tion of feathers and to better lucrative if all aspects of the en- market is also at the mercy of a communicate with your cus- terprise are clicking: genetics, number of impinging factors, such husbandry, facilities, processing tomers and constituents in as currency exchange rates, and marketing. the fly-tying industry when "whirling" disease and other they have questions about the aquatic nuisances, export impedi- In regard to genetics of the origin, importance and exclu- ments due to disease concerns feather business, "dry fly" hack- sivity of the Whiting product (i.e., avian influenza, exotic new- le is the most complex and im- castle), regional droughts which lines. portant. affect fishing, and even global cli- "WFI On The Fly" Page 3

SADDLE UP WITH DR. TOM, CONT.

Dry fly hackle are rooster feath- years of its existence, but the fishing, which spawned a nearly two most significant individu- ers that, when wrapped around equal interest in fly tying. In the a fishing hook, splay out into a als were Harry Darbee from 1960's Henry was tying flies com- New York State and Andy dense hackle "collar," which mercially and he was frustrated when cast onto water causes Miner, Jr. of Minnesota. Both with the inability to even get usa- were serious fly tiers, Darbee the fishing fly to stand atop the ble "grizzly" feathers, grizzly being water – thus a "dry fly." Dry fly commercially and Miner as a a black and white barred pattern hobbyist, who endeavored to hackle are the feathers from the that is an essential in fly tying. So head and neck of a rooster, usu- breed roosters that had de- Henry found a trio, initially, of cent dry fly hackle. Darbee ally referred to as the "cape," Barred Plymouth Rock Bantams, and sometimes the back feath- was active in the 1940's, 50's which had fairly decent neck and and 60's, and provided Miner ers, called either the "saddle" or saddle feathers. He started a rudi- "saddle hackle." Commercial with his foundation stock in mentary breeding program with the 1960's. But both individ- type roosters, show breeds, or these, adding a few more barred "barn yard" fowl have hackle uals incorporated chickens individuals and incorporating the from a myriad of other hobby feathers too, of course. But, as two other essential hackle colors – any fly tier will tell you, their breeders, show poultry white and brown, using "show" breeds and even fighting feathers don't begin to have the poultry stocks and breeds. Few if characteristics that can tie a de- cocks in pursuit of their be- any records were kept of what loved hackle. Andy Miner, by cent fly nor float a hook on the was done, but in long conversa- water. It is only through pains- profession an attorney, be- tions with him I have concluded came the "Johnny Appleseed" taking, long-term selection for the whole gene pool of the the host of characteristics that of the hackle world, giving "Hoffman Hackle" line goes back chickens and eggs to whom- will accomplish these functions to between 6 and 12 individuals! that roosters will grow good dry ever requested them, for the What made Henry's feathers supe- love of fly-fishing and fly ty- fly hackle. And this is referred rior to all others was that he was to as "genetic" hackle. ing. And he never sold a sin- himself using the feathers to tie gle pelt, instead gave them flies commercially, and he always away, only asking for fishing The genetic lines that are used selected sires which provided to produce dry fly hackle – flies in return. The extant hackle that "turned" on the hook hackle producers in business which are the most demanding ideally, and not with problems fly tying feathers to produce now (Metz, Keough, Collins) such as twisting, fracturing, etc. founded their production and command the highest pric- And this "tying performance" cri- es – only have a few origins. with "Miner" stock. I also ac- terion made the Hoffman Hackle quired one branch of the Min- appreciated and coveted. The per- er stock, which I named the Whiting Farms was founded formance selection strategy has upon the exclusive purchase of "Hebert/Miner" product line, been considerably expanded and to delineate that its origin the "Hoffman Hackle" line from used in all lines at Whiting Farms. Henry Hoffman in 1989. Hen- was from Andy Miner through Ted Hebert of Michigan, who ry's parents had a small meat The other major genetic line in the chicken breeding enterprise in arguably received the best of dry fly field had a far more diverse the Miner stock and/or did California and so Henry grew up origin and development, and has learning the basics of poultry the best job with them. The been more widely dispersed. sole surviving son of Andy selection and husbandry. But Many stocks and breeders have Henry's great passion was fly- Miner contacted me and ex- contributed to it over the 70 or 80 pressed his appreciation that

Page 4 "WFI On The Fly" SADDLE UP WITH DR. TOM, CONT.

I had openly credited his fa- dation, would only select, with their stocks. Neither fel- ther with his pioneering and painstakingly, roosters for low did any real pedigree generous work in the hackle their phenotypic traits, and work, instead simply selecting field, and his unhappiness nearly never considered even on phenotypic "qualities," as with the lack of credit some of looking at the female side. Yet they perceived them, with ba- the other hackle producers he named his families or lines sically a strategy of "find the had given his father. A friend- solely after the dam lineage, best, breed with the best, and ship with Bill and Kathy Miner regardless of the male used on hope for the best." But this evi- has developed and I have them. While Hebert, after tu- dently worked in that the Hoff- been given the books, breed- torage by Andy Miner, selected man and Hebert pelts were ing records, photos, historic predominantly on the female definitely known as the best pelts and other memorabilia side by phenotypic feather available, which was why I ac- of Andy Miner, Jr., which I characteristics, principally the quired their stocks. hope to develop into a book most "roostery" feathers on a and museum some day. pullet; and he used whatever A brief discussion of colors is rooster seemed obviously ade- in order at this juncture. Many What's always been fascinat- quate to be a sire. Further- fly tiers tend to think that ing to me, from a genetics more, the Hoffman method feather colors are of primary point of view, is that the amounted to extremely close importance and difficulty in breeding strategies and meth- inbreeding, intentionally or breeding hackle birds. But ods employed by the two unintentionally. But the they are not really, for two principal hackle pioneers, Miner/Hebert method pre- reasons. Firstly, the principal Henry Hoffman and Ted scribed never mating like with colors needed to fulfill demand Hebert, couldn't have been like, intentionally or uninten- – grizzly, white (for dying), more different! Actually even tionally fostering diversity and and brown – are all quite easy diametrically opposed in minimal inbreeding accumula- to achieve. Sex-linked barring some respects. Both men tion. Couple with the fact that for grizzly, dominant white for were passing on their life's the Miner strain was a con- white, and any number of the work to me (after I'd paid glomeration of assorted multi-allelic series of extended their purchase prices) and so breeds, (i.e., Blue Andalusian, black for brown will give you spent considerable effort ex- Brown Leghorn, fighting the basis colors. These geno- plaining how they began and cocks), the two hackle strains types are quite stable, and developed their stocks and were in radically different ge- with a little phenotypic selec- methods. Both individuals netic states when I acquired tion can be tweaked to satisfy had the same, exact goals – them: the Hoffmans in 1989 most fly tiers. The ginger high quality dry fly hackle – and the Hebert/Miners in shades tend to be less stable, which is long, supple, web- 1996. with modifiers that shift inten- free cape feathers, which sity. But since ginger is usual- when wrapped unproblemati- Since the feather characteris- ly sold as either light, medium cally on a hook, created hackle tics which constitute dry fly or dark ginger, such segrega- barb collars that stood the fly hackle "quality" have been of tion doesn't create too much of on the surface tension of wa- little interest to poultry investi- a problem. The "duns," which ter, to entice a trout to take gators in the past, what these are a rather ill-defined group the fly. But Hoffman, starting pioneers in hackle breeding of grayish/brownish shades, and continuing with an ex- had done was the best initial but quite important in imitat- tremely narrow genetic foun- guide to how I should proceed ing mayflies, are somewhat of "WFI On The Fly" Page 5 SADDLE UP WITH DR. TOM, CONT.

a challenge in that most are in- Of course the biologic support into it in this article. completely dominant, requiring system that extrudes these fly- crosses. One, however, is a sim- tying feathers, the rooster, So feather colors are a fairly ple recessive, the "lavender" must be selected to accommo- easily managed aspect of hack- gene, lv, which does breed true. date such a function. Obvious- le breeding, especially if one In all, I have six different genetic ly, vigor is always a criterion. has the capacity to do quality "duns," a few of which have not But temperament and confor- dying. been described previously but mation play significant roles in whether the dry fly hackle work in my programs. If there The real challenges in hackle rooster can carry the feathers are difficult colors, then pure breeding are in the continu- in an undamaged state until he black and "cree" are the tough- ously variable, qualitative is harvested at around 45 est. Pure black is easy to breed, traits, as with most breeding weeks of age. Over-active or but the problem arises in that endeavors. To cite some of the aggressive individuals tend to the density of pigment to create characteristics which contrib- damage their feathers. And black is so intense that the ute to feather quality and pelt the long saddle (back) dry-fly barbs tend to be unacceptably value: soft and/or curved – not ade- hackle that Henry Hoffman quate for tying really. So we  feather length initially developed, which now mostly dye for black. And  density of feathers on the never ceases growing, re- "cree" is a rare, "collector" color pelt quires not only a calmer roost- pattern that is quite beautiful,  freedom from web (usable er, but a wide, flat back, to involving repeating barring of length) keep the 8 to 12 inch saddle white, brown and black. Its  symmetry of barb length feathers out of harm's way of problem is it doesn't breed true,  density of barbs per unit the feet and manure accumu- requiring instead a three-way length lation. cross. And only a tiny fraction  distribution of hook-size As all of you can imagine, the of the terminal cross actually range on the cape and sad- above listed feather and chick- yields cree amongst the many dle en traits are multi-genetic and other phenotypic segregants;  moderate taper of the ra- continuously variable. Though and what cree does result, even chis (quill) I have never done any formal varies between good cree and  freedom from turning heritability estimates on any barely cree. So cree is only problems of these traits, after 17 years available on a long waiting list,  smoothness and sheen of of selecting for them, I have a and probably a good portion of the feathers fairly good sense of which are cree pelts sold never even get highly, moderately or lowly used for tying flies, but are just All these qualities determine heritable from the ease and kept and shown off. how well the feathers perform rapidity of progress from se- for the fly tier, both in the ty- lection. Fortunately a few are The second reason colors are ing vise and on the water higher heritable, most are really not too important is fish catching fish. And because the moderate, and a couple have see colors differently than we unit of use is the individual maddeningly low heritability. do coupled with the fact that feather, all aspects must work I have also developed some color perception is greatly im- together for the fly tier to be selection criteria that can be pacted by water. But this is out- pleased with the product and mass selected on breeder can- side the present subject of ge- therefore willing to pay the netics, so I won't delve further price for the whole pelt. "WFI On The Fly" Page 6 SADDLE UP WITH DR. TOM, CONT.

tem. This one generational didate pullets, for traits that are are now, and a mental image of selection system is simple and essentially sex limited to rooster where I want to take them. Plus direct, and I think appropriate feathers. what are their needs or deficien- cies. This intimate, constant fa- for the scale of the market and Because the hackle business is miliarity with all lines affords me production systems. Whiting such a small industry, only sup- the opportunity to know what Farms has 60,000 individual porting about a half-dozen compa- their strengths and weaknesses rooster cages in 14 rooster nies, it makes sense that each com- are, to further their progression sheds, with 9 brood / grow pany be vertically integrated from towards some quality ideal. The barns and one breeder shed the foundation stock through to contenders get a painstaking, and hatchery. These facilities final packaged pelts. Stock is not two-page dossier filled out on are spread out on two sepa- sold and is considered proprietary. them. If a rooster passes this rate ranches within about a 20 I can't speak to how the other thorough scrutiny, then I pull 12 -mile radius in Western Colo- hackle breeders conduct their pro- feather samples from specific rado. Redundant populations grams, but I have a very hands-on locations on the principal two of pedigreed females, of the system. I pull every hatch, record- pelts. These are given to one of principal product lines, are ing the data, keeping notes and the pelt graders at Whiting kept on both of the ranches at processing the chicks. I select eve- Farms who has about 30 years of all times as a safety measure. ry female, between 23 and 30 fly tying experience, and he liter- Besides the aforementioned weeks of age, typically retaining ally wraps each feather around a two dry-fly hackle lines, Whit- the best 10 - 20% as breeders. I hook and critiques the critical ing Farms has a host of other put together all matings: a few facets of how they perform on lines developed for their fly mass matings, but most are caged the hook and potentially on the tying feathers. These include in single sire pens for individual or water. The form he fills out on a genetic wet-fly hackle prod- group matings. An increasing each set of samples is incorpo- uct line that was started from amount of artificial insemination rated with the prior evaluation scratch in 1992 and is now a work is being done, largely for lack to determine whether this indi- fairly significant component of of more mating cages. But the vidual will be used to breed with, sales. Wet-fly hackle is used heart of the program is my going and if so— for saltwater, bass, etc: any through every single rooster in the type of sub-surface feathered system at harvest. With the aid of How: Production or Pedigree. fishing fly. A "Spey" hackle, a crew, I examine under a bright which was initiated to imitate light, each and every rooster. Most Such thorough rooster examina- Heron feathers for tying At- simply go to harvest, which is eu- tion, with different traits lantic flies, has been thanasia by CO2 gas. The individu- weighted as to need and/or im- under development for nearly als that I think have potential as portance, has resulted in fairly 10 years. A gray partridge breeder candidates are returned to rapid overall progress. Selection substitute, from breeds having a cage and "flagged" for later, thor- pressures are usually in the top mottled gray hen feathers, is ough examination. Due to the one-half to one percent of the another avenue whereby a small scale of my operations, and production roosters. Of course non-domesticated species, the fact that I put together every the need for balance amongst the which has a fundamental fly- mating and see every rooster, I am traits, with an understanding tying feather, has been ap- intimately familiar with all the and judgment towards appropri- proximated on a hen to facili- lines and can fairly quickly ascer- ate emphasis, is what makes the tate production and economy. tain whether any given rooster is a breeding program a success or The oldest known chicken contender for being a sire. I also not. And as the lines and birds breed, bred specifically for fly have the perspective of where the evolve, so must the selection sys- lines have come from, where they "WFI On The Fly" Page 7

SADDLE UP WITH DR. TOM, CONT.

tying feathers, the Coq de Leon from Northwest Spain, was im- ported in the early 1990's. Tra- “There you have it; ditionally the roosters were creating hackle in a nutshell plucked of their shoulder and (or rather an egg shell)! back feathers (always on the third phase of the moon!) and sold in bundles of a dozen. Writ- ten records of these practices go back in Spain 500 years. Whiting Farms has adapted their Coq de Leons to a pelt based product. Whiting Farms has a number of other minor or R & D lines. Ideas for new product lines come from fly tiers telling us what they want and/or can't get, and also from 100 "Pro Team Members" who are expert fly tiers, who do exhi- bition tying, are authors, or just highly regarded, who help guide Whiting Farms and act as our out -reach group.

The United States is still the larg- est single market for fly tying feathers, with Japan the largest foreign market. In all, Whiting Farms sells into 40 different countries around the globe, with slightly over half of recent years' sales being outside of the USA. Typically distributors are used in foreign countries, but not always. Commercial fly tying factories, where fishing flies are all hand- tied, almost exclusively by wom- en, is a growing sector for Whit- ing Farms. Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, the Philippines and Kenya Photo by Pat Oglesby are where a preponderance of these fly factories are located.

Thomas Whiting, Ph.D. Page 8 "WFI On The Fly" FEATURED DEALER —ANGLERS ALL LITTLETON, COLORADO

Anglers All storefront in Littleton, CO Anglers All is located at 5211 South Santa Fe Drive, in Littleton, CO. You may reach them toll free at 1-800-327-5014, direct at 1-303-794-1104, Fax 1-303-730-8932. Website: http://www.anglersall.com Photo by Michael Gula

In 2014 Anglers All will be celebrating its 60th anniversary. A milestone we are very proud of here at the shop. Not only are we 60 years old but have been in the same location since 1969. The company was founded by Jim Poor in 1954 as Mountain View Tackle and moved into its current location in 1969, tak- ing on the name Anglers All. The shop has changed hands very few times, the latest in 2009. Since the new regime we have renewed our focus on great people, comfortable atmosphere, and the best selection in the specialty fly business.

We have been a dealer and supporter of Whiting Farms for as long as we can remember. Today our fly tying selection features many of the Whiting farms products and we all use them on our personal fly ty- ing benches. As other feather merchants have come and gone, Whiting continues to deliver the highest quality feathers. Since Anglers All prides itself on the best selection and quality of fly tying inventory the partnership is a natural one.

C o n t i n u e d

"WFI On The Fly" Page 9

FEATURED DEALER CONTINUED —ANGLERS ALL LITTLETON, COLORADO

The “Whiting” wall at Anglers All Photo by Michael Gula

Anglers All is a full-service fly shop serving the Mile-High Denver area. In addition to their complete retail shop they offer clinics, and fly-tying schools, guided trips and destination excursions, classes of the “101” variety as well as advanced techniques such as schools and “on-the-money” casting methods to im- prove one’s accuracy and distance skills to become a better angler. Owner, Chris Keeley and Manager, Greg Garcia, are friendly fly fishing experts and experienced sportsmen. For convenience, out of town customers may purchase from the store’s on-line shopping service.

If you are a Whiting Farms Dealer and would like to contribute to this column, contact Colette at [email protected]

"WFI On The Fly" Page 10 “COLETTE’S COOP”

I BEG YOUR “PARDO”! goal! In fact, part of me wanted If you’ve looked and still don’t to beg your “pardo” for being A wise women once said see your new season paperwork late this year. However, we feel free to email me at account- “Never apologize, never ex- have been busy, working very plain. Just get the thing done [email protected]. I’ll send hard and while we didn’t meet you another copy. and let them howl.” Here is the goal, we came within a few another one I like, “Never tail feathers (rooster talk for Please don’t forget to complete apologize for the truth. The weeks) and that is the truth. right sort of people do not the informational update page

want apologies and the of the terms document and re- By now, if you are an active wrong sort take mean ad- turn it to us as soon as possible. Whiting Farms customer, you vantage of them.” It is the last page of the terms should have received your document you received. It helps “2013/2014 Season” paperwork Now that we have that clear, us to make sure we have the by email or by mail if you are most current information on file let’s get down to business. one of the few who don’t have The new season has begun! It for you, not only in our comput- an email address on file. We er system here at Whiting, but started September 1, 2013. It always email these forms to the always feels like a fresh start; also on our website if you have primary contact email account a Dealer or Distributor listing. sort of like slapping on a new we have on file. So check that coat of paint. Each season we account. You might even check Now, you’ll have to eggscuse me send out new season order your spam folder if you don’t forms, pricing and terms doc- until next time. I have to get see the email since it came with back to work in the Coop! uments to all of our custom- attachments and might have

ers by email. Over the past been placed in your junk mail few months we have spent a folder by accident. Have a great fall. lot of time considering what products and colors to offer Colette this season. We have a few new products on the order forms this year, which is al- ways exciting.

Now here is the truth: While we tried desperately to get the new season information out to everyone by Septem- ber 1st it actually went out a couple of weeks after the first of September. I won’t lie; this hurt my ego just a bit because I really wanted to make that "WFI On The Fly" Page 11

PRO TEAM “ S COOP” BY PAT & CAROL OGLESBY

Tom Whiting and Whiting Farms.” We are GREETINGS PRO pleased to have Bob on board and we consider TEAM! him a special friend.

Just a reminder – don’t forget to submit your We really appreciate the feedback we have annual documentation for the WFI Pro Team received from many of you. You are the qualifications as the end of the year is just “eyes and ears” in the field for WFI and you around the corner. Let us know what you’ve are in a position to see trends and hear been doing. And, another reminder to those of what tiers are looking for in materials. you who have not yet mailed in your six flies. Many of you will be the first to know about Please mail them to Whiting Farms, Inc. at P.O. “what is happening in the fly tying world.” Box 100, Delta, CO 81416 (USA). If you have We encourage you to communicate with us any questions or concerns, about your docu- and let us know what is going on in your mentation / flies or anything else, do not hesi- fly tying world. As you know, sometimes tate to contact us. We would love to hear from things can change rapidly in fly tying. Oc- you. casionally it is the development and re- lease of a pattern by a recognized tier, We look forward to seeing many of you the sometimes it is an article that has been end of September in West Yellowstone, MT at written about a particular material or, the International Federation of Fly Fishers more often, no one knows what triggered Fair. It is always impressive to see the number the trend. At Whiting Farms it takes some of Pro Team tiers present at these major time to respond to demand. We can’t just shows. put on another shift and produce more “widgets”. It may take generations, and Thanks to all of you for your continued sup- from the time the egg hatches until you get port and representation of Whiting Farms. the pelt in your hand, it is nearly a year. As Dr. Whiting mentions in his article, he wel- Carol and Pat Oglesby comes, even relies on, feedback from his [email protected] Pro Team in developing genetic lines that are critical “tools” of the fly-tying trade. Please take the time to study Dr. Tom’s fas- cinating “gene pool” article in this newslet- ter. NOTE: To submit an article for consideration in the Featured Tier section, Our featured Pro Tier in this issue, Bob or to contribute a fly pattern or Jacklin, is a strong supporter of WFI; and information about a Whiting Farms product you are experimenting with, regarding the WFI Pro Team, he says, “I am contact Pat and Carol at pleased to be a part of the Whiting Farms [email protected] Pro Team and enjoy tying with the quality and innovative feathers produced by Dr. "WFI On The Fly" Page 12 “sCOOP” - THE 2013 WHITING FARMS PRO TEAM!

From the USA: Georgia New Hampshire Utah Tim Ivey Peggy Brenner Buddy Knight California Ben Byng Iowa New Jersey Wisconsin Ken Hanley Ward L. Bean Chris Del Plato Guy “Doc” Jensen Scott Hoff Wayne Luallen Idaho New Mexico Wyoming David McCants Bruce Staples Deborah Duran Marvin Nolte Steve Potter Chris Williams Bill Fenstermaker Don Ordes Deward Yocum Scott Sanchez Colorado Louisiana Randy Stonebraker Ed Berg Rusty Dunn New York Pat Dorsey Frank J. Audino Internationally: Michael Gula Massachusetts Levern “Vern-O Burm Tim Jacobs Joe Cordeiro Bob Lindquist Australia Merne Judson Leslie Wrixon Mick Hall Larry Kingrey Ohio Mark McMillan Michigan Chris Helm Ireland Carol Oglesby Dennis Potter Chuck Moxley Alice Conba Pat Oglesby Jeff Oulton Minnesota Oregon Sweden Taila Oulton Brad Befus Norman Domagala Jan Edman Al Ritt Tyler Befus Phillip E. Fischer Johan Klingberg Jon Spiegel David E. Roberts Steve Schweitzer Missouri Jack Schlotter The Netherlands Rich Takahashi Roxanne Wilson Marc Williamson Herman Broers Jerry Toft Terry Wilson Hans Van Klinken Kirk Webb Pennsylvania Faiza Weilenmann Mississippi Ginger Allen Hans Weilenmann Connecticut Melvin G. Pecaut Kimberly Boal Martin Westbeek Roger Plourde Kieran Frye Montana Richard S. Ross United Kingdom Florida Bob Jacklin Christopher Reeves Bruce Chard Bob Lay Tennessee Oscar Feliu Lars Olsson G.S. “Stack” Scoville, Jr. Thank you all for Tom Logan E. Neale Streaks representing and Dave Schmezer Texas promoting Whiting Mel Simpson Nebraska Ken “Bo” Bohannon Farms products! Sue Armstrong Fred DuPre’

"WFI On The Fly" Page 13 FEATURED PRO TEAM TIER —BOB JACKLIN

at many International and regional Sportsman’s Expositions and Conclaves here in the U. S. and Japan.

Bob’s fishing in Montana started in the mid-60s and by 1970 he was a full time guide and fly fish- ing instructor for the Bud Lilly Trout Shop in West Yellowstone, MT. This year Bob celebrates his 44th consecutive year as a fly fishing outfitter in the Yellowstone area. Additionally, he was a principal instructor for nearly ten years with the landmark Fenwick Fly Fishing Schools and for twenty years he was on the staff with Sage Fly Rod Company. Since those early years he has taught thousands of students the art of fly cast- ing, fly tying and how to fly fish. Bob has won numerous tournaments with the In- ternational Federation of Fly Fishers and . Bob has inspired many spectators to get into fly fishing by conducting casting demon- strations each Sunday evening at the casting Bob Jacklin of West Yellowstone, MT pond behind the Union Pacific Dining Hall in Photo by Pat Oglesby West Yellowstone, Montana.

In 1974 Bob began his outfitting and fishing Bob Jacklin grew up in New Jersey fishing for na- business in West Yellowstone. In 1982 he pur- tive brook trout in the headwater streams of the chased the Tackle Shop and store location from northern part of the state. After high school he Pat and Sig Barnes. Over the years Bob has be- attended the United States Military Conservatory come the senior outfitter and fly fishing guide in of Music and spent three years of active duty as a the West Yellowstone area. He has toured and percussionist with the 389th U.S. Army Band. Fol- lectured on such diverse fishing subjects as: lowing this military stint, Jacklin attended Union basic entomology, fly tying, reading the water, College for two years and also received a diploma casting techniques, knot tying, selecting tackle from the Northwestern School of Taxidermy. and how to fish the West. He has starred in vide- os on the art of fly fishing, including one for the An ardent fly , fly tier and conservation- Japanese fly fishing market and one for the TV series, “Fishing the West” and “In Search of Fly ist from his early years, he began working on trout stream improvement projects as a teenager. Bob Water”. He co-authored a book, Fly Fishing the Yellowstone in the Park, with the late Gary started tying flies commercially in 1963, develop- ing many unique and widely accepted patterns. LaFontaine. In the spring of 2004 Bob released his first DVD titled, “Introduction to Fly Tying Along with his many patterns he was honored by the late Lee Wulff with a letter of authenticity rec- with Bob Jacklin”. He is an advisor and consult- ant to Fish and Game Departments and several ognizing the quality, durability and pattern identi- ty of the Wulff series of flies. As a fly tier and cast- manufacturers. Bob is a member ing instructor he has appeared as a featured guest

C o n t i n u e d "WFI On The Fly" Page 14

FEATURED PRO TEAM TIER —BOB JACKLIN, CONTINUED

of the St. Croix Rod Company Legions of the Headwaters of 105 Yellowstone Ave., West Advisory Team and on the pro the Missouri River Hall of Fame Yellowstone, MT 59758. staff for St. Croix, Umpqua in Bozeman, Montana. Phone: (406)646-7336 Feather Merchants, Ross Reels, Cortland Lines and Whiting From April through October As you can tell, Bob is one of Farms. Bob is a Master Certi- you will find Bob and his wife, the “old timers” in the fly fish- fied Fly Casting Instructor with Sharyn behind the counter of ing realm. You will find him to the International Federation of Jacklin’s Fly Shop. During the be a humble, gentle and inspir- Fly Fishers (IFFF) and a mem- winter they get to travel and ing professional in the fly fish- ber of the IFFF Casting Board Bob has time to work on his ing world. of Governors. He is a member hobby, taxidermy. When you of Trout Unlimited, the IFFF, are in West Yellowstone be sure Bob has developed a number of Theodore Gordon Fly Fishers, to stop in at 105 Yellowstone flies through the years, but his Catskill Fly Fishing Center, Ave. and visit Jacklin’s Fly Shop. signature fly is the March Catskill Fly Tyers Guild, The In addition to being able to get Brown Nymph. Though it uses American Museum of Fly Fish- your fly fishing supplies, you no feathers, we have included ing and the Anglers Club of will enter a museum of fly col- it here due to its prominence. New York. He is past president lections, framed letters from well-known personalities and of the Western Rocky Moun- On the next pages are some of tain Council of the IFFF and has many other items of fly fishing Bob’s favorite and most promi- interest. tied flies and demonstrated fly nent fly designs. Included are casting at conclaves and sports photos, material lists, the histo- shows around the country Bob can be reached at: ry of the flies, and tips on how since 1965. In 2000, Mr. Jack- www.jacklinsflyshop.com they are fished . lin was the recipient of the In- ternational Federation of Fly

Fishers coveted, Buz Buszek Memorial Award for his many years’ contributions to the art of fly tying. In 2004, Bob was honored by the IFFF as Man of the Year, for his support and contributions to the Federation and fly tying. Also in 2004, Bob was inducted into the prestig- ious Fly Fishing Hall of Fame at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. In 2008, Bob was presented with the IFFF’s highest honor, The Lapis Lazuli Award for dedication, promi- nence and long-term service to the organization (an award that is given infrequently and only upon merit.) Later that year he was inducted into the Jacklin helping a youth tier at the 2006 IFFF Fair in Livingston, MT "WFI On The Fly" Page 15

FEATURED PRO TEAM TIER —BOB JACKLIN CONTINUED

MARCH BROWN NYMPH Materials Hook: 12, 12, 94 14, #285 Dai-Riki or 1X long nymph hook Weight: Lead wire (sizes .015 or .020) wrapped around the hook shank Thread: Sizes 70 or 140 denier rusty brown nylon thread Tail: Three natural or rusty brown pheasant tail fibers, separated Body: Australian opossum dubbing, muddy-brown tan to rusty amber color Ribbing: Vinyl D rib, rusty brown, sized to match the hook Legs: Natural or dyed brown Hungarian Partridge or hen pheasant body feather tied in under wing case to simulate the natural legs of the nymphs Wing case: Bottom, turkey tail feather strip. Top, brown or rusty scud back or body stretch sized to match the fly. Head: Australian opossum under scud back to form a head. Tied off at the neck with a whip finish.

Bob developed this pattern in the early 1970s for the March Brown Nymph when fishing the Esopus River in NY state. It simulates the nymph stage of the march brown mayfly of the Northeast. However, he has used it as his “go-to” fly with great success all over the West and the Yellowstone area. It is best fished, when possible, with no additional weight added to the leader. Fish upstream and allow to drift down past the angler in a natural, smooth or dead-drift fashion. Use of an indicator is recommended as it can be used to help regulate the drift by mending the line which will keep the indicator and fly moving along in the same path or lane at the same speed as the current. Fishing it drag free allows the fly to drift along or near the bottom and acting naturally.

Photo by Pat Oglesby "WFI On The Fly" Page 16

FEATURED PRO TEAM TIER —BOB JACKLIN CONTINUED

PLATTE RIVER SPECIAL Materials Hook: 4X long Model Perfect of Limerick hook, sizes 2, 4, 6 Thread: Black, 140 denier Body: Weighted with #15 lead wire or non-lead wire. Finished with fine Earthwork Brown Ultra Chenille Ribbing: Med. gold wire Wing: Four large Whiting Farms America Hackle Rooster Cape hackles, two large yellow and two large ginger or brown Collar: Two large Whiting Farms American Hackle Rooster Cape hackles, one large ginger hackle tied in front of one large yellow hackle to form a collar in wet fly fashion.

Vary the colors of the hackle and the body to make other feathered wing streamers like the Black Labrador Retriever, the White Labrador or even an all Yellow Labrador Retriever.

Fall fishing for BIG BROWN TROUT! Bob has used the dressing for this streamer for 40 years on the Big Horn River, the Missouri River and his home water on the Madison River in and out of Yellowstone National Park. This dressing for the Platte River Special is proof over and over for large brown trout on their fall spawning run up the Madison River into Yellowstone National Park from Hebgen Lake into Montana.

The Platte River Special has been Bob’s autumn “go-to” fly when fishing for big brown trout. He first discovered the fly in June 1970 while fishing around the Medicine Bow area of Wyoming. Bob purchased the fly from a small tackle shop and brought it to MT. The fly was designed by Bud Miller around 1951 and used in the Casper, WY area on the famous Miracle Mile of the North Platte River. The original dressing for this feathered streamer was four large hackles, two bright yellow and two brown hackles used for the wing; and two hackles, one each color, for the collar. Bob thought it was unusual because the fly had no body and was tied on a bare shank Limerick Hook. He changed the fly by adding some weight to the shank and covering the weight with fine brown ultra chenille. He also changed the hook to a 4X long with a model perfect bend. Over the years, the fly has been copied by others and used as the Big Horn Special. This fly and its history has been recorded in the 1979 edition of the great book “Streamers and Bucktails, The Big Fish Flies” by Joseph D. Bates, Jr.

Photo by Pat Oglesby "WFI On The Fly" Page 17 FEATURED PRO TEAM TIER —BOB JACKLIN CONTINUED

WESTERN BROWN DRAKE PARA-SPIN-SPIN

Hook: Dai-Riki #280 size 10 or a 3X or 4X hook with a slow curve in size 10 Thread: Rusty brown, 140 denier Egg Sack: A small ball of black dubbing tied at the bend of the hook under the tail fibers Tail: Several strands of long stiff dark elk mane hair, tied over the egg sack to highlight the thin body and the long tails of this brown drake spinner fly Body: A very thin body of rusty dubbing tied all the way from the egg sack to the eye of the hook Ribbing: Stripped peacock herl or rusty turkey biot. Post: White Antron, para post wings or poly yarn tied in as a post, then trimmed short. Hackle and Wing: A large stiff hackle from the bottom of a Whiting Farms Grizzly or Dark Barred Ginger Hackle Cape for the hackle that will represent the wide spent wing of the brown drake spinner

A couple of hints on tying this fly: Add a drop or two of Krazy Glue at the base of the post so the wing will cement and hold the hackle and post as one unit; tie in a large, stiff over-size neck hackle by the butt with the concave side facing up—this gives a cup and saucer effect when at rest on the surface of the water, the cup being the short post supported on the water with the hackle being the saucer, tied with the concave side up, and the convex side of the hackle laying on the water surface.

Bob uses this fly to represent the spinner stage of the Western Brown Drake, the largest of the Western mayflies. Use this fly not only for the larger mayfly spinners, but also for the little trico spinner. The Para-Spin or Para-spinner is a blend of two great flies, the parachute and the spinner. Bob’s idea was to use the parachute style fly to simulate the bulky flat wing of the brown drake spinner when at rest on the water and the white parachute post cut short to be still visible to the fisherman and showing the proper silhouette and look from the underside. The long tails and the thin rusty body add to the natural shape and silhouette of the brown drake spinner.

Photo by Pat O g l e s b y Page 18 "WFI On The Fly" PRODUCT REVIEW —HIGH & DRY B Y T OM M ULLEN

When I was very young I be- during a December sideways trout attack these flies when gan selling flies to sporting snow storm. Needless to say, they are drifted and twitched goods stores, fly shops, and it made my day. This fish over them as they are look- to individuals who did not tie tried to eat the size #12 Roy- ing to the surface. The fish their own flies. I have been al Wulff on the third drift act quickly as though they selling flies for nearly fifty- over his position. About don’t want this bug to get five years now and have seen twenty-five minutes later, I away from them! great changes in the availa- was able to get a close-up bility of fly tying feathers. look at him. As fly tiers we are always in

the quest for the best quality The quality of available feath- The search for good priced materials with which to cre- ers years ago, compared to quality hackle continued for ate the flies we love to tie now, is like day and night. years until 2010. Whiting and fish. At the same time Using the readily available Farms released, to the gen- the economic downturns we Indian or Chinese dry fly eral fly tying population, a are experiencing keeps us on capes in the early years was beautiful genetically-crossed the hunt for feathers that frustrating to say the least. cape that was cost-effective perform properly while not One example would be trying for the average fly tier. The costing a lot. Dr. Tom Whit- to achieve enough hackle on High & Dry Capes with their ing, feather guru, and top a heavily hackled fly such as wonderful genetics from developer of genetically the . This was Whiting Farms takes one or raised chickens for the fly always difficult. It would two feathers to create a high tying world, has developed take four feathers of the Indi- floating dry fly. It is much the perfect cross of birds that an capes to create a fly that easier to fit the collar with fills the bill. I am referring to would float high enough in two feathers than four as in the High & Dry Rooster the heavy flows of western the past. There is now no Capes. High & Dry Rooster rivers. Tying the smaller- need to crowd the head as Capes are nearly perfect for sized flies was almost impos- was necessary with the pre- creating dry flies. These sible since the available viously available hackles. capes are the result of a capes back then rarely ever blend of birds where the produced sizes smaller than main component consists of a #16. The quality did not Another fly pattern that is on my favorites list is the Stimu- about 75% Hoffman genetics. exist. The Hoffman genetics are a lator. It is an easy-to-tie pat- tern, and with the proper strong genetic line of birds The Royal Wulff Dry Fly has hackling, it performs beauti- developed by the famous been a favorite of mine for fully. It can be a great gen- grower, Henry Hoffman. It is many years. This fly is an eral imitation of several in- these genetics that help give attractor type pattern which sects that the fish are looking the Whiting birds such won- doesn’t imitate any specific for. Depending upon the size derful feather qualities once mayfly. My largest brown of the fly and the various col- they have been crossed trout landed from a river was or combinations, this fly can through the great talent of a beautiful thirty-inch, thir- be very effective during Dr. Tom Whiting. teen-pound specimen from stonefly hatches and hopper Colorado’s Gunnison River action. I have had some large

C o n t i n u e d Page 19 "WFI On The Fly"

PRODUCT REVIEW —HIGH & DRY B Y T OM M ULLEN

When examining the feathers from the High & Poor Witch and the Travel- success (see instructions on Dry Capes, it is clear that ing Sedge. page 22.) they possess excellent qualities. Their barb The Poor Witch is a mayfly Most fly tiers possess a good count is very good as is imitation developed years knowledge of feathers for the number of feathers ago by Jim Poor, the first the types of applications for per pelt. Barb stiffness is owner and fly shop proprie- which they are used. I have wonderful so the fly will tor of Angler’s All, Ltd., a received very good reports float right on top of the wonderful fly shop in Colo- from tiers who have used the water. The size ranges rado. The Poor Witch is a High & Dry Rooster Capes run from #8 on the large dry fly that imitates mayflies since they have been availa- end down to size #18 or that are freshly hatched and ble. Tiers have been asking smaller on the small end. are testing their wings for about getting a broader The quill possesses won- the first time, or a mayfly range of colors in the line of derful elasticity which al- that is nearly at the end of birds. Whiting Farms is now lows turning around the its life and is nearly spent. It offering a wonderful range of hook shank to take place works like a charm when both natural and dyed colors. with near perfect ease of the mayflies are hatching. Check out the new colors listed on page 24 of this use. The lateral sym- newsletter. Dealers should metry, (length of barbs on The Traveling Sedge is a pat- also consider the 20% dis- one side of the quill com- tern that I developed about count offered at this time. pared to those on the op- thirty-five years ago. I need- Take advantage of more posite side), is excellent ed a pattern that would imi- profit on these wonderful through the length of the tate the sedges I encoun- dry fly capes. feather. These capes are tered in the high alpine

offered in a large range of lakes in the late summer or colors which are appro- early fall season of the Tom Mullen is the USA Sales Co- priate for a huge selection Rocky Mountains. I now use of fly types. There is a ordinator for Whiting Farms, only Whiting Farms hackle Incorporated. Chances are very steady stream of available on these and I have noticed high that you have spoken with capes from Whiting a dramatic difference in how him many times over the years. Farms, and fly tiers who they perform on the water’s His extensive fly tying experience have used them say they surface. These sedges were and WFI product knowledge perform wonderfully and sizes #10 and #12 and they allow him to share his skills want to expand their per- travel around on the surface here, as to the use of Whiting Farms High & Dry Hackle. sonal selection. of the lakes creating a small vee-wake as they go. The Two more fly patterns largest trout go nuts for that have done great them when there is a good things for my fish catching hatch of the sedges. There over the years are the are some tricks to fishing them correctly for maximum

See pelt photo on page 24 "WFI On The Fly" Page 20 PRODUCT REVIEW —HIGH & DRY B Y T OM M ULLEN

ROYAL WULFF DRY FLY

Hook: TMC 100 Sizes #10 thru #18 Thread: White 6/0 and Black 6/0 Tail: Dark moose body hairs Wing: White calf body hairs (upright and divid- ed), (Use white thread to bundle the wings) Body: Peacock herl for rear 1/3 with a red floss band in the middle 1/3, then the forward 1/3 is more herl. Hackle: Coachman Brown or Dark Brown High & Dry Cape, (Use 2 feathers to create a heavily hackled collar)

Photos by Pat Oglesby

POOR WITCH-designed by Jim Poor (Anglers All)

Hook: TMC 100 Sizes #12 thru #22 Thread: Dark olive (size depends up- on hook size) Tail: Dark moose body or hock (2 hairs tied in a V) Body: Muskrat fur or Super Fine Dub- bing ( Gray) Wing: Whiting Genetic Hen Cape (Light Dun) Tied ¾ spent style Hackle: High & Dry Rooster Cape: Grizzly and Brown, (Can trim top and bottom of hackle for low water fishing)

Page 21 "WFI On The Fly" PRODUCT REVIEW —HIGH & DRY B Y T OM M ULLEN

STIMULATOR DRY FLY

Hook: TMC 200R Sizes #4 thru #16 Thread: 6/0 (80 denier) black or dark olive Body: Antron yarn for large sizes and An- tron dubbing for small sizes, (play with different colors to match stoneflies or hop- pers) Abdomen Hackle: Brown or Grizzly High & Dry Rooster Capes, (Try turning one of each color at the same time: palmered) Ribbing: Gold or copper wire to match hook size (reverse wrap through hackle) Wing: Elk mane or body hair tied to ex- tend nearly to end of tail tips Thorax: Antron dubbing (use brighter color) Thorax Hackle: High & Dry Rooster Cape: Grizzly and Brown Photos by Pat Oglesby

TRAVELING SEDGE

Hook: TMC 100 sizes #10 thru #16 Thread: 6/0 (80 denier) dark olive or tan Tail: Elk body hair (one hook gap long) Abdomen: Consecutive wraps of Brown High & Dry Cape (trim all around to 1 hook gap long) Under-wing: Pearl Krystal Flash 6 or 8 strands Over-wing: Elk body hair (Extend to almost length of tail) Thorax Hackle: High & Dry Rooster Cape hackle- Brown (tied thickly)

(One trick when fishing this pattern on a lake is to cast it so that it lands with a splat on the surface. Let it sit there without moving it for up to a minute. Then do several short strips about an inch long. Stay ready since the fish tend to slam dunk these flies. Wow!) "WFI On The Fly" Page 22

HIGH & DRY CHALLENGE AND, THE WINNER IS MARTIN WESTBEEK FROM HOLLAND

“Here is a description of Mart's Parachute Ant. I'd brief moment and then slowly sink. Enter the par- like to submit it for the High & Dry Challenge, since achute ant: a low-riding parachute ant with a sub- it's a great ant pattern that has done very well for merged body and a post of poly yarn and two us.” Martin Westbeek For winning the High & Dry strands of pearl Crystal Flash for visibility. Challenge, Martin will receive three High & Dry Capes to use on those ants and some other great The pattern is great for Arctic char, brown trout and patterns of his choice. Martin Westbeek is a media grayling . and advertising lecturer and the Program Manager of the Media bachelor program at the Fontys Uni- versity of Applied Sciences in Holland. Having won several fly tying awards, Martin enjoys tying clas- sics and variations of classics, especially with natu- ral materials. Sea trout and grayling are his favor- Materials: ite sport fish. Hook: TMC 102Y, #17

Thread: Hyperfine, brown (or black) or any other Mart’s Parachute Ant is included in this article, but fine, strong thread for full step-by-step photos, refer to: Post: White poly yarn http://globalflyfisher.com/patterns/marts- parachute-ant/ Flash: One strand of pearl Crystal Flash Abdomen and head: Brown (or black, or cinna- mon) Superfine Dubbing Mart's Parachute Ant Waist: Thread wraps During the warmer months of the year, they Hackle: Whiting High & Dry Saddle, brown, grizzly are just about anywhere... Ants. dyed brown (or black) Early in the season flying ants swarm, and many Marker: Felt tip brown, black or cinnamon are blown onto the water. Others are carried uphill by warm air currents and drop into higher streams Tying Instructions: or lakes, which is called ‘upslope blow-ins'. 1.Start the thread at the midpoint of the hook shank. Tie in a length of poly yarn (diameter not Later in summer ants will be on leaves and in exceeding the outside diameter of the hook eye) branches of streamside vegetation looking for food. extending over the bend. Stop right above the barb. They live in dead trees by the streams, and lots of them drop into the water. In these ants, trout and 2.Basically, an ant body consists of three very dis- grayling have a constant supply of food all season tinct parts: the abdomen, a very thin waist and a round. head that's slightly smaller than the abdomen. Dub the abdomen in the shape of a rugby ball. The size So whatever hatches, or if no hatch comes off at all, of the abdomen is about 1,5 times the distance or if you're fishing in the heat of a summer day... an from the barb to the hook point of a TMC 102Y ant is a useful thing to carry. hook. This will give you enough room for the tiny waist. Tie in one strand of pearl Crystal Flash im- Many ant patterns are made of foam. They look mediately in front of the abdomen. great, and are fast and easy to tie, too. The problem with these foam ants, however, is that they float 3.Fold the poly yarn over the abdomen, Humpy quite high. Real ants don't. They only float for a style, and tie down with a few wraps.

C o n t i n u e d "WFI On The Fly" Page 23 HIGH & DRY CHALLENGE CONT. BY MARTIN WESTBEEK FROM HOLLAND

9.Hackle the parachute down to the thorax/head. Because you're 4.Color the poly with a waterproof felt hackling around a small diameter post you may want to make 5 tip marker, pull the poly and the to 7 wraps. Or less, if you want the ant to sink (more on that lat- strands of Crystal Flash forward, and er). wrap the waist. 10.Pull the hackle down, and make three to four thread wraps 5.Stop the waist about 2 mm shy of the around the post to tie off the hackle. Try not to trap too many hook eye, make a couple of wraps in barbs, so keep your thread wraps below the lowest barbs. Clip front of the post to stand it up. Select a the hackle. You could make a whip finish around the parachute saddle hackle and strip off some of the post, but on a small hook like this #17 this is fiddly - to me any- barbs. The length of the stripped quill way. That's why I use a reversed whip finish (making turns to- should equal the distance from the wards me) behind the eye. This prevents the thread being pulled hook eye to the post, plus the height of under the dubbed head. Clip off the post to desired length. Put a the head, plus the height of the para- tiny drop of CA glue on the whip finish, on the post where the chute. parachute hackle starts, and on the tie-off point of the hackle, and you're done! 6.Tie in the hackle right behind the hook eye, and wrap back towards the Drowned Ant post. Sometimes trout seem to prefer an ant that fishes deeper. In that case, or if you come to a deep spot where you just know that 7.Wrap the hackle up against the post, there should be a fish down there, simply modify the fly. Clip off and wrap down again. most of the parachute post, put a split shot on the tippet, some 30 cm from the fly, and see what happens. Works like a charm in 8.Dub the head behind and in front of riffles, too. the post. It's a little smaller than the Good fishing! abdomen. Leave the thread in front of Martin the parachute post, at your side of the fly.

In an email note from Martin on 09/09/13 he said: “I'm stoked that you decided to use the Ant for the next issue! This is a fly tied on a #18 size hook, so the parachute post has a *really* small diameter. It's a testimony to the quality of the hackle stem that it can be tightly wrapped around a tiny post without it breaking.”

"WFI On The Fly" Page 24 HIGH & DRY HACKLE —WHY?

High & Dry Hackle Advantages  Simple – Just a Single Grade  Moderate Price Point  Excellent Steady Supply  Superior to other Non Whiting Hackle Brands  Broadest Color Availability  Reliable Source of Some Colors not Available in other Dry Fly Hackle Lines.

* SEE EXPANDED COLOR LIST BELOW

Dyed Colors: Black *Available Grizzly / Peacock Herl White / Brown Badger / Burnt Orange Natural Colors: Grizzly / Medium Dun White / Light Ginger Badger / Peacock Herl Grizzly Grizzly / Olive White / Medium Ginger Badger / Brown White Grizzly / Golden Straw White / Light Dun Badger / Olive Brown Grizzly / Dark Olive White / Medium Dun Badger / Golden Straw Light Ginger Grizzly / Coachman Brown White / Dark Dun Badger / Golden Olive Medium Ginger Grizzly / Pale Yellow White / Olive Badger / March Brown Barred Dark Ginger Grizzly / Golden Olive White / Golden Straw

Golden Badger Grizzly / March Brown White / Golden Olive

Cream Badger Grizzly / Burnt Orange White / Coachman "WFI On The Fly" Page 25

FISH ‘N CHICKS HUMOR BECAUSE WE’VE ALL WA NTED TO KNOW—WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD? NO GROANING, PLEASE...

Why did the t-rex cross the road? Because the chicken hadn't evolved yet Why did the chicken stand in the middle of Why did the chicken cross the road? the road? To prove to the possum that it could be Cuz he wanted to play squash! done! What do you call a dirty chicken that cross- Why did the rooster cross the road? es the road and crosses back again? To cockadoodle dooo something A dirty double crosser.

Why did the chicken cross the road halfway? Why did the chicken cross the road, roll in She wanted to lay it on the line. the mud and cross the road again? Because he was a dirty double-crosser! Why did half a chicken cross the road? To get to its other side! Why didn't the chickens cross the road? Because they were chicken Why did the chicken cross the road twice? Because it was a double-crosser

Why did the turkey cross the road? I hope one day chickens will be able to To prove he wasn't chicken! cross the road without being judged on their motives. Why did the rubber chicken cross the road? She wanted to stretch her legs. To end the moans, and show we are not to- Why did the Roman chicken cross the road? tally inane, and for you who appreciate a She was afraid someone would caesar! more sophisticated sense of the arts, a love- ly Haiku from Colette: How did the wealthy rubber chicken cross the road? Coq de Leon Hen In her Cadillac stretch limo. Soft speckled beauty supreme Trout admire you too