Choosing the right materials
The choice of materials is very important for the fly to swim and undulate properly whether it is for trout, salmon or any other species of fish.
Depending on the planned assembly, it will also be necessary to have an idea of the combination of materials to be used and how to fix them. These phases are then found in all assemblies.
For a salmon fly, we will have the choice between a single, double or triple hook, and even the possibility of mounting them on plastic, aluminum and brass tubes, called tube-flies. These options allow us to adapt to the conditions, to make the fly lighter or heavier and to modify its swimming action. The choice of the armament is also according to its desires and convictions. Personally, I don't use a triple any more to avoid hurting my catches, which go back into the water 99% of the time.
For rivers with rather slow waters as in Brittany, mobile materials such as arctic fox, marabou, and squirrel are to be preferred.
The materials chosen for this fly are the following:
- Hook Ahrex HR 420 size 4
- UTC 70 black mounting silk
- Uni-Yarn black
- Tinsel silver round medium
- Black and red Arctic fox
- Feather Schlappen Red
- Loon Thin UV Resin
- Loon UV lamp
Respect the right proportions
In order for a fly to be beautiful for the angler, but more importantly to interest the target fish, it must swim correctly or imitate a prey.
In salmon, flies are often inciting rather than imitative. That is to say, they encourage the fish to bite out of aggressiveness rather than out of a feeding reflex. This is the peculiarity of fishing for migratory fish that do not feed during their ascent in fresh water. The fish defend their position.
Nevertheless, in order for it to vibrate and live giving the illusion of life, the respect of proportions is essential. To do this, you need to know the basic rules of fly tying that you can find on the internet and in books, but also in the tying "tuto" as below.
Each element must be of a certain length, be more or less provided so that the fly is balanced. After that, everyone has his own preferences.
Use your imagination
Even if some models have proven themselves, and that we can imitate by watching videos or copy them, nothing prevents us from trying out new materials, combinations of feathers and hairs to find a "novelty", a new model that will please us more or make us catch more fish. Tests of new materials, associations of feathers and hairs to find a "novelty", a new model which will please us more or will make us catch more fish. Personalizing your rigs can help you better adapt them to your waters and types of fishing.
Test your creations at the water's edge
After the assembly phase, we must go to the water's edge to test the swimming and the efficiency of our creation. It is by using and observing how our fly behaves in the water that we can make modifications to improve it.
Shorten or lengthen the tail or wing. Form a body with another material. Add gloss or flash. Mount a helmet on the head or choose a tube-fly mount. This phase is important and allows you to validate your setup or to make improvements or modifications.
I leave you with the editing video where I present you one of my favorite flies that I edited for the Youtube channel of Ardent Fly Fishing. You can find many videos "behind the vise" by Ardent Fly Fishing ambassadors and employees.
Good viewing and editing.
