Which fly was almost banned?

[philx123]

I've been doing a bit of tying, and want to add some killer flies to my collection. I was looking through some books, and read somewhere there was a fly which was so successful it was almost banned. I'm pretty sure it was a classic fly, and maybe a wet fly.

Anyone any ideas?

[sage fan]

Zulu? I am sure I seen this somewhere.

[seanie]

To the best of my knowledge it was the Alexandra
I found the following information on it.........

Fly DetailsUsers Comments
About Alexandra

An old exciting pattern with an interesting history. The Alexander was first called ‘The lady of the lake’ then renamed after Queen Alexander. It is still best fished in lakes for Trout as a fry imitator, retrieve in a series of sharp irregular jerks, although it fishes well in rivers but mainly for Sea Trout


Flybox's Expert Tips

Alexandra was reputed to be such a killer in the mid 1800’s that it was banned on some waters.


Dressings

•Hook : 6 - 14
•Thread : Black
•Tail : Red ibis or scarlet duck wing quill with peacock herl
•Tag : Scarlet floss
•Body : Flat silver tinsel
•Hackle : Black cock or hen
•Wing : Peacock sword herl and Red ibis or scarlet duck wing quill

Country of Origin:
England

Water Type:
Dams & Reservoirs / Still Water

[Endrick]

There was a fly that was banned from some reservoirs. It was called the Nailer. I have a memory that the Dog Nobbler was also banned from some venues.

[sweenytodd]

Originally Posted by seanie

To the best of my knowledge it was the Alexandra

Correct

[farmerblob]

the alexandra and the goats toe i think

[philx123]

Thanks for that. I just checked the names you gave me in my various books, and the Alexandra was the one I'd seen.

As a side note, is it still considered that effective a fly, or do fish's tastes change over the decades - I'm guessing reared trout might be attracted to different foods?

[gelert]

i remember reading about the alexandra being a fish hammering fly and how it was apparently to be banned.

An old exciting pattern with an interesting history. The Alexander was first called ‘The lady of the lake’ then renamed after Queen Alexander. It is still best fished in lakes for Trout as a fry imitator, retrieve in a series of sharp irregular jerks, although it fishes well in rivers but mainly for Sea Trout

Alexandra was reputed to be such a killer in the mid 1800’s that it was banned on some waters.

[3lbgrayling]

It's a great Seatrout/loch,Salmon fly.I tend to fish it on the point with a Peter Ross on the dropper.

Jim

[allanw]

Is / Was the Rolly Polly retrieve banned