Steelhead Flies. Help needed

[ArcticFoxFly]

I don't know if this should be in the salmon/sea trout category, but I'll post here anyway.


I am wanting to tie some Steelhead flies up, but since there are so many of them I have no idea what to tie.

Eventually I want to sell them.

I am not looking for anything difficult to tie, and I don't want any flies that have GP eyes in the dressing.

I have a book named "Salmon Flies: Hairwing and Tube" by the author Chris Mann. This gives me SOME idea on what to tie, but not much.


If you have any theories, answers on what I could tie, then please, please reply.


Arctic

[arkle]

Take a look at the next thread down, re Executioner for salmon flies, there is also a sea trout forum called I think (its to early in the morning to remember it)
[url]www.theseatroutfishingforum.co.uk if thats wrong accept my apologies,but google or another member will put you right

[stickfloat]

Hi Arcticfoxfly...
Try this site has a good forum, lots of simple steelhead patterns....

www.riverrunsrods.com/forum/

You say you want patterns to try and eventually sell.... I would think hard about just copying another guys patterns to sell without his permission....not all put their patterns up for this, most dont mind you using there patterns FOR YOURSELF.. but some sell them themselves.....And wont take kindly to another using there ideas instead of him trying his own out...Ask, and you wont drop a bo**ock I am only saying this to save strife, I have seen it happen in the past

Stickfloat

[Highlander]

Where would your market be, not a lot of Steelhead in West Yorkshire.
Their first book (Mann & Gillespie) Shrimp & Spey would have been a better bet I would have thought. Failing that have a look at FAOL or some of the other American sites, plenty of patterns on them to copy.
Tight lines

[fredaevans]

As 95% of what I tie are aimed at Steelhead and Salmon I'll recommend two books (patterns) you may wish to review. One old (so you have a good history of what's worked for years) and a new one that's updated to current patterns.

The first is Steelhead Fly Fishing and Flies by Trey Combs. The second (a very new book) is Steelhead Flies by John Shewey. Both have many patterns and tying instructions.

Both should be available through Amazon or direct from Frank Amato Publications in Portland, Oregon.

I'd also recommend you Google Hills Discount Flies in Yakima, Wa. for an idea of what's currently common ... as well as pricing.

Edit: As many of the 'early' patterns were 'take-offs' of Atlantic Salmon flies you may find the reverse (steelhead flies) would work quite well for Atlantic Salmon.

Fred

[kjackson]

Another good source is this website that also provides dressings for Pacific salmon and searun cutthroat flies: http://www.angelfire.com/wa/salmonid/patterns.html