Greenwells

[bill1]

Got a bit hooked on traditional winging so decided that a few Greenwells(ish) would be useful for rivers at the start of next season. But I'm still having problems with the heads among other things (not helped by my blunt scissors - definitely have to get some decent ones.

C+C would be appreciated and thanks again, Wingman for the SBS - great photos as well.

[flytier07]

They look tasty, Bill. What size hooks have you tied them on?

[bill1]

Cheers, Byron. Size 14 Kamasan B440.

[wobbly face]

Good attempts Bill, will also catch on lakes.
I hope you being atraditionalist you used primrose tying silk waxed with cobblers wax for the body.

[bill1]

Originally Posted by wobbly face

Good attempts Bill, will also catch on lakes.
I hope you being atraditionalist you used primrose tying silk waxed with cobblers wax for the body.

Actually, apart from one of them, I did. Both the silk and the cobblers wax are over 40 years old !

[wobbly face]

I can believe it Bill, not just cobblers. I have some that I have had for over 30 years, plus some new that has yet to be used.

[wingman]

Originally Posted by bill1

I'm still having problems with the heads among other things (not helped by my blunt scissors -

Tut-a-tut Bill, bin those old scissors and get yaself a new nice pointed sharp pair, you don't have to pay alot to get a decent pair of fly tying scissors (although mine cost £30 in the LTC auction ) and will make the world of difference. Those greenwells look great, not easy to tie dryfly wings and to get them looking right and starling can be finnicky.Well done.
You might try tying the wings with the points facing the other direction as it will give a better look to a dryfly with the wings jutting slightly forward over the eye.

[the stig]

very tasty looking flys there Bill its one thing I just cant get the hang of is dry wings always make a pure a&se of it

[bill1]

Originally Posted by the stig

very tasty looking flys there Bill its one thing I just cant get the hang of is dry wings always make a pure a&se of it

Not much good at it myself - I'm trying to relearn it. I do Wingmans SBS to tie in the wing, then lift the wing by putting a couple of turns behind the wing, then tie in the hackle, behind and in front of the wing.
I normally tie scruffy, impressionistic sort of flies. With this type of tying, I find that I have to pay attention to detail, take my time and scrap the fly and start again if necessary. I've also found that a stronger pair of reading glasses helps and my blunt scissors just aren't good enough

[maharg]

Here is some very tasty work here Bill.
The Classics: Greenwell's Glory.