A Mallard and Claret story.

[Gander]

It is funny how you get preconceptions about a fly. To me, the Mallard and Claret has always been a loch fly for targeting trout in low light conditions.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine took an 8lb Salmon, a 6lb Salmon and a 3lb Brown trout using the M&C on the River Don in bright sunlight. I've left the photo at work, but will post it in a couple of weeks.

Anyone else have a fly that works for them outside of the given norm?

[Scratch]

Just goes to show what a great fly the Mallard and Claret is Paul! But I also think it proves that, by and large, most of us have far too many patterns and waste far too much time pondering the imponderable, chopping and changing flies...not to mention tying countless 'new' patterns and variants Your pal is probably a big fan of the M&C, and no doubt fishes it with a great deal of confidence. There's the key. If the fish are there, on the fin, and your presentation doesn't give them too much cause for concern, then you'll fill yer boots.

[taff]

Mallard and Claret was the pattern with which, I caught my first fly caught trout. A sea trout, from the Cleddau, 1978 or so. Prior to that, Mepps were the only way to go.

For the record, it was in the early hours in salt water.

As far as Im concerned its a GREAT pattern! But then Im biased

Paul

[Gander]

Originally Posted by Scratch

Your pal is probably a big fan of the M&C, and no doubt fishes it with a great deal of confidence. There's the key.

You are right enough. He tells me that he pretty much has one on all the time.

[hopper68]

Malllard and claret was my fav fly for years...going into late summer it was always my fav point fly in the brown trout waters around renfrewshire in the early 80's... win my first club comp on this all time great

[Capeldrae]

Originally Posted by hopper68

Malllard and claret was my fav fly for years...going into late summer it was always my fav point fly in the brown trout waters around renfrewshire in the early 80's... win my first club comp on this all time great

Was always my middle fly!

[midlander]

I'm not entirely surprised Gander. Although I wouldn't imagine it would figure in a lot of salmon fishers boxes, who, in truth, can afford not have one in their box? It's an all time classic and has stood the test of time because it's so damned deadly. I'll fish it at any time of day but often from mid day onwards.

[troutheaven]

Originally Posted by Gander

It is funny how you get preconceptions about a fly. To me, the Mallard and Claret has always been a loch fly for targeting trout in low light conditions.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine took an 8lb Salmon, a 6lb Salmon and a 3lb Brown trout using the M&C on the River Don in bright sunlight. I've left the photo at work, but will post it in a couple of weeks.

Anyone else have a fly that works for them outside of the given norm?

Gander,
One of the best days I had trouting on the Tummel was when using an Olive Cruncher.

[grey duster]

Originally Posted by midlander

I'm not entirely surprised Gander. Although I wouldn't imagine it would figure in a lot of salmon fishers boxes, who, in truth, can afford not have one in their box? It's an all time classic and has stood the test of time because it's so damned deadly. I'll fish it at any time of day but often from mid day onwards.

A cold day last Christmas period on a local still water. Just before packing up I suddenly noticed that my youngest son's rod ( about his fourth time fishing) was bending nicely with his first fish of the day. I asked him what fly he had on - "a rather pretty one I found in your box". This was a collection of "still water flies" I had bought in a wooden box from e-bay a couple of seasons earlier. It was, or course, an M&C. I didn't recognise it at the time as I had never used it before. I tied some up and it's now often on my leader when in still water.
GD