The Classics -Mallard and Claret

[John Gray]

...................

[mayflyjunky]

As for thoughts 'Perfection' comes to mind

That really is a classic.

[ten to one]

Beyond doubt the best brown trout pattern for loch fishing.

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by ten to one

Beyond doubt the best brown trout pattern for loch fishing.

I doubt it.

[muddler9]

Nice tying of a great fly. Essential kit when I'm in the Highlands.
For me it has to be seal's fur, dyed very dark. It should look almost black, but when held up to the light, it's a deep claret.
Black hacle for me, but in recent years I've experimented with hot orange (!!). It works.

[hopper68]

Used to use the mallard & claret in the 80's i always found it a good point fly from late August through September caught loads of browns on it

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by muddler9

For me it has to be seal's fur, dyed very dark. It should look almost black, but when held up to the light, it's a deep claret.

Just got some nice 'Black claret' seals fur from Cookshill. Exactly as you describe there mate.... for all the world it's black.. untill you get some light through it. Wicked stuff. Just working on some 'Black Claret Bumbles' with it

[goodwave]

Originally Posted by Scratch

Just got some nice 'Black claret' seals fur from Cookshill. Exactly as you describe there mate.... for all the world it's black.. untill you get some light through it. Wicked stuff. Just working on some 'Black Claret Bumbles' with it

Don't get me started on claret seals fur, it's turning in to an obsession! God knows how many different shades I have & I am still looking out for the perfect one. The best I have come up with is to blend in some fiery brown to take away the purple edge from most 'clarets'. but the 'black clarets' are something else, a Mallard & Claret with a black claret seals fur body & a black hackle looks the business!
On the subject of seals fur is it still as popular as it once was? When I started to tye loch/lough patterns over twenty five years ago seals fur was 'the' dubbing material for fly bodies, however when you think about it the tyers who created the standards did not have anything else that was as translucent & readily available. I am, admit a bit of a Ludite with this but am I missing a trick in not using more of the synthetic materials?

Ed

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by goodwave

am I missing a trick in not using more of the synthetic materials?

In a word, no.

[teuchter]

Hi Goodwave

I decided never to get involved in these debates.........too many experts.
But for what it's worth, there IS only one dubbing material for wet flies
( when required )and that is good quality seals fur. Full of life, it doesn't mat up like synthetic dubbing and the colour won't fade as quickly.

George Barron

PS the colour of claret required is often relevent to where your fishing !!