The Classics: Invicta

[steve collyer]

This is my favourite traditional wet fly.
Created around 1879 by Derbyshire angler James Ogden, this is one pattern that has truly stood the test of time.
I use it much the same way as others use buzzer patterns; namely let it sink well on a floater & give one smooth 2-foot long pull, followed by a wait of around 10-20 seconds.
Many people reckon that the fly imitates the confusion of a hatching sedge pupa. Possible I suppose...
Whatever, it does work a treat.

• Hook:
  8-14
  Silk:
  Brown or olive
  Tail:
  Golden pheasant crest
  Rib:
  Oval gold tinsel
  Body:
  Yellow seals fur or wool
  Hackle:
  Brown or ginger cock
  Throat:
  Blue jay
  Wing:
  Hen pheasant centre tail

[troutfisher]

A good backend fly for me when the cowdungs are on the water. The silver and pearly versions were good flies on Loch Leven. I think the Orkney lads had a gold version also. But as you say , a great allround pattern.

[Highlander]

One of the all time greats & stands the test of time even till present day.
A funny fly for me, has never given me a bag of fish but so many times it has saved a day & on occasion the largest fish. Was my go to tail fly for summer night fishing for Browns in my youth.
Thanks for showing it Steve.
Tight Lines

[silversedge]

A true legend,just going to tie a few up

[madjoni]

Originally Posted by silversedge

A true legend,just going to tie a few up

same here..thanks Steave for remainding me

[preferwildfish]

Good traditional fly, I'm struggling for blue jay substitute, constructive suggestions please.....
Thanks for SBS steve, I have this pattern in one or two books, however when I see them on here with good photos it prompts me into tying a couple.
Cheers,
Ken

[madjoni]

Originally Posted by preferwildfish

Good traditional fly, I'm struggling for blue jay substitute, constructive suggestions please.....
Thanks for SBS steve, I have this pattern in one or two books, however when I see them on here with good photos it prompts me into tying a couple.
Cheers,
Ken

hi Ken who prefer wild fish just like me
You might try to dye speckled partirdge feather

[Ephemerella]

Originally Posted by preferwildfish

I'm struggling for blue jay substitute, constructive suggestions please.....

Easy one this - use real jay.
They are a corvid and, with magpies, are said to be destroy nests of many rare woodland small bird species.


Lovely tying Steve.
One question: what is your view on using hen pheasant wing feathers instead of those from the tail? Advised as giving a tidier wing by some authors.

[steve collyer]

Originally Posted by Ephemerella

...what is your view on using hen pheasant wing feathers instead of those from the tail? Advised as giving a tidier wing by some authors.

Well the hen pheasant primaries do give a better wing, because the fibres are softer & also marry together better than the centre tail fibres.
Having said that, I think it doesn't make that much difference as after a few 25 yard casts the wings tend to look a little bit messy anyhow.

[g bigtrout]

Originally Posted by steve collyer

Well the hen pheasant primaries do give a better wing, because the fibres are softer & also marry together better than the centre tail fibres.
Having said that, I think it doesn't make that much difference as after a few 25 yard casts the wings tend to look a little bit messy anyhow.

Agree...a few casts and they look the same, still a great pattern worthy of a classic.