I fish a salmon on Kola peninsula, Chavanga river and was sceptical about the Icelandic salmon flies. But 2 years ago my colleague has informed me that this fly perfectly works during a season of high water. I too have tested it and was surprised its productivity. It much more has surpassed a Ally`s shrimp to whom we preferred earlier in the provoking qualities. It was the fly with orange- red a body and and collar in palmering style . But I did not make it. Whether somebody can help and give the necessary advice? Thanks!

UKFlyDressing - Frances Tube Flies

Something like those shown in the link above?

I fit is just google Red Francis and it will probably bring up Davie McPhails video.

If not go onto you tube and its eassily found.

From another thread:

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Save the softmouth trout

Make sure you spell it correctly. Frances rather than Francis, remember Frances her and Francis his. The fly was named after a lady.

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Malcolm
<')\\\\\<<
Quot homines tot sententiae

Miss Frances Hoydon; I think then Peter Deane's fly-tying assistant.

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Save the softmouth trout

Hi Jeorge,

here's the video


Should read Frances tough...
Cheers,
Johan

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Johan Janssens

Thanks!
Now I understand how to tie Francis and Frances too
Standart fly has very stiff and long antenna. I think it is Island style for double hand heavy fishing. Sometime we need more delicate flies for 1,2 - 1,5 meters deep water. And effective fly I was talking in 2010 has accent on cock feather palmering body, not stiff antenna. It allows fly to start to provoke fish in a not very strong river current. Less weight -alu and plastic tubes and small size double hook. Treble hook is prohibited on Chavanga river C&R fishing.
I try to change body color from fl.red to claret to get info about resident and silver fish reaction. And what about tail? It may be very important too. Red (body)- black (tail) combination is very effective.

In Iceland the black Frances version can be very good, especially on a dull day, I don't know of any other variants.
They are lightly dressed flies, #12 or #14 doubles, it is important to maintain the 'carrot' shaped body. The tails are stripped hackle stalks, although stiff they don't seem to put the fish off.



Image from: The Helmsdale Tackle Company Ltd - Black Frances double

Yes, this one is very close to that i fished last summer. During two years this flies (present of my Island friend) were lying in my reserve flybox without job.
I know that it is very important to believe in my fly to fish cool. So I have my own set of best flies ( best in my opinion and it`s very difficult to add one more so unusual for our waters fly. But now I must to do it.