Flies for Appalachia
In response to the horrific damage caused to Western North Carolina and other parts of southern Appalachia by Hurricane Helene, a #fliesforappalachia effort was recently launched on Instagram by Ryan Waldrep in support Manna Foodbank, based in Asheville, NC.
The #fliesfor effort was started by Josh Mills years ago, and the premise is simple: tie some flies, post them to Instagram, followers bid on them, the winner donates money to a cause, and in return they get the flies.
I tied two dozen of my favorite anadromous wet flies, perfect for steelhead, Atlantic salmon, and any other anadromous species. I can guarantee that these flies will hook your target anadromous species, provided the fly is presented in the right place, at the right time, in the right way, to the right fish.
Here’s an overview of the patterns, their recipes, and some brief backgrounds. You can get in on the auction via my Instagram post or by emailing me. The auction runs until midnight on Monday, Oct. 28. Thank you!
Two dozen flies in total, packaged in a nice Plano fly box. Perfect for your next swung fly adventure.
In no particular order, the flies in the box are:
Mack’s Canyon
Named after the famous Deschutes River canyon. Orange and black contrast; excellent for both glacial- (steelhead) and tannin- (Atlantic salmon) colored rivers. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Black
Tail: Orange over white hackle fibers
Body: Orange then black dubbing
Rib: Silver
Hackle: Black
Wing: Orange over white arctic fox
Fly du Jour
I found this pattern via Mark Bachmann’s website and YouTube channel. It utilizes a unique material called Edge Brite for the rear of the body. This material illuminates light when viewed from behind. I’ve caught steelhead and Chinook salmon on this; admittedly the latter was on accident. Two flies tied in size 6.
Thread: Red
Body: Pink Edge Brite over silver tinsel, followed by purple dubbing
Rib: Silver
Hackle: Purple
Wing: White with a couple pieces of clear Krystal Flash
Freight Train
Can’t decide between black-and-pink or black-and-orange? Choose a Freight Train. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Black
Tail: Purple hackle fibers
Body: Pink dubbing, orange dubbing, then black chenille
Rib: Silver
Hackle: Purple
Wing: White arctic fox
Rusty Rat
Popular Atlantic salmon fly, especially in eastern Canada. Combines all sorts of lovely, fishy materials. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Orange
Tag: Gold ribbing
Tail: Peacock swords
Body: Orange floss then peacock herl
Rib: Gold
Wing: Squirrel tail
Hackle: Grizzly
Ally’s Shrimp
Awesome prawn pattern, great for both Atlantic salmon and winter steelhead. Tied in sizes 3 (for winters) and 6 (for summers and salmon).
Tail: Orange goat hair, topped with clear Krystal Flash
Body: Red then black floss
Rib: Gold
Underwing: Squirrel tail, on top and bottom
Wing: Golden Pheasant tippets
Hackle: Orange
Popsicle
Originated by Pacific Northwest legend George Cook, and I consulted Geo for the proper color choices and order. Could catch anything that swims, I suspect. Two flies tied in size 6.
Thread: Red
Body: Gold flat braid (can’t be seen in photo and probably not by any fish, but rest assured it’s there)
Hackle: Orange, then red, then purple marabou
Flash: Gold flashabou
Green Butt Skunk
Originated by Dan Callahan for use on North Umpqua River. The one and only North Umpqua steelhead I’ve hooked was on this fly. This is the Parachute Adams of steelhead wet flies. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Black
Tag: Chartreuse dubbing
Body: Black dubbing
Rib: Silver
Hackle: Black
Wing: White
Copper Killer
I love the colors in this fly. Great for tannin waters and Atlantic salmon across the globe. I’ve yet to hook a steelhead on this fly, but I will eventually. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Orange:
Tag: Gold rib
Butt: Green then orange
Tail: Orange hackle fibers
Body: Gold tinsel
Rib: Gold
Throat: Orange hackle fibers
Wing: Red squirrel tail
Street Walker
The last steelhead I hooked on the Deschutes was on this fly. I’ve heard Charles say, “Pick any fly, so long as it’s a Street Walker.” Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Black
Tail: Purple hackle fibers
Body: Purple dubbing
Rib: Silver
Hackle: Purple
Wing: White
Silver Rat
Great bright-day fly. I caught a salmon on the Miramichi on one of these. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Orange
Tag: Gold ribbing
Tail: Golden pheasant crest
Body: Silver tinsel
Rib: Gold
Wing: Squirrel tail
Hackle: Grizzly
Undertaker
The Miramichi guides fish this fly second to only one other - the almighty Green Machine. Also hooks steelhead frequently. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Black
Tag: Gold ribbing
Butt: Green then red
Body: Peacock herl
Rib: Gold
Hackle: Black
Wing: Black arctic fox
Copper Top
My friend and fly designer Patrick Kilby turned me onto this one. Another great fly for bright days, but also works in shade sessions. Tied in sizes 6 and 8.
Thread: Black
Tail: Copper Krystal Flash
Body: Gold wire, followed by black dubbing
Hackle: Black
Wing: Copper Krystal Flash
Bid on the flies via Instagram here. Or, email me for the current high bid and to place yours!
