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Fly of the Month 01.25 - Gray Hackle Yellow [Dry]
This fly evolved from the ancient spider fly patterns of the European old world. The actual origin of this dry fly version is unknown. Established as Southern Appalachian by Pre-WWII Smokies master angler and guide “Uncle” Mark Cathey from Bryson City, North Carolina. One of the few, maybe only dry fly he fished. Top choice of many Cherokee anglers. There are slight to significant variations of this old fly pattern found on both side of the Smokies.
Southern Appalachian fly patterns that were used in the early 1900s especially in the Smoky Mountains were basically wet fly patterns or in many cases what was deemed spider fly patterns much like our modern soft hackle flies. Both wet and spider fly patterns originated from England with the spider coming from the North Country. To fish as a dry fly, the angler would grease the fly substantially to maintain a long drifting float. The fly would eventually partially sink, the fully sink to provide a range of presentations to a trout.
The Gray Hackle Yellow is a traditional Smokey Mountain fly according to Roger Lowe in his book on fly patterns. Southern Trout magazine notes it first showed up on lists of southern Appalachia flies 100 years ago. It likely originated in Europe although the early history has not been established. Traditionally it was tied with the red tail and in a tail-less version.
The original design of the body of yellow floss was tied as a “keeper”, a single strand of yellow floss pulled along the entire length of the top of the body, then held in place by the ribbing. The modern design utilizes a wrapped floss body with a counter-wrapped ribbing.
Both the wet and the softhackle version of the Gray Hackle Yellow are fished in the water column as a rising aquatic insect. The soft hackle is an excellent dropper fly pattern as well.
Gray Hackle Yellow
Fly of the Month 01.25
Gray Hackle Yellow Dry Gray Hackle Yellow Wet Gray Hackle Yellow Soft Hackle
Hook: Standard Dry, Size 12, 14 Hook: Wet, Size 10, 12, 14 Hook: Wet, Size 10, 12, 14
Thread: Black or pale yellow Thread: Black or pale yellow Thread: Black or pale yellow
Tail: Grizzly hackle fibers Tail: (optional) Tail: Red hackle fibers
or dyed-red fibers Red hackle fibers Rib: Gold or silver tinsel
Rib: Gold or silver tinsel Rib: Gold or silver tinsel Body: Yellow floss or pale
Body: Yellow floss Body: Yellow floss or yellow dubbing fur
Wing: (optional) Hackle: Grizzly, hen Hackle: Hungarian Partridge
Teal flank, upright, divided
Hackle: Grizzly, rooster, bushy
Tying Directions:
- Tom Adams, Alen Baker
This fly evolved from the ancient spider fly patterns of the European old world. The actual origin of this dry fly version is unknown. Established as Southern Appalachian by Pre-WWII Smokies master angler and guide “Uncle” Mark Cathey from Bryson City, North Carolina. One of the few, maybe only dry fly he fished. Top choice of many Cherokee anglers. There are slight to significant variations of this old fly pattern found on both side of the Smokies.
Southern Appalachian fly patterns that were used in the early 1900s especially in the Smoky Mountains were basically wet fly patterns or in many cases what was deemed spider fly patterns much like our modern soft hackle flies. Both wet and spider fly patterns originated from England with the spider coming from the North Country. To fish as a dry fly, the angler would grease the fly substantially to maintain a long drifting float. The fly would eventually partially sink, the fully sink to provide a range of presentations to a trout.
The Gray Hackle Yellow is a traditional Smokey Mountain fly according to Roger Lowe in his book on fly patterns. Southern Trout magazine notes it first showed up on lists of southern Appalachia flies 100 years ago. It likely originated in Europe although the early history has not been established. Traditionally it was tied with the red tail and in a tail-less version.
The original design of the body of yellow floss was tied as a “keeper”, a single strand of yellow floss pulled along the entire length of the top of the body, then held in place by the ribbing. The modern design utilizes a wrapped floss body with a counter-wrapped ribbing.
Both the wet and the softhackle version of the Gray Hackle Yellow are fished in the water column as a rising aquatic insect. The soft hackle is an excellent dropper fly pattern as well.
Gray Hackle Yellow
Fly of the Month 01.25
Gray Hackle Yellow Dry Gray Hackle Yellow Wet Gray Hackle Yellow Soft Hackle
Hook: Standard Dry, Size 12, 14 Hook: Wet, Size 10, 12, 14 Hook: Wet, Size 10, 12, 14
Thread: Black or pale yellow Thread: Black or pale yellow Thread: Black or pale yellow
Tail: Grizzly hackle fibers Tail: (optional) Tail: Red hackle fibers
or dyed-red fibers Red hackle fibers Rib: Gold or silver tinsel
Rib: Gold or silver tinsel Rib: Gold or silver tinsel Body: Yellow floss or pale
Body: Yellow floss Body: Yellow floss or yellow dubbing fur
Wing: (optional) Hackle: Grizzly, hen Hackle: Hungarian Partridge
Teal flank, upright, divided
Hackle: Grizzly, rooster, bushy
Tying Directions:
- Tom Adams, Alen Baker