Fly Pattern History

I got this idea many seasons ago when competition fly fishing on the larger still waters such as Chew and Gratham and fishing international competition rules. Sparklers proved very effective during early and late season and also when the fisheries had been re stocked. When pleasure fishing during the winter fritz lures in any of their forms took their fair share of trout - so why not combine the two. I realise that I am not the first or even the last to thing of this idea as since tying and using I have seen many variations on this theme. As most will agree there is nothing new in fly fishing - only variations on a theme.

In the International competition size I have had great success with this fly, especially at Gratham, however not much joy at Chew. I don't know why but the trout at chew don't seem to like the fly as much as those at Gratham. This fly works especially well by the pumps and in any of the deeper waters on any form of sinking line or as a top dropper when nymph fishing. As ever with lures fish this fly with a varied retrieve. For your local Stillwater use a Gold Head and increase the length of the wing and tail.

Fly Tying Method

Thread - Black
Hook - Size #10 Competition Heavy
Tail and Wing - Gold Maraflash or Gold Sparkler mix
Body - Black Fritz

Fly Tying Procedure

Bed the hook with tying thread and tie in the Gold Maraflash as a tail. Cut the Maraflash to the desired length and bed the flash in tightly with thread. Cut a section of black fritz and strip the it back to the core. Tie in the fritz by the core at the bend of the hook and turn the fritz around the shank stroking back the fibres as you go. This will increase the density of fritz fibres along the shank. Tie off the fritz near the eye and trim. Cut a section of Maraflah the length of the body and tie in as a wing. Form a neat head, whip finish and varnish. Really easy. Other colour combinations include white fritz with silver Maraflash which is similar to a cats whisker.