Irish Angler - All About The Fly

Created by JAJ Munro, in Aberlour, on the banks of the River Spey in Scotland, this is another pattern that has withstood the ravages of time based purely on its versatility throughout the Salmon fishing season. It is very effective in large sizes during high clear or coloured water in the spring and is surprisingly effective in smaller sizes during the Grilse run. The debate seems to rage on forever in relation to which came first - the Munro or the Willie Gunn, nonetheless, it is found in many fly boxes throughout the Salmon fishing world for very good reason.

A very old pattern of Irish origin which has seen somewhat of a revival in recent years. Similar in many ways to the Stoats Tail series, the Badger wing assists the pattern in fishing higher in the water column, a useful trait during low flows in Summertime when Grilse and Sea Trout are in the river. Its rich Blue front hackle is complimented by the clean body of Silver Mylar giving the pattern an overall bright appearance which can be useful in peat stained water and for fishing later in the evening.

When the words "Classic" and "Salmon Fly" are put in the same sentence, it isn't long before the Garry Dog receives a mention. Famed for its ability to produce Salmon in the coldest, harshest conditions of Spring, it is also quite a good pattern for the smaller spate streams during the summertime Grilse runs. It's bright Yellow wing has been toned down by us to reflect a growing trend towards slimmer and less ostentatious patterns of modern times.

Strictly speaking, this is a hairwing version of a Blue charm, a pattern of great repute but seemingly out of favour for some years now. That is not the case with The Hairy Mary, which retains a high level of popularity. It is a very versatile fishing fly which is also rated as a Sea Trout fly in the smaller sizes

When the words "Classic" and "Salmon Fly" are put in the same sentence, it isn't long before the Garry Dog receives a mention. Famed for its ability to produce Salmon in the coldest, harshest conditions of Spring, it is also quite a good pattern for the smaller spate streams during the summertime Grilse runs. It's bright Yellow wing has been toned down by us to reflect a growing trend towards slimmer and less ostentatious patterns of modern times.

A pattern originally from the Kyle of Sutherland, this fly has gained great popularity throughout Scotland, Ireland and England. It is unusual in the fact that it has a copper coloured body which is very effective in coloured water and in the back end of the season. Its striking colour scheme of Black, Copper and Hot Orange has proven to be a god taker of fish, particularly in spate systems and other rivers that carry a bit of colour.

Scotland has been the birthplace of many, many great patterns over the past 200 years or so. The Green Highlander, which began life as a fully dressed classic Atlantic Salmon Fly is now probably one of the best known Salmon flies in the world. Its appeal stretches as far as Russia and Scandinavia to the west coast of the U.S.A., and all points in between. It is exceedingly good in clear water, giving the best of its splendid colouring in these conditions.