10 replies to this topic

[easterngray]

Gray Fox Variant, sz. 12.

 

It's originator, Art Flick, often said:

"If I had one fly to fish, the Gray Fox Variant would be my choice."

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[roddy]

Well done, Alec. I shall ty some for next season.

 

Heinz

[Ronn Lucas]

Excellent fly Alec!!!!!!!

[Dale A. Darling]

Hi Alec,

 

It's a beauty. I think I heard that quote. Last summer, as a result of a few comments here, I tried to tie and fish a coupe of variants, but had no luck. Honestly, I saw a trout attack a floating seed that looked like a variant of a cottonwood or some such thing (!), but couldn't get one to take my fake. I probably returned to a Wulff, Red Quill or beetle; maybe an ant, Adams, caddis.....another dry, then - but no wets or nymphs, GEERT!!!!!!!!!!

 

Oh well.

 

Your fly sure is pretty.

 

Best,

Dale

[easterngray]

Thanks fellas... Can't beat a Wulff Dale!

[geraldsherbrook]

Dear ALEC,

 

A fly to my 'heart'...

 

Ah ah ah with reading and rereading so many times this last thirty years  the book 'The Masters on the Dry Fly' ...it was evident that this pattern also took the attention of  European flytyers ...and flyfishermen !!!...the pattern resembles enough to cope with some of 'our' flies who hatch and come across during the year !!!

 

Love the mix of 'cream' of any of those "GRAY FOX...or variants"...

 

You tied this fly realy realy exellent my friend !!!...more please !!!

 

Geert

 

 

[DAVEL]

Nice tyin Alec!!

[Gordeaux]

Hackle looks big enough to go on a size 6 dry fly hook.  Hackle is much to long for a hook of this size.

[easterngray]

Good eye Gordeaux! Like spiders, the Variant style flies are tied with oversize hackles and tails. Thanks for commenting!

[ted patlen]

if my mind remembers correctly...Flick loved to fish these facing downstream, with the wind blowing down so he could keep a relatively short line and the only thing that touched the water was the fly.  he popped, skated bounced and dabbed the fly around any rocks as he waded down through the riffles/pocket waters.      basically a living insect.   it is a very effective fly and will bring fish to the surface during those times when most fishermen are saying the rivers dead, no life, i'm hungry etc....

[Dale A. Darling]

Thanks for that info Ted. I hear you fish spiders.