Favorite spring herring fly

[Squidly]

Hi everybody,


I am getting excited for the arrival of spring and our favorite striped buddies(not the yankees!). I have no experience with tying herring flies and wanted to ask people what are their favorite patterns. If you could post the fly and recipe that would be awesome. If you have a picture than even better. Maybe we could even start a herring swap??? Thank you.

Jared

[nyflyguy]

Hi.
First, to get an idea of what the flies look like, go to one of the websites (like Orvis, Feather-craft or Cabelas) and go to their Flies section and take a look at the patterns. Lots of times they give you pretty good ideas and if you tye on a regular basis you can literally pick the patterns apart. Try web sites like Virtual Flybox, Fly-tyers Bench or Fly Fishing in Saltwaters. They have links to just about any topic.
On a personnal note, the patterns I tye are mostly craft fur, bucktail, yak and FisHair. Size 6 to 3/0, depending the "hatch". Sorry, I don't have ability to get you a photo but hope the info helps. Good luck.

[sandy]

a good way to get some patterns is to use the RT advanced search engine. Search for the word Herring in the Fly Tying forum. Good luck!

[ruge13]

The Herring swap idea is in the poll for the April swap...
Typically I was using large 12" flatwings, and a couple yak hair patterns.
But this year, I have a couple of my own modeled after some of Sedotti's flies that I am excited about. I have a few test models for herring and mackerel that I will post when I actually hook a fish on them.

The yak hair was basically, that, and a topping of peacock herl, 6 or 8 strands. About 8 to 10" long. Niothing terribly creative, but they caught a few fish. The flatwings were given to me by a friend last year, they are Abrams RLS patterns.

[Sean Juan]

One of my favorite flies is a Marabou Grocery...

Basically its a really big deceiver. 7-9" I use those super long wide saddles They are called China Saddle where I get them

Saddle tail.

For the body tie in marabou plumes - I do two at a time - and palmer them forward, this creates a thick body that breathes well.

Then just add some bucktail and peacock topping to bring it all together.

Add flash and eyes if you want - sometimes I do sometimes I don't haven't noticed a big difference either way.

One last thing - if you make one REALLY thick it helps to wrap the shank in lead or solder - I saw Mark Sedotti at the Marlboro show and I must say unless I finall catch a giant squid out of a kayak this year that will likely be the big learning experience of 2004.

Worst thing about the pattern is its pretty weak. But it works very well, doesn't foul, quick and easy to tie, and doesn't get all tangled up like yak hair or 12'' synthetics can.

Another good pattern - although I haven't used it myself yet - was one Mark tied at the show.

Flashabou tail - a ton of it the thin type NOT the saltwater

Bucktail wing and lower wing

Flashabou cheeks...

Yup thats it, simple and that was a 7-9 inch fly as well MUCH lighter than the grocery. I'd just say the grocery is probably better the slower you fish but thats just my appreciation of marabou.

[mgustav]

Like Ruge13, I too like to use a 12" herring streamer.

http://www.panix.com/~pg/flyfishing/alewife.jpg

[skyomish]

mark, You inspired me. So I went down to my vice this morning and tied this up. Bring on the herring!!!

[MrAugust]

Out of curiosity...where are you guys getting the really long peacock herl for the backs on these flies? The longest herl that I can find is about 8 or 9 inches long...which doesn't quite do the trick when tying up these footlong flatwings...any help would be greatly appreciated...Thanks!

[FishHawk]

Out of curiosity...where are you guys getting the really long peacock herl for the backs on these flies? The longest herl that I can find is about 8 or 9 inches long...which doesn't quite do the trick when tying up these footlong flatwings...any help would be greatly appreciated...Thanks!
Hunter's in New Boston , NH. Has it . Go on line and check it out. Nice long thin peacock herl. FishHawk

[mgustav]

mark, You inspired me. So I went down to my vice this morning and tied this up. Bring on the herring!!!

Nice and sparse. Check out my rod that I just finished today. Rainshadow blank 10' 6" 8wt. Can't wait to get a 25# spring run striper on it.

http://www.panix.com/~pg/flyfishing/hndlassb.jpg

http://www.panix.com/~pg/flyfishing/strpgd.jpg

How did the tying go on SAt?