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| Geoff
Hall: The Styx Special |
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| Hook |
Tiemco
100 # 14 - 16 |
| Thread |
Brown
6/0 |
| Hackles |
Brown |
| Tail |
Brown
Hackle Points |
| Body |
Peacock
Herl |
| Rib |
Gold
Wire |
| Click
for full size image:. |
This is yet another pattern
based on the general design of the Geehi Beetle. Being
much more subtle and therefore realistic it is a better
fly for searching slower waters rather than the rougher
stuff you would float a Geehi in. The tying is not complicated
although it should be said it isn't the most basic of
ties. The one tricky bit is catching the palmered hackle
with the wire and then ribbing without crushing the
hackle. It is not that difficult just a bit fiddly.
Using peacock herl in the body of most beetle flies
is very effective and there is something intangible
about it as a fish attracting material. It just seems
to work time after time.
The palmered body and heavy
front hackle keep this fly floating like a cork all
day. Even though the palmered hackle is clipped it is
almost impossible to sink it and it will negotiate the
most difficult of waters and not disappear. Its drab
colouration does make it hard to see in extremely rough
water and fished in combination with a Geehi or Stimulator
it can be very effective. Once again the excellent floating
qualities displayed by this pattern enable you to suspend
a nymph below it.
This fly has had particular
success in the Rubicon and Acheron Rivers. Windy days
are best and a slight ripple on the water seems to help.
If the fish refuse it a change to a Cochybondhu or Backwater
Beetle will often work. It also works well tied in black
with peacock herl body.
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