Classic Replication?
It’s been a while since I’ve made a post on the blog. For various reasons, I just haven’t had the time or I’ve been sidetracked off in other directions….
Nevertheless, I’ve had one or two projects on the go; the issue is keeping track of them all!
Anyway, one of the projects I’ve had on the go is a request by a good friend to replicate a Classic Salmon fly as best I could….from a tapestry! The tapestry (well more a needlecraft piece) has apparently been in his family for some time. It’s one of his Dad’s favourite pieces. With his Dad’s birthday coming up, he thought it would be a good idea to bring the tapestry/needlework to life.
Classic fully dressed salmon flies are not my usual tie for various reasons; the materials are difficult to get hold of, you can’t get the quality of feathers or they are just too expensive! So more often than not I generally steer clear. However, it was a challenge and since it was for a good fiend, well, why not? I tried looking up the Pipkin but couldn’t find anything anywhere. It wasn’t a Classic fly that I’d come across and apparently nor had anyone else. I’m still none the wiser? Perhaps it’s a local favourite? If anyone has any information I’d appreciate your input.
White tipped Turkey Underwing
As I’ve said previously, one of the things about tying a Classic salmon fly is getting hold of good materials. Here, the underwing is white tipped bronze turkey. The problem with these feathers is because of the area you have to get the white tip from, you’re only likely to get one matched pair or a maximum of two matched pairs of slips from anyone pair of feathers. Get it wrong and you need another set of feathers! That done, I set about looking at the remainder of the fly:
Classic Fully Dressed Pipkin Salmon Fly
I added jungle cock because I think that always sets a fly off . I wasn’t sure about the head though? That might have had pigs wool or something but it was so indistinct that I left it with just thread. And here’s the needlecraft/tapestry for comparison:
The Pipkin Tapestry/Needlecraft Picture
It may not be the best replication given limited materials but I think he’ll be happy with the outcome. If not, I can always do it again.
Excellent job.
Are we doing this next week at Ponthir?
Regards,
Stephen.
hi alun ,nice looking fly,see you at the welsh fly fair
best regards john
Hi Steve,
I thought you wanted to do Snake flies?!
….at Ponthir! I don’t think we’ll have the time. Although, later in the year I think there’s something planned for a start to finish Jock Scott.
One to frame hopefully.
John,
Good to hear from you!
Let me know when the blog is up and running?
I’m looking forward to the Welsh Fly Fair and we’ll have a good chat then.
Speak soon,
Alun
nice one Alun ! much nicer than the original…
Hi Al
nice start to a good looking fly. I have a real problem getting hold of white tipped turkey of the quality needed and often use dyed substitutes.
Thanks Mark. You’ll have to let me know where I can get some good quality subs from.
I’m looking forward to the masterclasses in the summer.
That looks very nice! Especially since you rarely tie this style. It can be very addicting and feathers can be had for a reasonable price these days. There are also a number of substitutes available for the really exotic and expensive stuff. If you are interested in delving in a little deeper into the classic salmon fly world head over to classicflytying.com. They may also have the answer as to the origins of the pattern you followed.
Thanks for your comments Alex!
I have since found out that the fly has no history! Other than it’s an amalgam of a Jock Scott/ Green Highlander, the pattern was made up by the person that created the needlework art.
Apparently she was so enamoured by the beauty of Classic Salmon flies that she took a look at a few and took several items from each. So there we have it……an original!
I’ve looked into the forum from time to time and I agree, it’s well worth the visit and you never know what feathers members are offering for sale.
Look forward to hearing more from you and I hope your blog goes from strength to strength.