Local Flies

I dedicate this page to our local patterns that have proved their worth. Local patterns are unique in that there is usually no book or tying recipe to refer to. Although they were created by one man, over time, tying and material variations are quite common. The local pattern you hold in your hand may be quite different than that which first dropped from the vise some time before. Many times tyers are asked to tie a local pattern with only an oral recipe to follow. That's how local patterns are passed on. Some of the flies below were tied exactly in that manner. I apologize in advance if the information below is incorrect. Like the patterns themselves, over time the inventor and it's history can get a little distorted. With all that said I hope you can still enjoy these wonderful flies. If you have any corrections or submissions, I'd love to hear from you.

Hook- extra long shank streamer,Thread- black, Tail- golden pheasant tippet, Rib- silver oval, Body- orange or green floss, Wing- polar bear, Throat- peacock sword, Hackle- red, Cheeks- jungle cock.

Caledonia is a beautiful little village set in our woodland country. It is surrounded by dozens of lakes. I first came across this pattern at a local tackle shop, Woods Wise Outfitters. This is the fly from that day. I tie mine a little different. Click here to see my variation.

Hook- dry fly, Thread- black, Tail- moose mane, Body- scarlet, Hackle- black.

I mentioned before about tying a fly just on a verbal recipe. Well here is one of them. I asked around and although many had heard of the "Keji Killer" not many could explain it. Alex Finigan however had seen a box full and to his recollection he described them, "black tail, scarlet body, black hackle". Other's have told me of a streamer they had seen but could not give much detail. Do you know anything about the Keji Killer? For those of you not familar with the area, "Keji" refers to our beautiful national park, Kejimkujik.

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Rabbit

Hook- extra long shank streamer, Thread- black, Weight- optional lead wire, Tail- hare's fur, Body- hare's fur dubbed thicker at the shoulder.

I've seen this fly also called the "Rabbit's Foot". I suspect it was first tied as a salmon pattern but it is a great minnow imitation that breathes life with every movement. Do you know who might have first tied this beast? Let me know.

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Student Nurse

Salmon Fly

Hook- wet fly long shank, Thread- black, Tail- golden pheasant tippet, Body- rear 2/3 silver mylar, front 1/3 light grey, Legs- 3 groups of golden pheasent tippets, Wing- dyed orange squirrell tail, Horns- polar bear hair.

The creator of this fly is said to be Erni Pridham. First tied as a salmon fly, it has since evolved into a trout pattern, as seen below. The fly was first tied while Mr. Pridham had a stay in the hospital, hence the name perhaps.

Trout Fly

Hook- streamer, Thread- black, Tail- golden pheasant tippet, Body- light grey, Legs- 3 groups of golden pheasent tippets, Wing- dyed orange calf tail.

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Petite Rivier Special

Hook- salmon up eye, Thread- black, Tag- gold mylar, Tail- golden pheasant crest, Butt- hot pink, Rib- oval gold, Body- silver mylar, Wing- white calf tail, Hackle- orange.

This fly caught the inventor, Alex Finigan, his only salmon on the Petite Rivier. Drop by and visit him at Woods Wise Outfitters in Oakhill, Lunenburg County.

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Woody's Adam

Hook- dry, Thread- black, Body- royal red, Wing- suitable light brown hair, Hackle- coachman brown.

While this fly appears to be a caddis imitation, Woody Whynot calls it "Woody's Adam". Who are we to argue? Woody's flies are always neat and crisp and the picture does not do it justice. Woody has also donated to me a shad fly or two. Click here to have a look at Woody with a nice shad.

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Jamie Heim, Canada, ©1999-2003