Bass Flies of A.J. McClane, Part 2
David Hutton, ©2018
In our first installment, part 1, "The Bass Flies Of A. J. McClane", we took a look at some of the favorite flies of one of America's greatest fishing writers and sportsmen: A.J. McClane.
If you'll recall, these came from McClane's book, "The Practical Fly Fisherman," which was first published in 1953.
In that work, Mr. McClane devotes an enter chapter to fly fishing for bass.
Given the date, it's possible this was before many of you were born. So, while the flies he offers were commonplace in the 1950's, they may seem unusual as bass flies..., and likely unknown to you. That's okay, though, because you can bet the bass haven't seen much of them, either!
Here, in part 2, we are going to discuss a few more of McClanes favored bass flies, but we'll dig into them....
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The Woolly Worm
It is a classic pattern that traces its roots way back in time. We know for a fact that Izaak Walton described this fly in 1653.
Even with that, a wool body spiral-wound with hackle was at lease two hundred years old when he came along.
What Is It?
Most people are of the opinion that the Woolly Worm mimics one of the many hairy caterpillars found in Nature, commonly known as "woolly bears," or something like it.
There is even a festival in Vermillion, Ohio around the first of October each year, which honors the ability of the woolly bear to predict the severity of the coming Winter. (5)
However, there is reason to believe the Woolly Worm fly is something more than that.
No less an expert than Don Martinez, famed Western fly angler and contemporary of McClane, well, he had another idea.
Mr. Martinez suggested the Woolly Worm also imitates swimming, underwater creatures like gilled and leggy nymphs. And in darker colors, I can see that.
Mr. Martinez suggested the Woolly Worm also imitates swimming, underwater creatures like gilled and leggy nymphs. And in darker colors, I can see that.
Second, if the fish only saw it as a caterpillar, then its effects on them might only be seasonal. But the Woolly Worm works year round, so its highly likely that is represents something more than just caterpillars.
Make a Wooly Worm
In construction, few flies are simpler. Plenty of resources exist if you want to tie up some Wooly Worm's, and I'm including one at the end of this section.
At the vise, you'll find the Woolly Worm is pretty simple:
1. A tail of wool, yarn, marabou, or hackle fibers begins the job. Traditionally, this tail is red, and made of wool.
2. A cylindrical body of chenille or a thick dubbing noodle, is wrapped along the hook shank,
Make a Wooly Worm
In construction, few flies are simpler. Plenty of resources exist if you want to tie up some Wooly Worm's, and I'm including one at the end of this section.
At the vise, you'll find the Woolly Worm is pretty simple:
1. A tail of wool, yarn, marabou, or hackle fibers begins the job. Traditionally, this tail is red, and made of wool.
2. A cylindrical body of chenille or a thick dubbing noodle, is wrapped along the hook shank,
3. A feather hackle palmered over that and running the full length of the hook shank.
4. To finish off, tinsel, wire, or monofilament is usually wrapped over the hackle to guard it from the sharp teeth of fish.
4. To finish off, tinsel, wire, or monofilament is usually wrapped over the hackle to guard it from the sharp teeth of fish.
NOTE: You should strive to apply the palmered hackle so it faces forward, or at least upright.
This way, it undulates back and forth as the fly is stripped through the water.
The two main colors are a yellow body, and a black body. The yellow version was first introduced in the Ozarks, where Don Martinez learned of it in 1935.
He then took it out West and quickly made it famous as a trout fly.
While he tied them in many colors, his personal favorite was black. (2)
While not specific to bass, my pal Bart Lombardo offers tying tips and has plenty of good things to say about the Woolly Worm on his site, "Panfish on the Fly":
https://www.panfishonthefly.com/blog/2017/8/7/the-wooly-worm
Fur Bodied nymphs
Now you might not think of nymphs as bass food - but you should. Stomach sampling studies of fish, including top predators like bass, find they are often stuffed with nymphs.
This is especially so in the warmer months, and I have personally found swimming dragonfly nymphs over 2 inches long!
With that said....
The next fly out of McClanes box is really one among a class of flies, the fur bodied nymph, These are based on the bass's habit of picking up it's food and swimming a short distance before eating.
This phenomenon is known to most soft plastic lure anglers, but wasn't widely acknowledged among fly anglers in the early days.
The large nymphs described here by Mr. McClane cash in on this idea; they give Mr. Bass something to chew on until the hook set.
This type of fly is also one of the few where it is okay to fish it with some slack in the line. This allows the bass to swim off with it; even then, they tend not to spit it out.
Mr. McClane attributes this to the soft, furry body.
Gray Nymph
The two main colors are a yellow body, and a black body. The yellow version was first introduced in the Ozarks, where Don Martinez learned of it in 1935.
He then took it out West and quickly made it famous as a trout fly.
While he tied them in many colors, his personal favorite was black. (2)
While not specific to bass, my pal Bart Lombardo offers tying tips and has plenty of good things to say about the Woolly Worm on his site, "Panfish on the Fly":
https://www.panfishonthefly.com/blog/2017/8/7/the-wooly-worm
Fur Bodied nymphs
Now you might not think of nymphs as bass food - but you should. Stomach sampling studies of fish, including top predators like bass, find they are often stuffed with nymphs.
This is especially so in the warmer months, and I have personally found swimming dragonfly nymphs over 2 inches long!
With that said....
The next fly out of McClanes box is really one among a class of flies, the fur bodied nymph, These are based on the bass's habit of picking up it's food and swimming a short distance before eating.
This phenomenon is known to most soft plastic lure anglers, but wasn't widely acknowledged among fly anglers in the early days.
The large nymphs described here by Mr. McClane cash in on this idea; they give Mr. Bass something to chew on until the hook set.
This type of fly is also one of the few where it is okay to fish it with some slack in the line. This allows the bass to swim off with it; even then, they tend not to spit it out.
Mr. McClane attributes this to the soft, furry body.
Gray Nymph
Drawing from, "Professional Fly Tying, Spinning and Tackle Making,"
by George Herter (2)
by George Herter (2)
Wherever this nymph was used, whether on trout, bass, or panfish, it produces exceptionally well. Today it is held in awe by many fishermen. I have used them for a number of years with very good results.”
- George Herter (2)
The Gray Nymph dressing
Tail – Soft, wet-fly quality, medium gray rooster neck hackle fibers
Body – Muskrat underfur dubbed heavy, thick, and full
Hackle - Soft, wet-fly quality, medium grey rooster neck hackle
Wing – none
- George Herter (2)
The Gray Nymph dressing
Tail – Soft, wet-fly quality, medium gray rooster neck hackle fibers
Body – Muskrat underfur dubbed heavy, thick, and full
Hackle - Soft, wet-fly quality, medium grey rooster neck hackle
Wing – none
(In the drawing above the soft hackle appears as a symmetrical cone-shaped collar at the front of the fly. This rendering was typical of the period.)
Craft Fur Nymph
Here's another fly along the same lines as the Grey Nymph, one I've been tying with fish-catching success.
This was originally inspired by Polly Rosboroughs, "Casual Dress," a fly tied wholly from fur, one of several patterns he developed and called, "fuzzy nymphs."
Like all of the flies in this class, it is not intended to represent a specific creature. Rather, the aim is to suggest life, and, as Rosborough wrote.... "to create something a fish might want to eat,"
This was originally inspired by Polly Rosboroughs, "Casual Dress," a fly tied wholly from fur, one of several patterns he developed and called, "fuzzy nymphs."
Like all of the flies in this class, it is not intended to represent a specific creature. Rather, the aim is to suggest life, and, as Rosborough wrote.... "to create something a fish might want to eat,"
This one differs from the Grey Nymph in that it is more slender and tied entirely from craft fur - tail, body, and hackle are all from the same hank of synthetic hair, in Rosboroughs manner. It serves to illustrate the idea of a fur bodied nymph, perfectly.
I'll say more on Polly Rosborough in a moment.
I'll say more on Polly Rosborough in a moment.
NOTE: These are NOT the near-microscopic mayfly nymphs adored by trout anglers. Tie these fur nymphs big, in size 4-8. Seriously, don't be afraid to do this.
Okay, the last two flies presented are gonna get out there a little bit. These are wet flies, or streamers,... or something in between.
Hot Orange Marabou
Hot Orange Marabou, aka, the Silver Garland
foto courtesy of FAOL (3)
foto courtesy of FAOL (3)
Mr. Ernest H. (“Polly”) Rosborough honed his fly tying craft on the banks of Oregon’s Williamson River. He is maybe best known for his book from 1965, "Tying and Fishing the Fuzzy Nymphs."
He is also credited with some pretty famous trout flies, like the previously mentioned, “Casual Dress,” “The Fledermouse,” “The Near Enough," and others.
But he also liked marabou, and may have been the first of the West Coast tyers to make much use of it.
In 1936 he developed the Silver Garland Marabou Streamer fly, and it became one of the most effective streamers going. He envisioned it as a large trout and steelhead fly, but saltwater fish, and bass, are also attracted to this versatile fly.
Materials
Hook: Mustad 9671, 9672; sizes 8-1/0
In 1936 he developed the Silver Garland Marabou Streamer fly, and it became one of the most effective streamers going. He envisioned it as a large trout and steelhead fly, but saltwater fish, and bass, are also attracted to this versatile fly.
Materials
Hook: Mustad 9671, 9672; sizes 8-1/0
Thread: 3/0 black monocord
Body: Silver Christmas tinsel garland
Wing: Hot orange marabou with black ostrich herl topping
Head: Black (large black heads with painted eyes of white or yellow, with red, black or orange pupils are often applied)
According to Polly...
Head: Black (large black heads with painted eyes of white or yellow, with red, black or orange pupils are often applied)
According to Polly...
"The Silver Garland has a fairly fat and heavy body, dressed with tinsel garland (over a weighted body if desired). This provides a brush-like body with a metallic sparkle which should be lacquered to keep it bright.
The value of this body is due largely to the flash of reflected light which this type of tinsel provides. This makes the fly especially productive in high or discolored waters."
For instructions on how to tie it, Mr. Rosborough refers us to a short article written by none other than A.J. McClane, himself. It is as follows:
"In regard to wrapping the Silver Garland body, tie in at least one-fourth inch of the body material with heavy nylon working thread and have a good thread base under it, well lacquered and dried. Otherwise the body material will skid around the shank of the hook.
It is best to use a core of long fibered Scotch wool, well saturated with lacquer, under the tinsel.*
It is best to use a core of long fibered Scotch wool, well saturated with lacquer, under the tinsel.*
The wire core of the tinsel** sinks into the wool somewhat, eliminating any possibility of skidding later. Force back the tinsel strands as you go and you will end up with a body better tapered than if you were to shear it afterward."
* - In the fashion of the day, this would be yarn wrapped into a cigar shape and tapered at both ends.
** - The tinsel mentioned here is a small, wire-cored garland once common as a Christmas decoration. It is about 3-6mm in diameter. Today it can be found as a miniature decoration for dollhouses! Cactus chenille makes a good substitute.
For the source article, see the following link: http://flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part156.php (3)
The Dazzler
For the source article, see the following link: http://flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part156.php (3)
The Dazzler
Scarlet Dazzler
tied by author
tied by author
A man by the name of Wallace Gallagher created “The Dazzler” in Missouri, about 1910. 40 years later, McClane not only knew of it, but wrote the praises of its qualities as a bass catcher.
Mr. Gallaghers' aim was to add the metallic shimmer of spinners and spoons to a casting fly. To do this, he also used Christmas tinsel, rather like we saw with the 'Silver Garland.'
Was he the first to use this material? Probably.
His 'Dazzler' came 25 years before Rosborough's 'Silver Garland,' so I'll peg him in for that honor.
The Dazzler is essentially a large, chunky wet fly.
It sports marabou for wing and tail, But, its the bristly body and head of sparkly Christmas tinsel that gets all the attention.
So, while you're prowling the aisles of Christmas decorations this year looking for fly tying materials - think of Wallace Gallagher and score another point for those early fly tying guys.
More Dazzler Lore
Gallagher published a fairly good book in 1937, called, “Black Bass Lore,” of which I obtained an e-copy.
It is typical of the period - full of excellent bass fishing advice, once you adapt to its literary style. I recommend it if you like that kind of thing.
And there in the book, on page 107, he mentions his own fly, "The Dazzler," then says he will detail its construction in a later chapter.
“Now we're getting somewhere," I exclaimed. "This will be great!”
But, my excitement was short lived... he never delivers on that promise in the book.
I thought maybe I found a defective printing, but other people have said the same thing. He promises to describe The Dazzler... and then falls short.
With his son Paul, who also illustrated, "Black Bass Lore," Wallace offered the fly commercially in red, as the 'Scarlet Dazzler,' and in black, as the 'Black Dazzler.'
Silver and gold were also worked in at some point, as we'll see later on. But when McClane writes of its virtues as bass fly, he only mentions the red and black Dazzlers.
But, my excitement was short lived... he never delivers on that promise in the book.
I thought maybe I found a defective printing, but other people have said the same thing. He promises to describe The Dazzler... and then falls short.
With his son Paul, who also illustrated, "Black Bass Lore," Wallace offered the fly commercially in red, as the 'Scarlet Dazzler,' and in black, as the 'Black Dazzler.'
Silver and gold were also worked in at some point, as we'll see later on. But when McClane writes of its virtues as bass fly, he only mentions the red and black Dazzlers.
Nevertheless, he devotes several paragraphs to the fly, claiming it is best fished “dead,” so the marabou can flutter in the water.
The body material is what McClane refers to as “Christmas spangle,”... the now familiar tinsel garland.
Not only could you use small, "wired tinsel garland," but cactus chenille, and the hairy, sparkle yarns found at craft stores might also suffice. You might also be able to craft your own wire-core dubbing brushes using silver angel hair or flashabou.
Just make sure whatever you use is sparkly and, well,... tinsel-like.
The Dazzler Detective
Honestly, this fly was a struggle for me.
The body material is what McClane refers to as “Christmas spangle,”... the now familiar tinsel garland.
Not only could you use small, "wired tinsel garland," but cactus chenille, and the hairy, sparkle yarns found at craft stores might also suffice. You might also be able to craft your own wire-core dubbing brushes using silver angel hair or flashabou.
Just make sure whatever you use is sparkly and, well,... tinsel-like.
The Dazzler Detective
Honestly, this fly was a struggle for me.
There are no details about it in Wallace's book, as we've learned.
There is also nearly nothing to be discovered about it, anywhere else. But after a lot of sleuthing, and with help from the guys at the "Bass Pond" website, I was able to get the right idea from the picture, below.
Part of a 1949 article by McClane himself, in 'Field and Stream,' the picture is clearly labeled, "Bass Flies," at the bottom.
There is also nearly nothing to be discovered about it, anywhere else. But after a lot of sleuthing, and with help from the guys at the "Bass Pond" website, I was able to get the right idea from the picture, below.
Part of a 1949 article by McClane himself, in 'Field and Stream,' the picture is clearly labeled, "Bass Flies," at the bottom.
In it we see many of the flies being discussed in this series, and it shows both the red and black Dazzlers pretty clearly.
I also found this ad from the May 1918 issue of 'Field and Stream,' which shows the general impression of The Dazzler. You'll note here that son Paul is named as “manufacturer,” and the 1918 versions are offered with, “... silver and gold combination metallic bodies.”
As you can see from all of this research, The Dazzler was not diminutive; it was a fat mouthful.
There also is an obvious difference around the head in these early versions: The head appears to have been separately wrapped from the spangly tinsel/chenille.
McClanes Dazzlers clearly differ in this regard. But, since this is about HIS favorite bass flies, his version is the one I tied as a sample for the article.
I have no idea what other colors might have been seen on the early Dazzlers. All I am aware of are the scarlet and black versions.
But, If I were to guess, I'd say the 1918 ad depicts a red metallic body with a gold or silver head.
Here again, please note that there is nothing subdued about these flies. They are big mouthfuls, they are gaudy, and they are flashy.
Personally, I can see a whole range of Dazzlers in many colors!
The e-book version of, "Black Bass Lore," by William Gallagher, can be found here:
Black Bass Lore
In our final installment, we will run into "real" bass flies - the 'bugs," deer-hair jobs and poppers most people associate with bass fishing.
And there will be a twist - one you may find surprising, and maybe a bit disagreeable…
As you can see from all of this research, The Dazzler was not diminutive; it was a fat mouthful.
There also is an obvious difference around the head in these early versions: The head appears to have been separately wrapped from the spangly tinsel/chenille.
McClanes Dazzlers clearly differ in this regard. But, since this is about HIS favorite bass flies, his version is the one I tied as a sample for the article.
I have no idea what other colors might have been seen on the early Dazzlers. All I am aware of are the scarlet and black versions.
But, If I were to guess, I'd say the 1918 ad depicts a red metallic body with a gold or silver head.
Here again, please note that there is nothing subdued about these flies. They are big mouthfuls, they are gaudy, and they are flashy.
Personally, I can see a whole range of Dazzlers in many colors!
The e-book version of, "Black Bass Lore," by William Gallagher, can be found here:
Black Bass Lore
And there will be a twist - one you may find surprising, and maybe a bit disagreeable…
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Thanks so much for reading and I hoped you learned something. I get no reward from this except satisfaction for a job well done. So, if you enjoyed this, a like and share is appreciated. And as always...
Tight Lines and Fair Winds,
Tight Lines and Fair Winds,
David Hutton
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© All rights reserved, David Hutton and Palmetto Fly N Fish, 2018/2023
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© All rights reserved, David Hutton and Palmetto Fly N Fish, 2018/2023
References
1. “The Practical Fly Fisherman,” Albert Jules, “A.J.” McClane, 2nd Edition, 1975, Prentice Hall
2. “Professional Fly Tying, Spinning and Tackle Making Manual and Manufacturers Guide,” George L. Herter, 17th Edition, 1968, Herters, Inc.
3. Fly Anglers Online – www.flyanglersonline.com
4. “Black Bass Lore,” Wallace Gallagher, 1937, Van Rees Press
5. Google, of course
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