Ultra-realistic Tying

[RAW]

For those of you who enjoy fly tying for the art, you have to check out a locust pattern tied by Vlad Markov of Russia. Go to this site: www.keeptying.com/articles/locust.html

Unbelievable! I don't know if nature makes them this good.

I saw reference to this link on the VFS.

[Craig]

I wouldnt even dare fish that. I would be scared of scuffing the paint job or something.

[LIV2FSH]

Raw and everybody,

This guy is awesome. I ran onto another site about a year ago that has a few of his patterns on it. You may have already ran across it. My favorites are his Molt Nymph and the Suspended Hares Ear. Very cool!

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Geyser/8848/vladimirmarkov.html

Here is his personal home page, Enjoy!

http://markov.8m.com/

The Holey Head Flies, flies tied on Mormyshka Hooks are pretty cool also.
Tight Lines, Bruce.

[mcgx2]

Excellent Immatation, way above my skill level.

There is another guy that does this sort of thing, I think his name is Bill Blackstone. He is from Ojai, CA and ties some of the most realistic flies I have ever seen.

He was at the Idaho Falls FFF Conclave last year at one of the first tables when you came in the door. I spent over an hour talking to him and watching him. He was extreemly friendly and went into detail with me. If anyone gets a chance to go to the Idaho Falls Conclave this year, I assume he will be there. It is worth the trip just to see him work and explain his methods.

mcg

[Ouzel]

These peoples efforts are to be applauded and those flies would look fine in some kind of display box.
But I too would not care to fish them let alone learn to tie them.
Depending on the fly, it takes me from 3 mins. to 15-20 mins. to tie a fly that is a good (enough?) imitation of the natural. I catch fish on them and if I lose one I don't fall down weeping. I tie flies to fool fish so I can catch them, form follows function.
Still, those are great looking flies.

[Larry S.]

Ouzel has a point. Just look at the Atlantic Salmon flies you see on display and a good part of them are for just that---display. I admire someone the patience and skill to want to do that but it is not for me either.

Another tier that comes to mind is Don Ordes of Casper,Wyoming. If you ever want to see someone who can tie just about anything and entertain you while he is doing it he is THE MAN in my book. He'll tie a Royal Wulff so small you'll swear it is a grain of pepper or a wounded bait fish large enough to catch a marlin. And his hair mice will crack you up. Don't miss an opportunity to watch him if he comes yor way.