Fly Swap -- Foam Patterns

[Teewinot]

Well the midge swap is pretty much wrapped up, so let's get another one going.

The theme of this swap is foam patterns. Let's plan on capping this swap at 15 participants so sign up soon.

As soon as you sign and know what pattern you are tying then e-mail me your username, real name, and what fly you're tying. I made a new e-mail account so I don't get everything jumbled in with my other e-mails so e-mail me at flyswaps@hotmail.com

This should be a fun one.

RAW this one's for you.

[mcgx2]

I can play, I have a lot of time off around the holidays.

I'll tie a Steeves' Turbo Wasp

mcg

[jdubya]

but why not? I'll jump in but I don't know what I'll tie yet. Have to think about it....

[fishn]

I'm in, I will tie a foam beetle. Look for an e-mail with all my information in it. What is the cut off date that the flies need to be finished by?

[stef]

This is my first swap but, if you dare let me....I would love to try it. I also need a day to think about the pattern but will get back to you. -stef

[Uppertite]

I would like to join in if there is a slot. I would tie a foam wing caddis. I sent an email. Thanks.

[RAW]

Throw it in my face! I'm not much into these swaps but put me down for a Looped Foam Cicada. And don't just use it on the Green!

[Larry S.]

I guess I better make my play on the public page.
I'm in for a Foam Bumble Bee.

(I don't know if you got my e-mail, or not)

[Trout4x]

What is the deadline? I may be able to join.

[cheech]

I have to think about the pattern though.

Cheech

[Trouty]

That is if I'm not kicking anyone else out. I've already done a couple and I don't want to hog 'em all. But I am in a tying mode!

[Teewinot]

Alright!

We are now up to 11 entrants. I am only going to allow four more so if you see four more entrants after this post then you'll know it's full. If it is full and you want to try joining then e-mail me and I will put you on a waiting list if anyone backs out. flyswaps@hotmail.com

So far everyone entered is:
Teewinot -- Foam Stonefly
mcgx2 -- Steeve's Turbo Wasp
jdubya
fishn -- Foam Beetle
stef -- Foam Flying Ant
Uppertite -- Foam Wing Caddis
RAW -- Looped Foam Cicada
Larry S. -- Foam Bumble Bee
Trout4X -- Foam Hopper
cheech
Trouty

As soon as this fills up lets plan on three weeks to finish these up (Jan. 3), that should be plenty of time. If everyone gets done sooner feel free to send them in and as soon as they're all in I'll ship them back out.

Trout4X -- let me know soon if you want in or not. I'll hold the spot until you let me know.

Trouty -- don't worry about hoggin the swaps -- it's first come first serve. I enjoyed having you in the last one.

[Fish a fly]

I'll tie Tullis's foam hopper

[Trout4x]

I am in it is a hopper pattern as well.

[Teewinot]

As of now:

Teewinot -- Foam Stonefly
mcgx2 -- Steeve's Turbo Wasp
jdubya
fishn -- Foam Beetle
stef -- Foam Flying Ant
Uppertite -- Foam Wing Caddis
RAW -- Looped Foam Cicada
Larry S. -- Foam Bumble Bee
Trout4X -- Foam Hopper
cheech -- Foam Stimulator
Trouty
Fish a fly -- Tullis's foam hopper

There are 3 spots left! Hurry and get signed up.

The due date for this swap will be Jan. 3rd.

[cheech]

I'm giong to tie a foam stimulator.

[Trout4x]

Is it just me? I tried the email address you said and it will not go through.


Trout4x

[LBM]

Count me in. I'll tie a snake river hopper.


Larry

[Teewinot]

Teewinot -- Foam Stonefly
mcgx2 -- Steeve's Turbo Wasp
jdubya
fishn -- Foam Beetle
stef -- Foam Flying Ant
Uppertite -- Foam Wing Caddis
RAW -- Looped Foam Cicada
Larry S. -- Foam Bumble Bee
Trout4X -- Foam Hopper
cheech -- Foam Stimulator
Trouty
Fish a fly -- Tullis's foam hopper
LBM -- Snake River Hopper

Trout4X -- yup it's just you. The e-mail is flyswaps@hotmail.com

2 spots left in this swap. Hurry and sign up

Don't forget to e-mail me once you sign up and tell me your username, real name, and fly you're tying -- Thanks

[Trout4x]

I sent another email did you get it?

[Teewinot]

I got it. Thanks

I need info from Cheech still.

I also haven't got an e-mail from jdubya or trouty, but I've got your information already. Please send me an e-mail though once you decide on your fly.

2 Spots to fill. Next two to sign up will be in, then we'll close the swap

[dryfly]

I enjoyed the last swap alot. I would like to get in if I can. I will have to decide what to tie.

[Teewinot]

Teewinot -- Foam Stonefly
mcgx2 -- Steeve's Turbo Wasp
jdubya -- La Fontaine Beetle
fishn -- Foam Beetle
stef -- Foam Flying Ant
Uppertite -- Foam Wing Caddis
RAW -- Looped Foam Cicada
Larry S. -- Foam Bumble Bee
Trout4X -- Foam Hopper
cheech -- Foam Stimulator
Trouty -- foam calibaetis or a foam dragon nymph
Fish a fly -- Tullis's foam hopper
LBM -- Snake River Hopper
dryfly

OK just one spot left and then the swap is closed.

Everyone who is in don't forget to send me an e-mail so I can send you all of the details. (I think I've got most everyone's)

[Teewinot]

One spot left to fill this swap! e-mail me at flyswaps@hotmail.com

[icthys]

I'm still new to tying and have never tied a foam pattern, nor do I know a pattern I could tie.

If you don't get one more and still want one more I'm sure I could figure something out.

[Teewinot]

icthys -- I'm sure we can fill the spot, but if you want in you're more than welcome. As long as you think you can tie up 14 foam flies by the 3rd of January then you're fine. Most foam patterns aren't all that tough.

I'd imagine that if you even went down to your local fly shop they may even sit down quick and teach you a new pattern (then you can return the favor by purchasing everything you need for that pattern from them)

Let me know soon whether you'd like in or not, or it may get filled.

[fishn]

Mine are done and they will be in the mail tomorrow. I will send the rest of the fishing information for this fly (how to fish it, and how to tie it) later. This beetle is deadly on the green during July and August.

Please fish it hard and catch some huge fish on them. Fishn

[Teewinot]

WOW -- Flies already coming in. This is great!

[icthys]

Count me in. I'll get back to you on what I'll tie by thursday.

[Teewinot]

Sound great icthys. Be sure to e-mail me your info: flyswaps@hotmail.com

Swap is now closed to entrants -- Thanks to everyone who signed up

If you've signed up and haven't received the swap details/rules then please e-mail me and let me know. I've sent them to everyone who's e-mail me so far.

Remember: Flies need to be sent off by Friday, Jan. 3rd

[mcgx2]

My flies are done however it will be next week before I can get to the Post Office. When I send them I will email you with the recipe etc.

mcg

[Trout4x]

I will try to attempt one of his twisted foam hoppers. They will not be as good as if he tied them himself, but this summer I did have some success with his patterns.

Thanks RAW!


Trout4x

[Uppertite]

I am trying to find the foam that I have for this fly but having a bad time of it. If I can not locat it I will be changing to a cicada pattern if that is okay.

[Teewinot]

Just an update

So far I've received two sets of flies:
fishn
mcgx2

I'm just about done as well.

Remember the deadline is: Friday January 3rd

That is a little over 2 weeks away. So plan ahead with the holidays in mind.

The flies that are in look great! Thanks guys for getting them in early!

Also don't forget to e-mail me your pattern and fly info!

Thanks everyone

Happy tying over the Holiday!

[Trout4x]

I have your flies done, I will give them to you on Friday.

RAW I hope they don't give your pattern a bad name.


Trout4x

[Larry S.]

I'm going to have to change the pattern I was going to tie. I wanted to get them done this weekend while my wife was working and didn't have enough material for the bees so I'll do a beetle pattern. Maybe I'll do the bees in a future club meeting.

Anyway, I'll have them done in about an hour and will see if I can come anywhere close to the cards that Bruce sent with his. Damn him, anyway........ ;o)

[Trout4x]

Liv2fsh did make an impressive tag. I must admit it made my tag look bad.

So your bee pattern that you were going to tie did you have good success with it? Do you have any tied up to bring to the Far North Club?


Trout4x

[Larry S.]

That is a very good pattern. I have had success most everywhere I have tried it during the mid-day while waiting for a hatch to come off. They get chewed up pretty good though. Check your e-mail.

I have a few tied up but don't know if I'll bring them. Maybe, if I get some more foam this week I'll do some.

Teewinot-

Do you want me to drop these off at your house or wait till the meeting?

[Teewinot]

Flyswap deadline is this Friday the 3rd

Larry S. -- Either you can drop them by my house or at RoundRocks and I can just get them from Jim. Let me know what works best for you.

[RAW]

I better get tying!

[Teewinot]

Doesn't the master of foam only need 14 minutes to tie up 14 flies. I've seen you tie, in fact you can tie up mine if you like as well. ;)

[Trout4x]

Your always going to be waiting on someone. I have an idea who, I just won't say. LOL

[Larry S.]

Did you stop in RoundRocks yet?

I was worried Jim would try to sell my flies before you got in there but he said he had enough stuff already he couldn't get rid of.

Goof! -

I didn't look deep enough into the list of swappers to see that fishn was tying a beetle pattern. I picked up some bee foam from Rainey a couple days ago and if you want to hold off till Monday mailing out the patterns I'll see if I can add the bees to the list and get to you over the weekend. But then again there is a wasp pattern there too.

Stef-

Jess was asking about you.

[Teewinot]

Larry -- I picked up the flies yesterday, they look great. What ever you want to do in regards to the pattern is fine with me, just let me know.

[RAW]

Done and shipping off tomorrow.

Is everyone done now?

[Trouty]

Mine are completed but won't be mailed until tomorrow.

[Trout4x]

And Teewinot has them!

[Larry S.]

...and I have to say they are some good ones. I definately think I got the better of the deal.

Teewinot-
Sorry I couldn't visit with you longer. My wife is not well. Bad flu or something.

[Trout4x]

You can drop them off someone should be home. I am going out for my cow in the morning.

Trout4x

[Trout4x]

Flies look great! Can't wait to fish with them!

[Teewinot]

Just wanted to thank everyone who participated in this swap. Turned out some great patterns that I'll have to tie some more of.

RAW -- I have to admit that I've never seen someone so protective of their altoids tin can. Very nice packaging job!! Great flies as well. Thanks.

trouty -- that's one wild looking fly. Where do you usually fish this and what method do you use?

Dryfly -- Did you have a particular name for your pattern? You didn't indicate what it was called, also I need you to send me your pattern.

Thanks again to everyone. I like all of the patterns.

Watch for the e-mail with all of the receipes and pictures.

[RAW]

I hope mine show up Monday.

[Trouty]

I think part of the reason it looks so weird is it is imitating the sprawling dragon nymph which I wasn't aware of until about a year ago. (Okay, Okay, I'll admit my ignorance!) It might also just be a result of my poor tying!? Spinning hair is not my forte and Cheech is probably laughing at the fly as you are reading this.

This is one I just started using this past year and to be honest, I haven't used it on that many waters. (I do most of my stillwater fishing in the spring and early summer and my father passed away this past spring and that certainly curtailed my fishing for several months.) I have used it with success on a number of high Uintah lakes, Henry's Lake and 24-mile Reservoir and had good success in all of them. I never made it up to Strawberry this year so I haven't tried it there yet. It should work anywhere they have dragon nymphs.

The problem I have with a lot of the dragon patterns is I try to fish them right on the bottom or the top of a weed bed and I spend a lot of time pulling the moss off the fly or tying a new one on after I break off. (I'm sure my skills aren't as good as many of those who post on this site.) With this fly, I use a full sinking line and allow the line to go clear to the bottom (or as close as my patience allows) and then I retrieve it using the normal variations of retrieve. The fly is bouyant (I think the spun deer hair gives it more bouyancy than the foam) so it stays a little above the bottom. When you retrieve it the weight of the line pulls it a little bit toward the bottom giving it a sort of up and down swimming motion. The silicone legs give it motion even with a very slow retrieve. I can't say it always keeps me right on the bottom and out of the weeds but it does do a better job than I was doing before.

LaFontaine has a damsel nymph that uses the same philosophy, (having a balsa underbody) that I have used for several years on a lot of waters with fairly good success. The other dragon nymph I sent you, the Draggin, is the same sort of fly. It has a foam underbody, foam eyes and a little bit of spun deer hair to make it bouyant. If my memory is correct, I think the last batch of Draggins I tied had a little too fat of a rear body. (It closed the gape more than I normally like to.) but I was tired at that point and didn't have time to tie anymore. It should still catch fish just fine though. (Since I'm confessing my tying shortcomings here, the furry dragons I kept for myself seem to have a little shorter body and a little longer head section than normal but I'm not sure if they were all tied like the ones I have here.) Confessing my fly tying short-comings will probably get me banned from any future swaps and locked out from any fly tying clubs!

As far as if they are my favorite dragon nymphs or not the jury is still out. I have had success with them but since I have only used them one year and I didn't get as many stillwater days as normal, I can't say that for sure. It usually takes a good two years or so of good success to move a fly to my "favorite" group but I suspect they may make it there. They have certainly done well enough to earn more time at the end of my line.

Cheech also has the same two dragon nymphs and I think they would be good bass flies but have never tried them in bass water. I'm hoping he will try them this year and let me know. HINT HINT HINT

WOW, was that a verbose reply or what!

[cheech]

I really like the fly. I am laughing right now, but just because the Draggin will be a killer on Mantua. If anything, it will catch bass at mantua. I does look like a legit Dragon pattern though. I will have to try some for trout too. At mantua, we are known for throwing our own inventions at bass. My favortive matntua bass pattern is the weedeater special. Don't ask. I will report when I can.

Cheech

[Trouty]

Got the flies and they look great. Gotta go buy me some more foam now.

Thanks all

[dryfly]

My wife said my flies are in I cant wait to get home and see them. It is like christmas.

[RAW]

Got 'em! Nice ties guys. Nice job on the Twisted Hopper, T4X.

[Trout4x]

It will never compare with yours! Thanks for showing me the pattern.

[cheech]

They turned out really cool. I tied some of the flies that were sent. RAW, that is a sweet little cicada. I even tied some twisted foam stuff. It's easier than it looks. I would have to say that I take my hat off to Teewinot. That was a sweet bug. It makes me want to fish BSF so I can use it. Thanks to all who sent me their bugs. I have their own little fly box set aside.

Cheech

[Teewinot]

Cheech -- Thanks! Why don't you plan a trip up this way and we'll go fish it together.

[cheech]

I have a cousin that fly fishes in Logan. I will have to make it up there for a "visit." When does that hatch start?

[Trouty]

You need to take that fly up to Box Canyon/Coffee Pot Rapids on opening weekend in Idaho - Memorial Day. I'll bet it would work great on the SF of the Snake around the 4th of July too.

[Teewinot]

Trouty -- I have tried it up there and it does work great! Fun area!

[Trouty]

NF or SF? Sometimes I wonder why I don't just move back up there!!!?

[Teewinot]

I always like to start right at the Island Park dam and float Box Canyon. (By the way -- all of the very few and far between fish you catch there are very little for those of you wondering) :)