Just starting.. but have watched lots of your videos to learn. Finding material is not easy and when you put in a order ..there goes a hundred bucks. When you tie this simple yet FISH catching flies it reminds me Use what you have.. I've caught plenty of fish on a yarn egg with a nymph below. The bigger fish hit the egg. I love the Art of tying, and learning keep my mind busy.. some times over thinking.. When you go back to simple but effective Catching Flies.. I tie more. Thanks for helping us learn..
I am not surprised that these two models, classic in their design, have caught a lot of fish! And thanks for helping me solve a little problem with making ephemeral wings with a single portion of quill in this video.
I like how such a skilled tyer who has tied up many complex patterns wouldn’t leave home without this simple little grey duster. There is something to be said for that but I don’t have the words, however I can say that I admire that in you. My badger cape just arrived in the mail today... :)
Davie sir, you are an absolute joy to watch in the craft, and tru gem in the sport of fly fishing. I honestly only last week realised what those holes that appear on Turkey tails wher! Doh! Lafyn to myself at the amount of times I stared at wing feathers with a furrow on me brow only to wrinkle me nose and place it back in the paper cup a couple less fibers and me no wiser on the 8 gage!
Well Davie, great informative video, making myself a cup of tea, then going to try these. Keep the tutorials coming, they are really are helpful to us learners. Thank you, regards Jed
Dear Davie, thank you for your videos, I'm going to try tie my first fly and I'm sure you showed me the way how to do that. There are lot of videos on the internet but no one can compare to you. Thank you! Regards from Czech republic.
I have loved all your videos over the years, but I always come back to this one. Takes me back to basics.....the subtlety and simplicity. Those special Indian capes that were all we had back then.
I use to get shipped down to my Grandparents in Edinburgh on the summer holidays. And I use to fish "The Water of Leith" in Roseburn. My two favourite dry flies were the "Gray Duster" and "Hen and Yellow" :)
I subscribed, i like your scottish accent and also the way you do your instruction, i was struggling with wings but not anymore thanks to you :), i will be tying these flies tonight, cheers to you from Nova Scotia, Canada
Nice work Davie, I've tied a few of those to give a go in a week or so when I head fishing with my father in law. Can't wait to give them a try. Thanks for another great video.. Hope all is well... Sam, and the family...
Every day a school day Davy. I've just finished a box o Diawl bachs of sorts 😅 now onto some dries. Don't know about wings yet but def that Grey Duster. Beautifully done znd explained. Thanks again.
Davie, I heard you say anywhere where trout are rising these flies will work. I am never sure whether to tie a fly, especially if you tied if for Ireland. I live in the Easternmost state in the U.S. and I have never fished these flies. I tie them for peace of mind. My wife is ill and I don't get out much to fish. Like never, but I love to tie flies. I would like them to be effective when ever I do have my job done. Thanks so much for teaching how to tie flies. You have saved my sanity! Sean
Mr Mc Phail, I tie a pattern similar to your grey duster which works well for trout. I actually tie it in a few colors both body and hackle... Thank You!
Davy, love your videos, you are a consumate professional at what you do and glad that like me, you still believe in the continuing effectiveness of slip wing flies. And you show how relatively easily they can be tied using your style. They caught lots of fish in the days of Halford, Skues, Marryat and others and there's no reason why they shouldn't today. In fact I seem to have more success with spinners (e.g. Orange quill) with slip wings than just hackle alone. Spinners for example are not dry flies that alight on the surface of the water, they are dead or dying flies in the surface (Meniscus) of the water, so I tend to use slip wings and trim the bottom of the hackle short and press the wings flat so the fly lands in the water, with the wings showing in the water, and the short underside hackle pressing into the water like feet. It works for me. I don't believe in having 'pretty flies' to be honest, the fish can see that they are too perfect and if I buy flies the first thing I do is 'rough' them up between the fingers. Skues mentions a lot of methods in his books (e.g. the short underside hackle) and they have worked for me!
Just going over my to-do list and ‘sorted’ it oldest first and this was my first one. While we’re locked in and going barmy I’m trying to up the stakes on my abilities. It’s slow going..... I’ve got to get to grips with the scale of everything to balance the fly up as well as basic techniques. Early days lol!
Hi Jeff Dosser, I use Prepared Fly Tyers Wax which is sold by a wholesale company called Veniards and what I do is cut off a small piece then I'll soften it by working it between my fingers until it's soft and tacky. I will then attach it to the side of my finger ready to be used...I'm glad you are enjoy your tying... All the very best Davie
I've watched and learnt from many of your videos enabling me to build up a comprehensive collection of flies and fly tying materials. I've just watched the Special Klinkhammer video and you use Bug Bond instead of varnish or Superglue. I'm interested in why because Bug Bond is rather expensive compared to the other 'varnishes'
thanks davie,i think the rough flies r usually the best,my favourite been the bob s bits tyed in lots of different colors and dennis moss's chocolate drop sedges,very easy to tye and they can take a good hammering before u need to change them,take it aisy and keep em coming
Caught my first ever wild brownie in a small stream with a grey duster. Not that long ago, to be honest, and now am about to try tying one for first time.
Davie, I couldn't agree with you more. The Grey Duster is perhaps one of the most effective flies ever. I use them in different sizes with great effect. Personally I find the Grey Duster in sizes 16 and 14 to be best on the rivers and a size 12 is terrific arounf may Fly time on the Loughs. Greetings from Ireland.
Hello Davie... Now that I'm able to watch again, I had to come to this tie and see it again. I was wondering if this might be a tying you would consider doing again in higher resolution... maybe show the difference in tying thread color used for the lark & grey. Only if you are looking for something to do, mind you. Mike
Outstanding flies very well orchestrated they are beautiful looking flies i would love to learn them could you please send me info on the grey duster thx so much, as usual your a great teacher and enjoyable to watch
I'll make sure to tie a few of these for sure. Also, I don't know if it is your style, but I would very much enjoy to see your take on some pike patterns, more precisely popper patterns and things similar. A mouse pattern perhaps?
i learned something here i like tying this fly with a quill body (peacock hurl striped away) and i always had trouble with the wings i used twwo feathers and the always seperated i will try your method
Davie, Love the videos as usual..if you run out of moles over there in Scotland..I have some in my yard waiting for you to trap. All I ask if that you show me how shave the dubbin off them!
Hello again my long distance friend. Just tied my first . It turned out gorgeous following your instructions with the wings using a size 14 hook. My smallest fly yet. Would love to know how you keep the wax on your finger to use . Saves having to pick up a stick and also seals the whip finish without having to put on head cement.
Davie excellent as usual !!!!! I am looking at the old style flies to top up box - would you say you could touch the wing tips with a smidgen of varnish to keep them from splitting ? Cheers
Hi Steve, I'm glad you liked the flies..I wouldn't do this as it will cause the flies to spin and this will twist your cast up..The fly still fishes well and I feel it looks even better once the fibres have separated so don't worry about it... All the very best Davie
When I tie winged flies like this, I always put a tiny drop of Veniards ‘flue glue’, with the dubbing needle, at the base of the wings. The flies don’t spin and the wing holds together much longer.
Hey davie ive not seen your videos in a while its great to be back. Also if you know the pattern could you maybe tye the crimp shrimp it is supposed to be doing great for salmon on the local rivers Thanks Jamie
Dear Davie, Don’t know how to contact you other than this so I hope you see this. You mentioned you would try a Dynamite Harry Gray duster. Don’t forget to show us. Some of theses old “rough” patters are great on any water.
hi Davie I can never stop watching your videos....they are always so entertaining. love the music u play at the beginning and end.....one quick question though....do you buy the feathered skin or do you make them yourself? and what kind of bird is it? thank you again for all the great videos
Hi kao chang, I buy almost all my materials as they have been cleaned and are ready for use unless I need to dye them a certain colour then I'll give them a wash before and after dying..I'm glad you enjoy the videos and as well you like to listen to the music which my son composed and played for me... All the very best Davie
Hi Davie! Great flies, thanks very much for sharing! I am still learning and have a couple of questions. First of all, where to get the (Indian) capes, dubbing and feathers for these flies? Is the quality of capes very important, is it worth to buy genetic ones? I love tying dries but it's difficult to know where to buy the materials. Cheers
Спорт
Davie is the Bob Ross of fly tying
Well, at least I could understand what Bob Ross said but they both put me to sleep! Hahahaha!
Classics and well tied. great video, thanks
Your fly tying methods have helped me plenty. All I can do is say thanks.
Love this pattern. The way you make the wing from one handed feather really helped me. Thank you!
I haven't been watching your Fly tying videos for too long but I love the ones that I've seen
Thank you sir, catching up on your older videos. Second fly is one I have tried and had great luck with. I'll try the first. Thank you!
Just starting.. but have watched lots of your videos to learn. Finding material is not easy and when you put in a order ..there goes a hundred bucks.
When you tie this simple yet FISH catching flies it reminds me
Use what you have.. I've caught plenty of fish on a yarn egg with a nymph below. The bigger fish hit the egg.
I love the Art of tying, and learning keep my mind busy.. some times over thinking.. When you go back to simple but effective Catching Flies.. I tie more.
Thanks for helping us learn..
I enjoy all your videos Davie!
A absolute legend, master craftsman make it look easy! 🫡
Your thought and skill amazes me. Thanks for sharing!
I am not surprised that these two models, classic in their design, have caught a lot of fish! And thanks for helping me solve a little problem with making ephemeral wings with a single portion of quill in this video.
This fly. This ruff ready miracle bringer of trout to man.,oh but YES Nice one Mr M sir. Love your school of excellence. Jimi
I like how such a skilled tyer who has tied up many complex patterns wouldn’t leave home without this simple little grey duster. There is something to be said for that but I don’t have the words, however I can say that I admire that in you. My badger cape just arrived in the mail today... :)
Davie sir, you are an absolute joy to watch in the craft, and tru gem in the sport of fly fishing. I honestly only last week realised what those holes that appear on Turkey tails wher! Doh! Lafyn to myself at the amount of times I stared at wing feathers with a furrow on me brow only to wrinkle me nose and place it back in the paper cup a couple less fibers and me no wiser on the 8 gage!
I really enjoyed these two flies Davie. Thank you very much.
Well Davie, great informative video, making myself a cup of tea, then going to try these. Keep the tutorials coming, they are really are helpful to us learners. Thank you, regards Jed
Lovely looking flies Davie. Well tied. Thanks for sharing.
Davies Mcphail is GOD!
One of my favorites yet, I love classics. I hope it never ends, your videos are my life.
The grey duster! A seldom used pattern now. I wouldn’t be without them in my box. Nice one.👍
My first trout on a dry fly was on the Grey Duster….happy memories for a 12 year old back in 1982!
Dear Davie, thank you for your videos, I'm going to try tie my first fly and I'm sure you showed me the way how to do that. There are lot of videos on the internet but no one can compare to you. Thank you! Regards from Czech republic.
I have loved all your videos over the years, but I always come back to this one. Takes me back to basics.....the subtlety and simplicity. Those special Indian capes that were all we had back then.
.....and yes, i really enjoyed that!
You're so nice ! Giving time to help us, and share some of the best flies that i saw. Thank you again sir :)
Very nice! Tight lines🦗🐜🪰!!!!
I use to get shipped down to my Grandparents in Edinburgh on the summer holidays. And I use to fish "The Water of Leith" in Roseburn. My two favourite dry flies were the "Gray Duster" and "Hen and Yellow" :)
Cracking video. Thoroughly enjoyed this
I subscribed, i like your scottish accent and also the way you do your instruction, i was struggling with wings but not anymore thanks to you :), i will be tying these flies tonight, cheers to you from Nova Scotia, Canada
loved the great tip on getting a pair of wings out of a damaged feather, I bow down to your awesomeness and mastery of the vise my freind.
Very cool Wing technique. Excellent! Thanks!!
Davie, Lovely flies as usual, will need to add these to the box. Much appreciated.
Some great tips in this video. Thanks, Davie.
Thank you I will be watching all of your videos. You have talent for sure. Fly tying is an art .
Jeff
First class, inspirational as usual. Thanks Davie.
Davie - Love these two old patterns.... After watching I had to tie up some Lark and Grey's.... Thanks for all your video's, Doug.
Nice work Davie,
I've tied a few of those to give a go in a week or so when I head fishing with my father in law. Can't wait to give them a try. Thanks for another great video.. Hope all is well... Sam, and the family...
HaHa, “browny points”, haven’t heard that in awhile. Wonderful tie Davy. Thank you. Tommy.
Davie
Thanks very much for all of the patterns. I have learned a lot from your videos.
Best,
Phil
Pa, USA
Lovely flies, the traditional flies still do the business.
Every day a school day Davy. I've just finished a box o Diawl bachs of sorts 😅 now onto some dries. Don't know about wings yet but def that Grey Duster. Beautifully done znd explained. Thanks again.
Just had a couple of brilliant days on the Mersey and Hodder with these flies Davie. Sometimes the old ones are the best.
I like your videos a lot. The Grey Duster is so effective. I use a Gizzly hackle for my version but I like your tying style much.
Nice one mate am from the shire too, yer doing us proud
Woohoo, finally...the grey duster! Also my favourite dry! :D excellent vid davie, keep 'em comming!
Best regards, Kyle.
Awesome ties as always
I liked this video a lot.
Davie, I heard you say anywhere where trout are rising these flies will work. I am never sure whether to tie a fly, especially if you tied if for Ireland. I live in the Easternmost state in the U.S. and I have never fished these flies. I tie them for peace of mind. My wife is ill and I don't get out much to fish. Like never, but I love to tie flies. I would like them to be effective when ever I do have my job done. Thanks so much for teaching how to tie flies. You have saved my sanity! Sean
Mr Mc Phail,
I tie a pattern similar to your grey duster which works well for trout. I actually tie it in a few colors both body and hackle... Thank You!
Nice flies, they do well here in the states as well. Thank you,
Great vid, just started tying. And picking up a lot of good stuff.
Davy, love your videos, you are a consumate professional at what you do and glad that like me, you still believe in the continuing effectiveness of slip wing flies. And you show how relatively easily they can be tied using your style. They caught lots of fish in the days of Halford, Skues, Marryat and others and there's no reason why they shouldn't today. In fact I seem to have more success with spinners (e.g. Orange quill) with slip wings than just hackle alone. Spinners for example are not dry flies that alight on the surface of the water, they are dead or dying flies in the surface (Meniscus) of the water, so I tend to use slip wings and trim the bottom of the hackle short and press the wings flat so the fly lands in the water, with the wings showing in the water, and the short underside hackle pressing into the water like feet. It works for me. I don't believe in having 'pretty flies' to be honest, the fish can see that they are too perfect and if I buy flies the first thing I do is 'rough' them up between the fingers. Skues mentions a lot of methods in his books (e.g. the short underside hackle) and they have worked for me!
Just going over my to-do list and ‘sorted’ it oldest first and this was my first one. While we’re locked in and going barmy I’m trying to up the stakes on my abilities. It’s slow going..... I’ve got to get to grips with the scale of everything to balance the fly up as well as basic techniques. Early days lol!
Many thanks for your help.
Hi Jeff Dosser,
I use Prepared Fly Tyers Wax which is sold by a wholesale company called Veniards and what I do is cut off a small piece then I'll soften it by working it between my fingers until it's soft and tacky. I will then attach it to the side of my finger ready to be used...I'm glad you are enjoy your tying...
All the very best Davie
Quickies! 👍🏻
I've watched and learnt from many of your videos enabling me to build up a comprehensive collection of flies and fly tying materials.
I've just watched the Special Klinkhammer video and you use Bug Bond instead of varnish or Superglue.
I'm interested in why because Bug Bond is rather expensive compared to the other 'varnishes'
thanks davie,i think the rough flies r usually the best,my favourite been the bob s bits tyed in lots of different colors and dennis moss's chocolate drop sedges,very easy to tye and they can take a good hammering before u need to change them,take it aisy and keep em coming
Brilliant fly
cheers for using barbless hooks!
You are awesome
Beautiful!! Thaks Davie!
You make tying flies with wings look soooo easy. (Editted because I type so poorly)
Great Video again Davie ... I just started tying , you make it look so easy LOL Can,t wait for the next Video
Later
TC
Hi Davie,I enjoy watching your pics. I'm a musical guy, and by copying your muscles I've had a lot of nice catch. I am from Bosnia. Hello
Hello Makso Kovac,
I am glad you enjoy the videos and thank you for your kind words...
All the very best Davie
Caught my first ever wild brownie in a small stream with a grey duster. Not that long ago, to be honest, and now am about to try tying one for first time.
Tanks that was by far. The best one yet
great video sir
look great
respect for you from romania
Well done Davey
Davie, I couldn't agree with you more. The Grey Duster is perhaps one of the most effective flies ever. I use them in different sizes with great effect. Personally I find the Grey Duster in sizes 16 and 14 to be best on the rivers and a size 12 is terrific arounf may Fly time on the Loughs.
Greetings from Ireland.
Great tie!!! I'm starting to tie them in a #20 hook. Thanks!!!! Tight Lines....
nice work! 😎
thanks again dave so simpel but so great two crakin flys keep
up the good work many thanks mark dwyer dublin ireland :):):)
you make that look sooooo easy
beautiful!!!!
That's great your videos, too bad here in Northeastern Brazil does not have trout, so I can do this kind of iscais.
Superb!!!
Hello Davie...
Now that I'm able to watch again, I had to come to this tie and see it again. I was wondering if this might be a tying you would consider doing again in higher resolution... maybe show the difference in tying thread color used for the lark & grey. Only if you are looking for something to do, mind you.
Mike
so good
Thank you very much.
great vid mate. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🇨🇿CZ. 👀👍🏻 super 👍🏻🍻👋🏻
Thx again DM for the video shares. Pb
lovely, Grey Duster, less is more ;)
Yes, very often sparse is best.
Outstanding flies very well orchestrated they are beautiful looking flies i would love to learn them could you please send me info on the grey duster thx so much, as usual your a great teacher and enjoyable to watch
man this is very cool
I'll make sure to tie a few of these for sure.
Also, I don't know if it is your style, but I would very much enjoy to see your take on some pike patterns, more precisely popper patterns and things similar.
A mouse pattern perhaps?
Здравствуйте класс 👍 спасибо 🤝
i learned something here i like tying this fly with a quill body (peacock hurl striped away) and i always had trouble with the wings i used twwo feathers and the always seperated i will try your method
Davie, Love the videos as usual..if you run out of moles over there in Scotland..I have some in my yard waiting for you to trap. All I ask if that you show me how shave the dubbin off them!
Hello again my long distance friend. Just tied my first . It turned out gorgeous following your instructions with the wings using a size 14 hook. My smallest fly yet. Would love to know how you keep the wax on your finger to use . Saves having to pick up a stick and also seals the whip finish without having to put on head cement.
Davie excellent as usual !!!!!
I am looking at the old style flies to top up box - would you say you could touch the wing tips with a smidgen of varnish to keep them from splitting ? Cheers
Hi Steve,
I'm glad you liked the flies..I wouldn't do this as it will cause the flies to spin and this will twist your cast up..The fly still fishes well and I feel it looks even better once the fibres have separated so don't worry about it...
All the very best Davie
When I tie winged flies like this, I always put a tiny drop of Veniards ‘flue glue’, with the dubbing needle, at the base of the wings. The flies don’t spin and the wing holds together much longer.
thank you a lot :)
Hey i was just wondering what are some good hooks to get for dry flies like what size and brand and everything like that
Hey davie ive not seen your videos in a while its great to be back.
Also if you know the pattern could you maybe tye the crimp shrimp it is supposed to be doing great for salmon on the local rivers
Thanks
Jamie
Hi Davie, great video as usual. Could you please let me know where I could obtain the thread wax you use.
Kind regards
Tony.
Dear Davie,
Don’t know how to contact you other than this so I hope you see this. You mentioned you would try a Dynamite Harry Gray duster. Don’t forget to show us. Some of theses old “rough” patters are great on any water.
Also. You mix rabbit with your mole. Is that body fur
hi Davie I can never stop watching your videos....they are always so entertaining. love the music u play at the beginning and end.....one quick question though....do you buy the feathered skin or do you make them yourself? and what kind of bird is it?
thank you again for all the great videos
Hi kao chang,
I buy almost all my materials as they have been cleaned and are ready for use unless I need to dye them a certain colour then I'll give them a wash before and after dying..I'm glad you enjoy the videos and as well you like to listen to the music which my son composed and played for me...
All the very best Davie
Great looking flies. Just wondered what make of hook you used?
Hi Davie! Great flies, thanks very much for sharing!
I am still learning and have a couple of questions. First of all, where to get the (Indian) capes, dubbing and feathers for these flies? Is the quality of capes very important, is it worth to buy genetic ones? I love tying dries but it's difficult to know where to buy the materials. Cheers
Awesome video thanks. What size thread do you use on that.